[Jewelry making - Article 00304] - Re: [Orchid] Injection wax for fine work

[Abbott Designs]

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Jeanne-

    At one time, I had a teenager injecting my waxes. I built and
    installed a nozzle on a manual injector and powered it with a CO2
    tank with a good regulator - low budget research. It worked well,
    especially for the non-jeweler. Later, I went back to hand operated
    because I had more control over injection pressures. Some of my work
    is heavy and I think I get a better surface when I hold pressure for
    a few seconds after injection. So, I am thinking injection works
    according to the casting paradigm of sprues being shrinkage
    reservoirs as well as delivery channels. I like a mold in which I can
    tell when it is filled because the hand pump stops moving. This way,
    I can establish the maximum pressure I should use to fill without
    without getting flashing. 

    I usually use Castaldo Gold rubber because it is reliable, and soft
    and tear resistant working with undercuts. I have more control over
    the cuttting than I do with the RTV I also use. When my molds do not
    fill, I increase wax temperature and make more air release cuts (the
    vertical ones) until I get good results. Sometimes, I get a more even
    pressure on the mold using two pieces of masonite, rather than a
    commercial mold clamp. Occasionally, I use multiple sprues in a
    rubber mold to distribute the wax before it cools. Were I a
    manufacturer of delicate pieces and up for the investment, I would
    explore the capabilities of vacuum asisted injector. 

    I made a masonite top for my injector. Very funky but it conserves
    heat in the pot and I think it stabililzes the wax temperature. That
    allows me to consistently find the temperature I need to make the wax
    flow best, without overheating it. I know less about waxes; every
    supplier has a list of candidates to try. I use Serra Red and add
    something for flexibility, as needed. 

    I hope it helps to run through the variables. Moreover, I have
    written a lot, partly because I have a question of my own: Does
    anyone have suggestions as to how I can achieve a slick surface on an
    injected pattern using vulcanized rubber. My casting often has a
    slight surface porosity that I do not get when casting the original
    carving. 

Good luck. And also thanks, Jon Abbott
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