by Ray Wilson
After a few failed starts and modifications to equipment aided by Ray Tierney and Tom Power I have now established a home casting workshop.
I have made silicon rubber moulds, made wax patterns from the moulds, and then invested the wax models in plaster investment followed by burning out the model and using a centrifuge caster to produce sterling silver jewellery pieces – a complete end to end process.
I have also been enjoying finishing off some boulder opal pieces; some of which were cut several months ago and were put aside.
This week I am going to have another attempt at making an inlay ring – challenged by Peter Smith. The You Tube video makes it look simple, but I have discovered a few secrets to stuffing up an apparently simple process. Peter is almost at the production stage now and has made up a special “dolly pot” to crush coloured rock to make the inlay. If anyone wants to try this challenge below is the You Tube link.