Casting in Pewter

Britannia Pewter is a lead-free, low melting alloy of tin that is ideal for the home studio. In this course we will explore multiple techniques of casting this material. This course ranges from beginning to intermediate. We will discuss safety, mold-making, casting, and finishing. The course will be divided into 3 sessions and a new casting technique will be discussed each session.

The first session will introduce pewter, safety, and the basic concepts behind casting. Students will begin casting pewter using an age-old technique which involves a cuttlefish bone. Students will receive oil-based modeling clay, to create an object (approx:4”x4”) for their one part rubber mold.

During the second session students learn how to set up and pour their own sand-castings. We will also look at how to modify our clay models for the casting process and will prepare our rubber molds for the final session.

The final session will be casting directly into our rubber molds. Two-part molds will also be discussed for more complex projects. Students will focus on a basic finish and patina for their castings.

Each student will go home with several finished castings and the knowledge to repeat this technique at their own home. Students are encouraged to come equipped with small objects they wish to cast as well as ideas for the object they will be creating out of the oil-based clay. The objects/ideas should be no larger than 4"x4". We will wrap up the class with information on acquiring materials and troubleshooting.

Interested in more project examples? Check out students work from the class on our tumblr.

Instructor
Preston Jones has traveled the world to enrich his arsenal of metalworking skills. From learning to chase at Buddhist temples, to studying in the academic setting of SUNY New Paltz, to making singing monk bowls on the streets of Bangkok, and silversmithing in the studios of FIT, Preston draws on these millennia-old skills to glorify the indulgences of contemporary life. His enthusiasm for hollow-ware and chasing is in full bloom as seen in his most recent accomplishments. Using travel tales as his inspiration, he builds from an array of global influences to create metalwork which brings the Silk Route to the NYC stoop.  Check out his work on facebook.

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