Sand Casting 101

Learn the ancient art of Sand Casting metal! For anyone from total beginners to those who simply want a refresher and/or to learn their way around the Artisans Asylum Casting Shop. Students will cast and take home a small bronze item such as a medal, pendant, bottle opener, or ornament.

Participants will leave this class with the knowledge needed to enjoy sand casting at Artisans. We will cover the entire process: starting with an original pattern, packing Petrobond sand into a 2-part mold, melting and pouring bronze with the Electromelt crucible, removing sprues, cleaning sand off, and sanding, as well as casting shop best practices.

We will be casting only in ancient bronze during class, yet this class prepares students to use the A2 Casting Shop to create items like jewelry, components, and small sculptures in a variety of shop-approved metals including silver, bronze, brass, and more! The class covers the skills needed to take Artisans Asylum Tool Tests for: Sand Casting and the Electromelt.

Students may optionally bring a pattern of their own to cast in ancient bronze, if it is feasible to cast using a 2-part mold, eg, no undercuts. Volume of pattern should be around a cubic inch or less. A small selection of premade pattern items will be available to all students, so bringing one is not required. Some finishing such as filing and sanding may remain to be done after the class.

• An overview and brief history of Sand Casting
• Intro to the Artisans Asylum Casting Shop
• Brief intro to sand types and tools
• Preparing a 2-part mold using Petrobond sand - how to and best practices
• Adding a funnel space to the sand mold
• Use of the Electromelt to melt and pour molten metal
• Quenching and cleaning sand off of work
• Cutting off sprues and buttons
• Basics of filing and sanding
• Safety skills for all of the above
• How to leave the shop in ready to use condition

This class is suitable for total beginners, those looking for a refresher, and those seeking to become familiar with the Artisans Asylum Casting Shop. All students must be 18 years or older. No prior experience is necessary.

As mentioned in the description, students may optionally bring a pattern of their own to cast in ancient bronze, if it is feasible in shape to cast using a 2-part mold, eg, no undercuts. Something like a medal shape, 1/8 inch thick or thicker, is ideal. Volume of pattern should be no more than an approximate cubic inch, but fine/thin objects may not cast well. Instructor may recommend a provided item instead. A small selection of premade pattern items will be available to all students, so bringing one is not required.

• All consumable casting materials, including ancient bronze metal for casting, specialized sand for metalcasting
• Optional small patterns
• One small bronze casting, possibly two if time allows.
• Access to A2's Casting Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Jules first learned casting from a jewelry perspective and is currently interested in many types of metal sculpture and jewelry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Creative Studies & Fine Arts. A proud generalist with a professional background in non-profits, at Artisans Asylum she serves as a casting shop tool tester, instructor, and a member of the Gallery A2 panel. She loves cats, coffee, fostering creativity and building community.