The Process of How to Cast Silver

Melted silver is poured into a mold to cast it into jewlery, figurines and other trinkets.

The easiest process for casting silver involves carving a wax replica of your final piece, then casting this into a mold. As the mold is fired in a kiln, the wax melts, creating a detailed, negative impression which is then used to cast the silver. Casting silver requires a specific set of specialized tools and work spaces in order to create unblemished silver jewelry or trinkets. Once these tools are purchased and set-up, silver casting can be done at home.

Things You'll Need

• Wax mold
• Craft knives
• Sprue
• Sprue pin
• Casting base and flask
• Kiln
• Silver bits
• Crucible
• Welding torch
• Carbon stirring rod
• Flux
• Centrifugal force jewelry machine
• Bucket
• Water

Instructions

1. Carve a model of the piece you would like to create for your wax mold. Use craft knives of various sizes to achieve the details you desire.

2. Attach the sprue to the finished wax mold of your piece. The sprue allows the wax to melt away as the mold of the negative impression of your wax replica is created. Heat the sprue pin and attach it to the base of the flask. Attach your wax mold to the center of the base, allowing at least 1/4 inch between its edge and the wax piece.

3. Mix the investment according to the package directions and pour it into the flask. The investment is a material similar to plaster. Allow it to harden for at least 24 hours before removing the base from the flask.

4. Place the flask, investment and wax replica into the kiln and heat them to 1,000 degrees. As this temperature is reached, the wax replica will melt and leave its negative impression which will be the mold for your silver casting. Allow the mold to cool thoroughly.

5. Place the flask and mold into the centrifugal-force jewelry machine cradle and turn on the vacuum. The vacuum pulls the molten silver into every crevice and detail of the mold to create the finished cast.

6. Heat your crucible using a welding torch. Be sure the crucible is red-hot before you add your silver bits to it. Heat a carbon stirring rod and add a small pinch of flux to the crucible once the silver has melted. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Continue to apply the welding torch to the outer body of the crucible at all times to keep the molten silver from hardening or being compromised by oxygen.

7. Pour the molten silver quickly into the flask and mold while still applying heat to the crucible. Switch off the vacuum and your welding torch once all the silver has been poured into the flask. Allow the silver to cool slightly, about two to five minutes.

8. Quench the metal piece by placing the flask into a bucket of water so that it is completely submerged. Allow it to sit in the water until all bubbling has ceased. Remove the metal piece from the mold and the flask. Soak it in vinegar overnight. Remove the excess investment with a toothbrush.

References

• Emporia.edu: Working with Silver!
• Rams Horn Studio: Lost Wax Casting