Pewter casting

Pewter Casting

• Medieval art form• Interlace patterns

(animals and linear designs)

• Emphasis on openwork

• Pewter is an alloy of tin and a little copper

• Pewter has a low melting temperature of 500 – 750 degrees

Pewter does not have a high, glossy finish, but rather, it has a satin finish

Pewter Silver

More Examples

More Examples

More Examples

More Examples

More Examples

More Examples

Search Topics

•Celtic Knots

•Filigree

•Lacework

•Openwork

•Pewter pendants/broaches

•Calligraphy

•Chinese & Japanese characters

Designs:

Geometric formsNature-based formsAlpha-numeric forms

Metal must flow into all parts!• Pouring spout – sprue

• Air vents – gating

Designs must fit within the circle!

Pouring area (sprue)

Air vents(must go upwards)

Metal will not flow uphill!

Melting and pouring• Molds must be COMPLETELY dry!• Clamp a flat cookie to the carved cookie, settle in the

sand at a good angle.• Heat the ladle, don’t allow it to rest on the sand (the sand

will absorb heat and take longer)• When metal rolls easily, pour while keeping the flame on

the metal• Unclamp the two plaster cookies, remove the metal and

dunk in cold water. Remember, it’s HOT! Use tools, not fingers!

• If the casting is incomplete, remelt the metal and try again.

Hints for better casting

• Divide the jobs, one student to hold ladle, one to hold the torch

• Don’t ‘toss’ metal into the ladle – it can splash out• Be sure all papers are clear of the casting area• Use a piece of plywood to protect the table• Have water ready to dunk hot metal (or to soothe burnt

fingertips!)• The molds cast better when they’re warm, if you’ve got a

toaster oven, pre-warm the molds for faster results• If the first cast isn’t complete, inspect for inferior carving,

add pathways, or cast again while the mold is warm

Supplies• Propane tank• Electronic igniter• Oil pan (feed pan)• Plaster of Paris• Bag of play sand• Casting pewter• Clamps• Tweezers• Ingot molds

Grading Criteria

• Linear quality of design, must be very open and fluid, consider movement,

NO paperweights

• Creativity of design

• Craftsmanship of final product

• Participation, Effort, & SAFETY