Book Description
Book Review By John Cogswell, BFA, MFA, studio goldsmith, silversmith, author, and educator (SUNY New Paltz). In this book, Fred Sias addresses virtually every aspect of lost-wax casting, from historic development to detailed, step-by-step process. He brings to his discussions his many years of research and personal hands-on experience. The text is clear and concise, and the sequence of operations, from preparation of the wax model to the final introduction of the molten metal into the mold (by various methods) is well organized and easy to follow. The numerous supporting illustrations provide additional information and clarification. This book serves as a comprehensive and instructive `how-to' manual as well as a wonderful reference, useful to rote beginner and seasoned caster alike. Whether you are just learning how to cast and seek guidance, or are trying to troubleshoot a problem, this book has it all.
Back Cover copy
by Fred R. Sias, Jr., PhD
The French call lost-wax casting cire perdue, which translates to "wax
lost" or "wax wasted." Some people think that lost-wax means that the
technique was lost. Nothing could be further from the truth since the
technique has been in continuous use for over six thousand years and is
still used today by dentists, jewelers, and in other industries.
Many of the ideas presented here are not original. I listened to experts,
had discussions with other craftsmen and scientists at companies that
produce the tools and supplies we use. I've picked up ideas from the
Internet and engaged in useful discussions at various workshops.
Sometimes I have performed experiments to find out whether
some idea works or not, or to determine the optimum time
or temperature for a specific procedure. Some of the methods presented will
be quite different from the "usual" approach, but I've tried to show the
rationale for the alternative approach, based on scientific reasoning or
practical experiments.
This book will be useful to craftsmen with a limited budget as well as the
technician working in a well-stocked shop. I have offered homemade
solutions to many of the equipment problems as well.
