< CASTING FAULTS 3

RECONSTRUCTING CAST SECTIONS

Founders will normally try to cast an artist’s sculpture in one piece if at all possible. Though obviously desirable, casting a given design in one piece is not always either possible or practical. Larger sculptures often exceed crucible capacity and complex forms may be more easily and reliably cast if broken down into smaller, more convenient sections. Dividing a work for casting inevitably requires a later reconstruction of the metal sections, this task is carried out during FINE FINISHING.

The CHASER working on a reconstruction is assisted in the accurate alignment of the separately cast sections by registration marks. These marks would have been incised across the joints when the MASTER PATTERN was originally divided. Before any refitting begins, the chaser first works each separately cast element to a near finish – filling core pin holes, removing sightings and repairing any minor faults. Once the chaser has prepared all of the sections, they effectively have to hand a complete ‘kit’ of cast parts which allows a straightforward assembly of the sculpture.

The chaser will then manipulate the cast sections into their correct position and make sure the alignment is correct before proceeding to weld the sections together. Most art founders use the TAGS (TIG) process to weld and repair sections. Care is taken to ensure a strong joint is created, this often involves some preparatory work, bevelling the joint to ensure the weld can be built up to the full thickness of the metal cast.

After sections of the cast have been joined, the chaser has to remove the excess area of the weld (known as the REINFORCEMENT) and make good the worked area of the joint. This is done during fine finishing, with skill and care it should be near impossible for a viewer to distinguish the join from the rest of the cast.

FIXTURES & FITTINGS

HOME | SEARCH | CONTRIBUTE

© ARTENERO PUBLISHING 2011