Metal Casting Zone

I use plaster of paris and am reasonably happy. Belt buckles are a great casting project. I guess the issue is if you want to make detail or DETAIL. you know. IMHO the cheaper and more convenient the better but I don't try to see the things i cast. Though for good stuff i think lost wax is the way to go.

Yes, as far as detail, I don't think you can beat lost wax casting. I think once I get a proper burnout oven and some good investment, it will be a lot easier to get the parts I want. I had trouble getting past tribesmen using river mud and a dirt pit, making excellent castings for centuries. I'm pretty sure they had plenty of failures for each good part they made.

Oh, and about the forum layout. The strange thing is, if you don't log in the layout is fine. Original post followed by all the responces. When you log in it goes backward.

I have found some RTV silicone which is apparently good for pewter so i think ill give that a bash first, but from what you all say i will definatly look into lost wax in future once i have more money to invest!

im thinking of getting the high temp RTV silicone (and its not gasket stuff so i think i can make a mould without having to build it up in layers)

i think im going to use stonewear clay to try and mould my masters

and now i need to get pewter and tools to work it. rather than an electric hob would a gas camping stove be any better?

also do i just melt this pewter in a flat bottomed ladle with spout and use one pour? if so the only one i can find is a 400g ladle, is this enough for say a belt buckle or one of my other projects im considering a large axe head?

i have no idea how much 400g of white metal, pewter namely, is

Based solely on Tin's density, it would be around 55 cu.cm.
If you use gas, you will have to have good ventalation if your indoors. You could probably melt pewter on the kitchen stove.

ok, id be worried to do it in the kitchen for mess, smell danger etc, so id rather do in the shed if i can.

Why would a gas camping stove require any more good ventilation? i assume it melts the pewter the same provided you watch the temperature, and the gas stove itself - im assuming would be safe to use.

ive found some 'lead free pewter' for £21+VAT (british pounds) for 1kg bar, i have no idea on pricing though, so any price or advice on price or types to use much appreciated, and if anyone wants to pm me dirct links to good suppliers feel free, would really need to be in the UK though!

I just meant the camp stove would have the gas fumes, CO and CO2. If it's an efficient one it may be OK, you just can't be too careful.
I can't help much with pricing, I've seen it around $10 to $12 per pound. Someone was going to yard sales and buying pewter items like bowls and cups. But, then your not sure what kind of pewter you are getting.

when buying an ingot of pewter how do you break it up into a smaller amount to melt?

Some ingots come with score lines so you can break off chunks. Other than that you may have to saw it with a hacksaw or put the bar in the furnace and then pull it out when you have enough melted in the crucible. But, then you have a hot bar to deal with.

I usually break bars on the seam by pounding it on the sidewalk. that or metal blade on jig saw or angle grinder