Bronze Foundry Information

Art Casting Information and the Truth Behind Artistic Casting

Art casting is an ancient method of creating statues and sculptures that has been in practice in Meso-America, China, and Ancient Egypt since 2000 BC. The Greeks practiced it, so did the Romans, and pretty much any civilization with a strong interest in art.

Bronze is an alloy of tin and copper that has been used to make weapons and sculptures since its discovery by man. Bronze is able to fill in the fine detail of molds making it very desirable to artists. When art casting, bronze is the alloy of choice since it is both beautiful and easy to work with. There are few examples of bronze statues left from antiquity since the alloy became scarce and many of the statues were melted down for weapons and other sculptures usually for new emperors or victors.

The Lost Wax Casting process is the preferred method used when art casting. This process was used in ancient times to create bronze items. Small foundries like the type found in backyards, personnel workshops, and garages are able to use the Lost Wax Casting process with a certain amount of professionalism. Commercial foundries and professional art companies use the Lost Wax Casting process as well to create custom items and monuments. The process remains, essentially, the same since the ancient craftsmen who first pioneered the method. When used in commercial manufacturing or jewelry making, the Lost Wax Casting process is called Investment Casting.

Art casting is one of the more enjoyable reasons to fire up the furnace and get into metal casting. While most think metal casting to be strictly limited to hobbyist and historical re-enactors, casting is a popular skill and craft used by a wide range of people for varying reasons. Artists see the need to have metal casting skills as it allows the artists to have direct control over the process instead of out sourcing it to a commercial foundry. Commercial foundries that specialize in custom pieces will often charge outrageous prices for their services. Art casting on your own is often times economical and just smart.

The Lost Wax Casting process is rather simple when compared to other casting methods but it can be time consuming and attention to detail is important. The artists will start with an original piece sculpted from wax. The original can be made of other substances like clay or even metal but wax seems to be the easiest to work with. The original will be used to make the mold. If the piece to be cast is large, multiple molds will be needed. This is common in art casting and completely possible with the use of shims and keys that will allow placing the pieces together after the casting process easier. Most molds will be made out of latex or other materials to help transfer the fine detail into the mold cavity.

The original is often destroyed during the mold making process upon removal. Molten wax is poured into the mold until the desired thickness is achieved.  When dry, this wax copy is removed and chased which rids the piece of imperfections and is used to combine the pieces.  You will place paths for the molten metal on the wax copy.  You will also place a cup or funnel at the top of the copy. This process is called spruing and is done in wax.

A ceramic shell is placed around the copy. The shell isn’t really ceramic but a sand and liquid silica combination.  You will repeat this step until the shell is thick enough for the piece. You will then heat the item which will melt the wax inside. The wax runs out of the shell through the paths placed during spruing. 

Then comes the part for the molten bronze. The bronze is poured into the top of the hollow shell. When cool you are going to remove the shell carefully to reveal the finished product. The bronze sculpture is chased, painted, and finished up however the artists choose.

Art casting can be done with any metal or alloy. If you are going to use the Lost Wax Casting process then you do not have to stick with bronze. Try other metals until you receive the perfect look for your piece.

About the Author

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Metal Casting Zone also has a Metal Casting Forum, Metal Casting Information, and a Metal Casting Blog that can all be found at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Go to http://www.metalcastingzone.com to see the latest information on Metal Casting that has been added.

Bronze Foundry Question

I need to learn value & artist name of brass or bronze castings of Westinghouse fuoundry?

My late husband worked at Westinghouse’s Linhart foundry with the artist.who made this My husband said it was the one from which the huge casting that hung in the Westinghous headquarters lobby was made. Can anyone tell me where in Pittsubrgh to take it to learn more? I’ve called the Westinghouse Museam several times but they have been unable to help me.

Einstein?

Natures Foundry Bird Bath with Solar Mister Natures Foundry Large Bird Bath with Solar Mister has a removable chain so the bird bath can hang or be placed on a table or stand. The sound of moving water attracts birds more than seed. Moving water keeps your bird bath cleaner longer and helps prevent West Nile. Comes in Copper Bronze….

Eurofase 12915-019 Markham 1-Light Pendant, Foundry Bronze/Seeded Clear $81.00 …

AF Lighting 1 Light Foundry Table Lamp Antique Gold/Bronze Accents $194.69 Manufacturer: AF Lighting. Part Number: 7401-TL. Product Description: Foundry Table Lamp. Lighting Category: Table Lamp. Style: Traditional. Finish: Antique Gold/Bronze Accents. Shade: Wheat. Dimensions: 32″ Height x 15″ Diameter. Bulbs: (1) 100 Watt Edison. Bulbs Not Included. Suitable for Dry locations. Weight: 13.2 Lbs. ….

7508-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Pull- Bronze Model 39366. 7508-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Pull- Bronze, Foundry Collection. This item includes mounting screws for installation….

