< FETTLING
AUTOGRAPH BRONZES
Casts that are finished by the artist’s own hand are sometimes referred to as AUTOGRAPH BRONZES. When a sculpture is going to be cast in a professional foundry, but worked to completion in the artist’s studio (or sent to an independent finisher), it is usual to ask the founder to supply a FETTLED ONLY cast.Casts supplied in a fettled only condition normally have all their casting attachments cut off and any core mass, pins, vents and so on removed. The surface of the supplied cast may also be treated (shot blasted) to clean off any surplus refractory.
Founder’s interpretations of what ‘fettled’ means can vary, so it is best to first agree in advance with individual foundry managers, exactly what work is to be carried out on a ‘fettled only’ cast. In this respect, it is advisable to clearly specify (preferably in writing) any special or unusual supply requirements. Particular attention to these details should be made if using a COMMERCIAL (jobbing) FOUNDER – their work load often includes designs whose surfaces are heavily machined post-foundry. The runners and risers attached to some of these commercial type casts are cut-off very near to (or even below!), the level of the cast surface, this is often done on the assumption that significant amounts of material are removed during machine finishing. It is essential therefore when using commercial founders, to request that runners and risers to be cut well clear of the cast ‘s surface (to about 3 /4 inch 20mm+).
FINE FINISHING >
|
|
|
|
