[Jewelry making - Article 00416] - Re: [Orchid] Wax Injecting issue

[John AT mlce.net]

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    If you can, turn over the mold while injecting the wax so the
    letters will fill.  If this doesn't work, powder the mold surfaces
    with corn starch or talcum powder to make a way to the air to get
    out.  Also you might try to pump a bit harder to force the air out. 
    If you are using a mold clamp ( your should) try not clamping the
    mold so tightly.  If all of this doesn't help, you may have to cut
    air vents from the letters to the outside edge of the mold to allow
    the air to escape. 

    The powdering will help the wax to release.  We use a shaving mug
    soap brush to apply the powder but you can use any good small
    bristled large brush or you can use a puff (relatively fine
    mesh/weave bag with powder inside and just "puff/pat the mold
    surfaces to dust).  Some folks use a powder puff (body powder
    applicator puff).  Lightly blow off excess with breath or compressed
    air. 

    If you can get the air bubble problems fixed without the use of the
    powder, a good spray on mold release (Smooth-on Universal Mold
    Release for one, but there are MANY out there) can be used for wax
    release.  If you are using vulcanized molds, there seems to always
    be a problem with the wax sticking in the tapered injection nozzle
    hole. But I have found that if you use a type of washer called a
    "fender washer" (a washer that is large compared to the size of the
    hole, ie. a 1.25" washer with a .25" hole) available at a good
    hardware or auto parts store, putting this washer on the mold where
    the washer hole lines up with the mold filling hole and then putting
    the injector nozzle in the washer hole and filling the mold with
    wax, the wax doesn't stick so badly in the filler hole.  This works
    best if you are using a spray release (often/usually a silicon
    material) but be sure to always release the 2 sides of the washer or
    the wax really will stick to it. 

    Also, some waxes work better than others for different applications.
    I prefer Serria Red ( and just because somebodies wax is red doesn't
    mean it is the same as Serria Red.  Many like more flexible waxes
    that the SR but I like it for cleanup and if any rework is needed (a
    well cut/made mold will keep this to a minimum, but the key words
    here are "well cut/made mold"). 

    If you still have problems, re post or write me directly and we can
    talk more as to what your problems may be and what to do about
    them/it. 

John Dach



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