Low Tech Gravity Casting

Low Tech Gravity Casting
Instructor:  Juan Reyes
August 2 and 3, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 - 5:30
Class Fee: $425 | Materials kit fee: $75, click HERE to purchase

Prerequisites: None

Class Description:
This is a super fun class! You will learn the fundamentals of casting by exploring the exciting and ancient technique of pouring molten metal directly into molds you create yourself. These mold are made from organic materials, sand and soft stone.  This process does not require a centrifugal setup or any major equipment, so it is easily reproduced in a home studio or in your back yard!  This workshop will cover carving a mold and casting into tufa (light-weight sandstone), creating a quick mold in cuttlefish bone, a material easily found at any pet store producing a lovely texture, and sandcasting, an ancient way to reproduce an object.  Students will also explore casting into other organic materials for surprising effects!  Rudimentary alloying, pouring an ingot, finishing techniques and safety will all be discussed.  Bring your clean silver scraps if you have some.  No experience necessary.

Materials kit fee INCLUDES:

• Tufa and cuttlefish bone to carve molds from
• Sandcasting materials to use in class
• 1oz. sterling silver (additional material available to purchase)
• 1oz. casting bronze (additional material available to purchase)
• Dust mask

Students MAY Bring:

• A small object to mold that you think would be nice to reproduce in metal for jewelry like a shell or button.
• Clean silver scrap (no solder on it!) or silver casting grain (available for purchase in studio store).

Students MAY Bring:

• Anything else they might want to incorporate into the ring like a stone and some bezel wire. (bezel and cabochons available in studio store)

• Additional metal
  

Instructor Bio:

Juan Reyes began studying silver smithing in 1995 at North Seattle Community College and since then has developed extensive expertise in a wide range of techniques including lapidary and goldsmithing. He is generous with his knowledge, patient beyond measure and well loved for his helpful, non-judging nature. Juan brings warmth and creativity to every class he teaches.

Learn More about the Instructor, HERE.

Tools are available to purchase through Danaca Design Studio with 15% student discount code. Shop tools HERE. If you don’t see what you need please email us, dana@danacadesign.com.

Review our class cancellation policy HERE.

All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.