Thread: We Have Skills Too !!

Thanks guys.

As I hold it in my hands I see many mistakes and things I would change. We are our own worst critics!

Like most things one can make it as complicated as you want but I think that anyone here could do this.

The hardest part for me are getting the proper tools and a place to do it. I am going to explore a "co-op" option I found out about. Basically renting time in a heated shop space and having access to a kiln etc.

I still have to finish my back up casting. This is the bell from a candle mold. Also pictured is a candle made from that mold. This casting came out very clean and much better than the Morel. It isn't my artwork though.

I have an idea how I want to mount this and will post it when it is done.

Likely shop space, and the ability to make noise and smoke, are a bit of a luxury. I am fortunate that my neighbors are more entertained by my yard and shop activities.
The bell is pretty cute. The morel looks good to me, and that you spent a lot of time on it is easy to see if you look at the just after casting picture and the finished one. Are you moldeing with your own, homemade bees wax? I hope the co-op is close, and inexpensive, so you can make a ton of cool projects and post pictures. I have not the time to do any experiments myself and I am following this with complete fascination.

The best thing about the lost wax process is it's ability to do the model at home with a towel over your lap! Shop time can be hard for you to schedule.

The skep bell was made using the wax from my bees. That casting came out much cleaner than any of the others done in the class using the wax supplied with the class. Even ones cast in the same mold.

Coincidence? Enough to merit further investigation.

The carving/casting of the models along with most of the sanding was done on the kitchen or dining room tables.

The melting, pouring etc. was done at the shop

We often used a brule torch carefully to surface a mid. I am of the opinion that the bee's wax may have an amourface(?) surface which makes it a better finish than the microcrytaline of the furnished material. I did notice that Parawax used back then for canning gave great surfaces.
JMO!
Enjoy!

I wasn't there during the burnout process. That was done by the instructor. So I don't know the temps/time for sure.

The bee's wax may have melted at a lower temp and less expansion to prevent cracking etc. of the mold.

It should have all burnt out but it may have left some sort of residue for a flux.

I don't know and am just thinking out loud again.

Great job on the casting. The people I know that have done casting find it takes a little time to dial in then they get great results every time.

Got the tree done. Found some really cheap battery LED lights to light it up.

Attatched is a picture I found posted by the shop owner.

There is a very noticeable difference in the skep that was made of bee's wax and the rest of the sprue and castings.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Benz to all of my friends here at SRP. Tom--The lamp is an Aladdin Tall Lincoln Drape with a green melon shade.....fitting for the season.