Cast metal is a great way to learn how to cast your own art and craft objects. All you need is a mold and a supply of material!
Sterling silver is one of the most popular metals to cast. It is relatively inexpensive, can be found in most beauty products, and it does not tarnish easily. This makes it a very popular choice for crafts such as casting or engraving.
There are several methods of casting metal. There is the traditional method, the rod-and-mold method, the blow-out-and-pour method, and the Internet method. Each has its own set of tips and tricks that you can read here!
The traditional method uses fire to create your shape. The rod-and-mold technique uses an object as a base to build your sculpture on.
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Buy your metal
When you are ready to cast your piece of jewelry, it is time to buy your metal. Most often, this can be done in a jewelry store, but there are also online retailers that offer these services.
In a store, you can look at the different metals and see if they match up with your piece. In the online world, you can test yours out against other pieces to see if it matches up.
If you are having trouble finding a specific type of metal for your piece, try ordering some premade designs from tarnish removal companies. They can create custom designs to fit your style and make your piece more valuable.
When casting solid-looking pieces such as rings, Necklaces, or Bracelets, try using something like fire-polished lapis or zirconium oxide to add some texture and color.
Check its purity
Before you cast a ring, you should check its purity. There are several ways to do this, but the most straightforward is to cut a small piece of the ring’s width from the band’s center and then measure the length of the cut.
A ring that is cut with a slightly larger width would be considered slightly purer than a ring with a narrower width. A ring with a diameter equal to one length of the band would be considered full-purity, requiring less cutting than one that was smaller in diameter but had one more length of the band.
Make sure to always buy full-purity rings! Most jewelry stores will not sell rings that are notpure, even if they are standard or size-six rings. Many people find that using an inexpensive stone such as amethyst or zirconia plates on their wedding rings help ensure that they have full-purity rings.
Find the mold you want to use
Once you find the mold for your project, it is time to make your piece! There are a few steps in this process that can be tricky, so be sure to listen carefully to what is being said!
Some people use a dies they find printed on paper, like fabric. These people use software to create the die, print it, and then cut it and thread it. It is very difficult to tell if this will work and look good before you spend money on it!
Some people use computer-generated artwork, like digital printing. These people use digital printing services, like eprintervectoron.com or Shapeways.
Mix the metal with tin to lower its melting temperature
This is called tin-coating the metal. You can do it yourself, or you can buy it!
Sterling silver is usually tin-coated sterling silver items. The tin improves the hardening of the metal and helps maintain a consistent shape even when dropped or bent.
When casting solid solids such as rings, it is best to use a combination of tin and lead because these metals have different heat properties. Tin melts at a slightly lower temperature than lead, which makes casting easier.
Use special alloys for better results
If you are looking to improve your castings at home, you should be aware of the properties of different metals. Some are better for casting than others.
Sterling silver is one example of a good metal for creating jewelry. This does not mean that you should not be careful with it, though. You can use lesser quality sterling silver to create your alloy jewelry at home!
TIG welding is a method used to create new metals like Tungsten or Niobium. It involves using a gas such as nitrogen or helium as the source of alloying elements.
Use powder forms of metals instead of solid pieces
Powder forms of metals are creations that are shaped and processed like the actual metal. These include clay, sand, and foam compounds.
These substances can be mixed together to create all sorts of metals. Many are difficult or impossible to cast as solid pieces of metal due to their shape.
Many crafters use plastic containers as the clay is transferred to the piece of metal as it bakes. Other crafters use liquid polymerized nails or hair, which is transformed into metal by heating it.
Either way, this method is still casting! You just have to use different materials and tools for the job.
Use foam or sand to create your model surfaces. The difference is, sand can be passed through a sieve and foam can be cast as waves or flows.
Know your risks
When you are looking to cast your own silver, there are some risks you should know about. These include cutting yourself on the casting lines, burn injuries, and open wounds due to tool marks.
Cutting yourself on the casting lines is a risk that should be discussed with an experienced craftsman. The lines should be short, and there should be some way to prevent this injury happening.
The same goes for burn wounds- if the metal burns severely, it must be removed immediately! Open wounds can sometimes happen during use of the tools or when adding powder to the piece.
If you feel like you are putting too much effort into your work and your piece does not look good on me, just say so! If it is a material I do not handle often, the risks are even more apparent.
Speaking to those at risk of any health issue may help clear up any concerns.
Keep your workplace clean and safe
When working with silver, the right tools can make a big difference in how easy or hard you have to work.
If you are working with regular silver sheeting, you should be familiar with how to put away excess material and keep your workspace clean. If you are using sterling-silver products, such as rings and earrings, then you should know how to properly care for them.
Using too-rough surfaces can lead to scrapes and losses of jewelry or jewelry itself. Using a towel to clean the fingers and applying a heat protectant before working with the metal is the best way to keep things smooth.
If you have special tips for working with metals, let us know! We would love to hear about them in the comments below.