Any silver-smiths out there...

[Anonymous]

That have any suggestions on what creative things I could do with a small pile of scrap sterling silver I have accumulated over the years?
On my scales this pile weighs just over 3 pounds.I have thought of melting it down and casting it into something I could display.Anyone have any experience doing this sort of thing?Is it doable in a home workshop?What kind of equipment would I need to attempt such a project?I have a fairly large workshop complete with cutting torches and am not afraid to try anything once.....What do you think?Any suggestions?

 

[Anonymous]

It is not all that difficult to do. Use common sense and for your first things, make them smooth. My first casting was a dolphin [I will post a picture tomorrow]
I would recommend a small book called 'The handbook of Lost wax or investment casting' by James E Sopcak. It is very inexpensive [less than $5.00], tells you how to build your own extruders, burn out ovens, pressure caster, how to invest wax patterns, how to burn out and cast. A really good little book
THE ISBN NUMBER IS 0-935182-28-4 and the book is published by Gem Guides Book Company in Baldwin park, Ca.
Any questions, do not hesitate to email or ask here.
All the best
Sunny skies
M

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Dan,
Here are a couple of links you might find interesting.
Don Norris is a pretty down to earth kind of guy, not trying to sell his Silversmith courses. On the first link below check out the

 

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

I have had an interest in this sort of thing for a while.I will get the book and see what I can do.Thanks again.

 

[Anonymous]

I was down in Cuba last fall and found a fellow selling "Bird Sculptures" made out of old silver spoons, cut up and twisted together. Really nice work. I got one for my mom as a souvenir. The "bowls" of the spoons made the body and the handles flared out to make the tail feathers...