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HOW TO SUPPLY STUDIO MADE WAXES TO A FOUNDRY
LOST PATTERN casting, most sculptors leave the process of creating a wax pattern and running assembly entirely to the foundry, preferring instead to simply inspect and approve founder’s work. There are a number of good reasons why the founder rather than the sculptor normally makes the wax pattern and casting assembly – therefore any artist thinking of supplying a foundry with a studio made wax should at least be aware of the following points:
A suitable reproduction mould is usually needed to produce a usable wax pattern. The founder is normally best placed to create a rubber mould which is most suited to their working methods and procedures.
Considerable skill and experience is needed to create a consistent, good quality wax with a correct and even wall thickness.
The application of cores, runners and risers to the wax pattern is also a skilled undertaking. Doing this work in the studio usually requires the sculptor to have an in depth knowledge of their founder’s working procedures if they are to supply the foundry with an acceptable wax assembly.
A loss of, or extensive repair to a metal cast due to a sculptor’s waxworking error will not normally be made good by the foundry without additional charge. Surcharges will often be levied by the founder for both over-weight waxes (for excess metal usage), and overly thin waxes (for repairing casting faults).
The transport of delicate wax patterns from the studio to foundry can easily result in damage or distortion of the wax. (A useful tip if transportation is unavoidable, is to support the wax by replacing it back inside a half section of the rubber reproduction mould. The mould can then function as a cushioned support).
The relatively minor cost savings from supplying prepared studio waxes are rarely justified, especially when balanced against the potential problems and additional costs that can arise.
Sculptors who want to supply prepared waxes are advised to first discuss their requirements with the founder before any work commences. Unless there are specific reasons for undertaking waxworking in the studio, it is always worth obtaining a quotation for a full casting service – there may not be an especially significant cost saving to be made by doing it yourself. Remember, many of the sculptors who do supply studio waxes for casting either work in a foundry, or otherwise have had some of prior foundry experience.
WAXWORKING A SUMMARY > |
