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Wax Carving for Casting with Colin Miller

Class Description
In this day and age of 3D printing, Rapid Prototyping, and CAD, there still is a place for models carved by the human hand. While these new technologies are thrilling, and are expanding the horizons of the jeweler's art, they cannot replace the touch of the artist's hand. gaining at least a basic grasp of wax carving will greatly broaden your capabilities as an artist and craftsperson. Wax is a relatively inexpensive and forgiving medium, that can be successfully worked with the most basic of tools. A file, a spiral sawblade, a coarse bur, an exacto style knife, and a few other odds and ends are all that are required to get started.
In this class you will: learn a method to transfer a design to a wax sheet, in order to create a pattern that will guide your carving. Learn a method to rapidly rough out a pattern. Use a simple file designed for wax carving to refine the basic shape. Use a common exacto style knife to further refine and smooth the wax pattern. See how heat can be used to texture and polish wax, as well as some more tricks and tips used by professionals in the field.
Day one of the class will be devoted to carving a basic pendant. Over the intervening week the student pieces will be cast in sterling silver. Day two will involve finishing the pendants.
I believe you will find that wax carving is an immensely useful addition to any jeweler's skill set, and I look forward to helping you get started.
Tools and Equipment
What you’ll want to bring:
Jewelers' saw frame (optional)
Optivisor or magnifiers (optional)
Cash or a check made out to Colin Miller for the materials kit
Materials Kit
Includes a wax tablet large enough for several pieces, a couple of spiral saw blades for cutting wax, a wax file, a wax bur, and an exacto style knife.
About the Instructor
Colin Miller is a second generation jeweler who's worn many hats in the jewelry world, from apprentice to bench jeweler in retail, from independent studio jeweler to production jeweler for other artists. He hopes to share his wealth of experience with those yearning to express their creativity through wearable art, and to learn a thing or two himself.
Maximum six (6) students. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In this day and age of 3D printing, Rapid Prototyping, and CAD, there still is a place for models carved by the human hand. While these new technologies are thrilling, and are expanding the horizons of the jeweler's art, they cannot replace the touch of the artist's hand. gaining at least a basic grasp of wax carving will greatly broaden your capabilities as an artist and craftsperson. Wax is a relatively inexpensive and forgiving medium, that can be successfully worked with the most basic of tools. A file, a spiral sawblade, a coarse bur, an exacto style knife, and a few other odds and ends are all that are required to get started.
In this class you will: learn a method to transfer a design to a wax sheet, in order to create a pattern that will guide your carving. Learn a method to rapidly rough out a pattern. Use a simple file designed for wax carving to refine the basic shape. Use a common exacto style knife to further refine and smooth the wax pattern. See how heat can be used to texture and polish wax, as well as some more tricks and tips used by professionals in the field.
Day one of the class will be devoted to carving a basic pendant. Over the intervening week the student pieces will be cast in sterling silver. Day two will involve finishing the pendants.
I believe you will find that wax carving is an immensely useful addition to any jeweler's skill set, and I look forward to helping you get started.
Tools and Equipment
What you’ll want to bring:
Jewelers' saw frame (optional)
Optivisor or magnifiers (optional)
Cash or a check made out to Colin Miller for the materials kit
Materials Kit
Includes a wax tablet large enough for several pieces, a couple of spiral saw blades for cutting wax, a wax file, a wax bur, and an exacto style knife.
About the Instructor
Colin Miller is a second generation jeweler who's worn many hats in the jewelry world, from apprentice to bench jeweler in retail, from independent studio jeweler to production jeweler for other artists. He hopes to share his wealth of experience with those yearning to express their creativity through wearable art, and to learn a thing or two himself.
Maximum six (6) students. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- You may cancel up to 5 business days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $10 processing.
- Cancellations 3-5 business days prior to the start of the class are eligible for a 50% refund.
- Cancellations occurring less than 3 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.