7507-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Knob- Bronze Model 39266. 7507-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Knob- Bronze, Foundry Collection. This item includes mounting screws for installation….

Bronze Foundry Videos

Casting bronze at Unauthorized Art foundry in Arcata

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Bronze Foundry Information

Norman Oklahoma Community Guide

“Already the third largest city in the state, Norman continues to grow and expand. Part of the secret may be that Norman is ideally located within driving distance of Oklahoma City and even allows for weekend trips to Dallas, which is three hours away.

Of course, Norman is about more than just a great location. It is also home to a number of attractions, including the University of Oklahoma, the largest University in the state. The University boasts a 2 million-volume library which is accessible to the public, and which local residents can use. Residents of Norman can also visit the University’s two major museums and access the many programs and courses the school offers. If you love sports, you may enjoy catching a game — the University’s National Championship-winning football team and the men’s gymnastics teams are both big draws. The women’s basketball team at the University of Oklahoma is considered among the best in the country.

Norman’s historic downtown core also offers much to see and do. From gourmet grocery stores to small galleries, music venues, and independent stores, the downtown area offers much fun and recreation. Be sure to check out the beautiful architecture in the area as well as the many independent and funky businesses. Norman’s Performing Arts Studio is a great place for concerts and exhibitions. Sooner Theatre is another good option for live music and theatre. The historic downtown area also has many wonderful cafes, bars, and restaurants. When you live in Norman, you can easily dine out on a different delicious world cuisine every day of the week!

If you enjoy the arts, Norman has a number of galleries and facilities that may be of interest. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art boasts a fine collection of French Impressionist art and an impressive collection of the Taos Society of Artists. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History contains a number of celebrated exhibits. If you prefer music, there are many live music venues and the Summer Breeze Concert Series is a popular – and free – attraction in the summer. If you enjoy soaking in the arts outdoors, visit the bronze foundry known as The Crucible. Here, you will find a gallery as well as an impressive sculpture garden. The Firehouse Art Center is another great local resource, offering art classes.

If you are looking for recreational options, Norman has a number of green spaces and parks. Be sure to visit the George M. Sutton Wilderness Park, which boasts many trails and a few ponds. You may also want to visit the Little River Zoo which rescues abandoned exotic animals. If you are willing to drive a little bit outside of Norman, Lake Thunderbird offers mountain bike trails, boating facilities, campgrounds, and horseback riding trails. Also outside of Norman is The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge which boasts many hike trails as well as many animals native to the region. The Refuge is about a 90 minute drive outside of Norman, so it is easily accessible to the community’s residents.”

About the Author

Andy Janko Realty is a leading real estate firm in Norman, OK, visit their Norman Oklahoma Real Estate website today. If you are looking for Norman Oklahoma Homes For Sale, this is the place. Andy Janko Realty is your source for Norman Oklahoma Homes.

Bronze Foundry Question

I need to learn value & artist name of brass or bronze castings of Westinghouse fuoundry?

My late husband worked at Westinghouse’s Linhart foundry with the artist.who made this My husband said it was the one from which the huge casting that hung in the Westinghous headquarters lobby was made. Can anyone tell me where in Pittsubrgh to take it to learn more? I’ve called the Westinghouse Museam several times but they have been unable to help me.

Einstein?

Natures Foundry Bird Bath with Solar Mister Natures Foundry Large Bird Bath with Solar Mister has a removable chain so the bird bath can hang or be placed on a table or stand. The sound of moving water attracts birds more than seed. Moving water keeps your bird bath cleaner longer and helps prevent West Nile. Comes in Copper Bronze….

Eurofase 12915-019 Markham 1-Light Pendant, Foundry Bronze/Seeded Clear $81.00 …

AF Lighting 1 Light Foundry Table Lamp Antique Gold/Bronze Accents $194.69 Manufacturer: AF Lighting. Part Number: 7401-TL. Product Description: Foundry Table Lamp. Lighting Category: Table Lamp. Style: Traditional. Finish: Antique Gold/Bronze Accents. Shade: Wheat. Dimensions: 32″ Height x 15″ Diameter. Bulbs: (1) 100 Watt Edison. Bulbs Not Included. Suitable for Dry locations. Weight: 13.2 Lbs. ….

7508-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Pull- Bronze Model 39366. 7508-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Pull- Bronze, Foundry Collection. This item includes mounting screws for installation….

7507-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Knob- Bronze Model 39266. 7507-410 Laurey Hardware Foundry Knob- Bronze, Foundry Collection. This item includes mounting screws for installation….

Bronze Foundry Videos

Casting bronze at Unauthorized Art foundry in Arcata

Affordable Cast Bronze Plaques, Grave Markers

It has never been easier to shop for Bronze Foundry, so pick up Bronze Foundry at bargain prices!