Original sketch
I used a bowling ball for my initial form, it was just about the right size at 8.5"
Old sulfur based oil clay from college
Dividing the form into sections I begin to create the parting lines for my sand mold
Albeit compulsive, a lazer level assisted me in a crisp division line
First bit of the sand mold is rammed and set and the divider removed
A second view of the first resin sand part
Starting the second part
The lower mold parts are set and the parting lines are Crisp
Outer keys were neccesary for the core to be able to be removed
Slowly but surely the mold comes together
The roll of tape with clay on it is to ensure a sturdy "neck" for the core
All main sections are set and I begin to demold the original ball and clay. Gently I work the mold pieces apart
Delicate work, the mold comes apart beautifully
The dished areas are "keys" that interlock the mold pieces together
Relined, the clay form is cleaned up
Touching up the form and preparing for the core
The first horizontal attachment holes are bored
All back together and ready for the core
Action shot, Thanks Peter!
Inside the mold is "core washed" with powdered graphite and denatured alchohol
Form rebuilt for the core casting
Each piece is "core washed" which helps with surface porosity and core sand separation
Had some help from Ari ramming the core, it came out beautifully!
Clay removed from mold
Core detailed and parting lines cleaned up
Parting lines cleaned up
The magic place
The neck of the core looks great
Assemblage of the mold pieces scattered
After 4 days the mold is together!
The pour cup is tall and really let the metal flow through the piece
Very tight mold, weighs about 325lbs
35lbs of Hot Freedom (metal) is all it will take for this piece
Thanks for the screaming hot metal Trails crew, she cast beautifully
Raw casting showing the gates and vent
There is so much to do to prepare for casting
After hours and hours of prep work, polishing and planning she is installed!
Thank you Peter Leone for helping me crush the install
After clean up about it weighed about 15lbs of cast iron
I really enjoy how the flow turned out
It is tucked away in a wonderful clearing with excelent lighting
Thanks for looking at my process and come check out all the amazing sculptures at Sculpture Trails!