Currently I am satisfied with the vacuum assist casting process. I had to refine my pouring technique to be much hotter with the metal and faster with the pouring. There is very definitely a technique involved with a good pour. I didn’t have it when I first attempted the freehand pour. I need to do considerably more casting with the vacuum assist before I can give it a fair judgment.

I have admitted I am in the market for a Neycraft centrifugal casting machine, but that can wait until the financial coffers are refilled. Let’s say it is not a critical requirement at this point as my models are rather bulky. I intend to do much finer detailed and smaller castings this winter, so a centrifugal caster is in my medium term plans.

Presently I am casting sterling silver. Non precious metal is also high on my desire list of casting material. I have thought of small model castings and medallions in brass and bronze.

I am thinking of machining items from wax then lost wax casting the parts. I will use both CNC and manual mills and lathes. Taig machines fit the need exactly. Something like that could lead me to making master rubber molds and doing wax injection to make duplicate parts.

I have lots of non jewelry casting ideas floating in my head. One thought is small bells in brass or silver. I need to see if I can make a few of them. From there I will have to investigate if there is a market for my special castings and what kinds of items on which I should concentrate.

As always, so much to try, so little time…