Introduction to Lost Wax Casting
with Chapin Dimond

Class Description
Lost wax casting is an ancient technique for making jewelry that is cast in metal from models made of wax. This two day class will cover the basics of lost wax casting; wax carving, sprue, invest, burnout, cast, and clean up. Day one, you will cut, sculpt, and carve a ring out of jeweler’s wax to create a model. Then you will sprue up and invest the wax to make a plaster mold that will be 'burned out' overnight. The second day you will pour molten metal into the hardened investment. When the metal cools, the investment is broken away to reveal the cast metal ring, which you will clean and finish.
About the Instructor
Chapin Dimond is a full-time metalsmith and jeweler. He has a BFA from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Chapin is a Colorado native. In 2003 he began metalsmithing. His work is inspired by nature and the beauty of metals. Chapin teaches several classes at BoMA: Alternative Casting, Sink a Bowl, Introduction to Green Sandcasting, and Scrap to Bangel. To see Chapin’s work, visit his website, www.cdimond.com.
Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable using files, flex shaft, jeweler’s saw, and casting torch
Tools students need to bring
Materials Kit* $TBD
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 6. Students will be required to sign a waiver. Participants must be 18 or older.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Register on Meetup
Lost wax casting is an ancient technique for making jewelry that is cast in metal from models made of wax. This two day class will cover the basics of lost wax casting; wax carving, sprue, invest, burnout, cast, and clean up. Day one, you will cut, sculpt, and carve a ring out of jeweler’s wax to create a model. Then you will sprue up and invest the wax to make a plaster mold that will be 'burned out' overnight. The second day you will pour molten metal into the hardened investment. When the metal cools, the investment is broken away to reveal the cast metal ring, which you will clean and finish.
About the Instructor
Chapin Dimond is a full-time metalsmith and jeweler. He has a BFA from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Chapin is a Colorado native. In 2003 he began metalsmithing. His work is inspired by nature and the beauty of metals. Chapin teaches several classes at BoMA: Alternative Casting, Sink a Bowl, Introduction to Green Sandcasting, and Scrap to Bangel. To see Chapin’s work, visit his website, www.cdimond.com.
Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable using files, flex shaft, jeweler’s saw, and casting torch
Tools students need to bring
- Idea for ring design
- ½ troy ounce (MINIMUM) sterling silver casting grain
- Files for metal
- Wax file
- Jewelry saw and blades
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Safety glasses
- Calipers
- Exacto style knife
- Optivisor or magnifiers (optional)
- Dust mask recommended
- Wax carving tools (optional)
- Burrs - Variety of sizes ball burs, Rotary file/ cylinder bur
- Cash or a check made out to Chapin Dimond for the materials kit
Materials Kit* $TBD
- Carving wax - tablet and ring blank
- Sprue wax
- Spiral saw blades for cutting wax
- Wax bur
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 6. Students will be required to sign a waiver. Participants must be 18 or older.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- You may cancel up to 10 business days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $25 processing.
- Cancellations 5-10 business days prior to the start of the class are eligible for a 50% refund.
- Cancellations occurring less than 5 business days prior to the start date will not be refunded,
- In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
- Seats are not transferrable. You may not sell your seat to another student.
Register on Meetup