Hi Folks,

FYI, I have basic experience in casting small items with pewter in
soapstone.

As my next goal, I'd like to make something like a small platter or
dinner plate (maybe 12" or so in diameter to start with). I am thinking
I could do this via a sand casting technique, which I have not done
before, but seems straightforward, and I anticipate the materials are
within my budgetary constraints...

I figure I'd make forms of 1x8 pine lumber and/or 1/2" or 3/4" plywood,
maybe 20x20" or so since I'm proposing a 12" plate, get some 100 grit
silica sand somewhere, and put the master plate upside down on the
bottom form smooth surface with a extra lump in the middle to fill in
the concave space, dust it all, then set and fill the top form on top of
that.

The master dinnerplate I'm thinking of would be a plain looking item in
ceramic (no fancy details or scrollwork or anything), I've got some
friends who do pottery, or I might buy a nice one from a department
store, like a piece of that Fiestaware stuff.

My main references are the McCreight books, while quite illustrative and
easy for a newbie like me these mostly deal with smaller items like
little trinkets and such.

How would folks here go about it, or maybe could suggest some references
on casting peweter on the "larger" scale and/or type of items I am
proposing? I'd eventually like to make bigger platters, or a simple cup
or mug, or maybe candlesticks, but that would be after I get dinner
plates down.

I'd plan to use either R8 or B7 pewter alloys from Ney Metals, if this
makes any difference.

Thanks,

Ed