[Jewelry making - Article 00057] - Re: [Orchid] Casting with stones

[Daniel Ballard]

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    Well, big topic.  I suggest you read

    http://preciousmetalswest.com/stonein.htm 

    And similar articles that can be found in AJM. August issue from a
    couple years ago. 

    In a nutshell, this is a mass production method, in general not as
    well suited to designer "one off" pieces. The size of the setting,
    prongs, channel, and all is critical to the size of the stones.
    Shrinkage calculations must be right on the money.  Ideally, Plan on
    special alloy; low flow temp, high fluidity (high zinc at least) call
    an alloy guy for more detail. Plan on a special investment or
    additive to protect the stones. . Burnout never really happens, its
    more like a "warm out" :) to be gentle to the stones. You must not
    quench-stones hate thermal shock. Stone in place casting is one
    reason lasers grew in popularity so fast. These stone in casting are
    well worth fixing recasting is problematic cost wise. The best thing
    stone in does to the average caster is to get all those niggling
    variables controlled. Like precise measures of investment powder,
    water volume and temperature control in every way. This makes all
    the castings better. 

Daniel Ballard

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