Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse
May 27 June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 15 No class July 1 and July 8 (during casting)
Wednesdays, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time
Class Fee: $390|Basic materials included, tool kits to purchase if needed
Zoom meeting ID and Password will be provided after registration.
The ancient technique of lost wax casting is used to create unique one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and is widely used for mass producing jewelry and jewelry components. In this 6 week, live streaming class, you will learn the fundamentals and some useful tricks for designing and creating wax models for casting in the comfort of your own home!
Topics will cover the proper use of tools and equipment to carve waxes for successful casting. Projects will include pendants, rings, and charms. Students will be introduced to the casting process and explore a variety wax types and techniques. Designing elements for ideal cast objects and how to work with the jewelry industry will also be discussed however the primary focus will be on creating models. The finished waxes will be dropped off at Danaca and sent out to a professional casting house, and returned to Danaca for curbside pick-up before the final week for finishing. Prerequisites: Intro jewelry skills are helpful. Returning students are welcome.
Students MUST have:
A computer, laptop, smart phone or iPad for conference video (Zoom app required for phone- it’s free!)
If you do not have experience with Zoom, fret not! We will provide a free online tutorial with one of our staff to help you get comfortable before class. A quick rundown will also be covered the first night of class!
Materials INCLUDED: (mailed or curbside pick-up)
Carving, forming, sticky and build-up wax- a sampling for a variety of projects
Wax saw blades
Sandpaper
20 grams sterling silver toward final casting
1 oz bronze toward final casting
If students want to exceed the 20 gram sterling allotment, additional material cost will be calculated based on current metal prices at the time of class. The additional fee will be based on the combined weight of the final products as well as any additional flask fees incurred.
EXTRA METAL FEES:
Silver $1.33 per gram
Students will not be charged for extra bronze used, UNLESS an extra flask is needed.
Extra flask fee is $29.
Other SUPPLEMENTAL Items to have on hand:
Exacto knife/tools
Other sharp pointy tools, dental tools are great
Nylon hose/fabric
AA battery (for wax pen-see below)
Water tight container to store and transport waxes
Denatured alcohol for alcohol lamps (available at any hardware store)
YOU WILL ALSO NEED SOME TOOLS!!
(Please email for 15% off student discount code.)
Students MUST have or purchase:
Jeweler’s saw frame $17 (can be purchased with Basic WAX TOOL KIT below if you don’t already have one)
Students MUST have these items or purchase:
Alcohol lamp w/ wick
Max wax pen
Double end 8”wax file
Scoop carvers-set of 2
Double ended pin vise
Optional to buy individually:
Degree gauge
Swivel blade wax carver
Wax reaming mandrel for rings
Wax needle file set, 6 piece
Flexible shaft machine
Wax/wood carving burs 12pc w/stand (if you have a flexshaft)
Optivisor (magnification)
Wolf build-up wax
Practical Casting, Tim McCreight
Shop wax working tools HERE.