Lost-Wax Casting: Old, New, and Inexpensive Methods.

Lost-Wax Casting 

Fred Sias

Woodsmere Press

PO Box 726, Pendleton, SC 29670

0967960002 $22.95 www.woodsmerepress.com

For centuries, "lost-wax casting" was one the ways in which jewelry was made in many diverse cultures around the world. It is a process that is still very much in use by both professional and amateur jewelry makers. In "Lost-Wax Casting: Old, New, And Inexpensive Methods", Fred Sias has provided a superbly organized and "user friendly" instruction manual for contemporary artisans on the fundamental methods of this ancient craft. Aspiring jewelry makers are provided with step-by-step instructions through the casting process with complete explanations for every stage including the science and logic behind that particular step. Enhanced with more than 70 drawings, photographs and tables illustrating the techniques described, several appendices providing supporting technical data, and a complete index, "Lost-Wax Casting" provides an historical overview of the craft, and addresses such issues as setting up a casting shop, creating a casting model, cleanup and finishing, metals and alloys for casting, solutions for commonly encountered casting problems, working with different materials, and even a section devoted to homemade equipment including vacuum pumps, steam dewaxers, burnout ovens, centrifuges, and steam casters. Whether an aspiring amateur looking for a rewarding hobby, or a seasoned artisan wanting to expand into the processes of lost-wax casting to create works of art and artistry, "Lost-Wax Casting" will prove an enduringly invaluable textbook and a highly recommended reference.