1. Pewter Casting Medieval art form
Interlace patterns (animals and linear designs)
Emphasis on openwork

2. Pewter is an alloy of tin and a little copper
Pewter has a low melting temperature of 500 – 750 degrees

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

8. Metal must flow into all parts!
Designs:
Geometric forms
Nature-based forms
Alpha-numeric forms
Designs must
fit within the circle!
Metal must flow into all parts!
Pouring spout (sprue)
Air vents

9. Metal will not flow uphill!
Pouring area
(sprue)
Air vents
(must go upwards)
Metal will not flow uphill!

10. 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.

11. Hints for better casting
Divide the jobs, one student to hold ladle, one to hold the torch
Don’t let kids ‘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

12. Supplies Propane tank $2 Electronic igniter $25 (optional but nice!)
Oil pan (feed pan) $8
Plaster of Paris $10
Bag of play sand $5
Casting pewter - $24 lb
Clamps $3