On Mon, 07 Mar 2005 18:27:31 -0600, Treedweller
wrote:

Hi,
I'm new to this group, but looked through over 20,000 headers and
FAQ's for info before posting this (sorry if it's an oldie that was
worn out long ago).

I'm looking to make some simple one-sided castings from tin, pewter,
zinc, or other easy metal. I've tried sand casting (distorted when I
poured in the metal) and carving a wood mold (moisture boiled out and
created air pockets).

I got recommendation to try "investment casting" with "Satin Cast" and
I've also heard of carving soapstone.

Anyone willing to save me some of my next few obvious mistakes? If I
go for soapstone, where can I get a small piece cheap? will the Satin
Cast work well (I ordered some)? Any other suggestions? I've sen
rubber mold products, but would expect it to melt when exposed to
molten metal.

Sorry to be so vague, but I'm just starting to figure this out--any
help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Keith

For mass-, but still low-tech, production, you can use vulcanised
rubber moulds yourself. I think Rio Grande have the supplies needed.
You make your master, sandwich it in rubber slabs, squeeze and heat to
vulcanise, then slice it open and cut sprues and runners .
This is good for any of the low-melting point white metal alloys up
to pewter, and will give several hundred good castings before "dying".
Mike in BC