Lost-Wax Casting Introduction

This video is an introduction to the basics of lost-wax casting, as done in the Metalsmithing & Jewelry studios at the University of North Texas. It is focused on investing and casting. Wax working is covered more in-depth in another video.
Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with anyone you think might be interested! Videography by Tim Marek of Trademarek Photography www.trademarek...
Further online resources of mine:
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/ jamesathurman
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only. When using any tool or machinery, always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Please work safely and carefully.

[@meyou7755]

Pretty gnarly hand mixing that investment. And I would recommend a respirator instead of a n95 mask for the investment. But thanks for the video

[@JamesThurman]

I agree that a respirator is always better but I felt it was acceptable because we also have snorkle ventilation in the studio. I know a lot of people don't like to mix by hand but I don't cast a lot and I mix by hand so I can feel the consistency of the mix better (and be sure I've eliminated all lumps...).

[@umutdemirgucthurman5543]

Excellent video! Very helpful for my students. Thank you!

[@itailu]

thanks for the vid. I have to admit that if I don't shake the flask while it's in the vacuum I get a lot of bubbles trapped in the investment.

[@JamesThurman]

I think the compressor on our vacuum machine does the shaking for us!

[@user-tk5yg6re5x]

Bagaimana agar labu nya tidak retak saat di panas kan ?

[@JamesThurman]

If I understand correctly (thank you Google Translate!), don't quench it when it's too hot.

[@user-tk5yg6re5x]

Maksud saya Gypsum mudah pecah saat di bakar ketika pembuangan lilin nya Apakah ada solusi untuk saya

[@JamesThurman]

@@user-tk5yg6re5x Yes, the investment is fragile after being burned out so you have to be very careful. Be sure your wax piece is not too close to the edges so there is enough investment to hold together when casting. I hope that helps?

[@user-tk5yg6re5x]

Terima kasih master

[@user-tk5yg6re5x]

@@JamesThurman apakah memanas kan dengan api gas menyebabkan labu retak mister? Saya lihat kebanyakan orang memanas kan menggunakan pemanas elektrik

[@charles9friedman]

James: gross hand mixing. Use a spatula. Clean the crucible former and the mixing bowl. As a dentist casting gold for a crown or sterling for jewelry I never used debubalizer or vacuumed the investment. It might help to discuss accuracy of different investments. Don’t say not too close to top or sides. Give a number. For casting your ring you could have chosen a much smaller casting flask. 5 hour burnout time seems excessive. I have done investing setup of investment and casting of gold crown in 60 minutes. Don’t ask about why! An air gas torch would also work. Fancy safety mechanism on lid of casting machine. When I used high temp flame to melt the metal. Many tomes the molten metal would be porous.

[@JamesThurman]

Thanks so much for the input. I agree that hand mixing is gross but I use my hands because I feel if there are any little unmixed chunks in the mix. I can't give a specific distance from the flask for the waxes because if the wax is thicker, it should be further away. I follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the burnout times--for larger/thicker pieces, we go as long as 12 hours. It's definitely a complicated process!

[@itailu]

I wouldn't say it's gross as it's inefficient better use a drill or something