[Jewelry making - Article 00672] - Re: [Orchid] Twigs Caster

[John Donivan]

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Hi Susannah,

    I just got a free moment to reply during this mad dash season. I have
    been casting for about 30 years. I do centrifical casting by torch.
    When I have worked with my evening students during these 26 years, we
    have cast twigs of many different types..Some work better than
    others, due to content of oil that particular piece may have inside.
    Some types carry too much oil, like eucalyptus & pine--(although the
    little cones are fine)...But, you always need to coat the outside of
    the material with some kind of sealant, so the twig doesn't start to
    break down during the investing procedure. My stuff sets up fairly
    fast but the water content in the solution can make the woody material
    go mushy..So, I use either paraffin or a thin wax coating/dip first.
    One lady even built up layers with Johnson Pledge Wax Spray. Then I
    mix the investment as regularly and proceed. I do a 8-12 hour burn
    out, usually at about 1100-1300 degrees and always check the spru
    hole-no ash showing. We've done twigs,ferns, peanut shells, pistachio
    shells & walnut shells..We have also done some flowers, bugs, and
    other organic materials like popcorn. If you want to send me some
    twigs after the holidays, I'd be happy to try to cast for you. I can
    give you an estimate then.

Sincerely, Jo-Ann Maggiora Donivan
Maggiora Jlry. Co. 760 Market St. #959 San
Francisco, Ca 94102 (415) 362-4412

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