[Jewelry making - Article 00327] - Re: [Orchid] German red chasing pitch

[Karen Christians]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

Kay,

    From Valentin Yotkov, premier chasing and repousse master:

        The pitch bowl An 8" diameter cast iron bowl is our best choice.
        It comes in the shape of a half sphere along with a round rubber
        pad. Because of it's shape and weight, the bowl can be positioned
        in any convenient angle for best comfort while working. Rubber
        pads are often too large in diameter which causes the bowl to
        shift easily from its position. This can be eliminated by folding
        and placing an old hand towel under the pad. Using the stainless
        steel bowls for chasing should be avoided as those are very light
        in weight. For chasing large pieces, a large cast iron frying pan
        can be used. You may also build a wood frame with the desired
        dimensions and attach it to a piece of plywood. Melt the pitch in
        a separate container and pour into the frame. A minimum of 3"
        layer of pitch is necessary. 

        To prepare the pitch bowl put the pitch in a plastic bag, break
        into small chunks and put it in the cast iron bowl. Set your
        kitchen oven at 250F. Put the bowl with the pitch on the middle
        rack over a sheet of aluminum foil. In approximately 30 - 40 min.
        the pitch will melt. Depending on the actual temperature in your
        oven, the melting could take a bit longer. Wait until the surface
        of the pitch becomes smooth and level. Tap carefully with a piece
        of wood on the outside of the bowl to force the air out of the
        pitch. Add more from chunks of pitch, if necessary, to fill the
        bowl up to about 1/8" from the top. Do not overfill. Avoid any
        spills on the outside of the bowl. Do not attempt to handle the
        hot bowl and pitch and do not leave the pitch bowl in the oven
        unattended. Once the pitch is melted and ready leave the oven
        door open and let the pitch air-cool for several hours. 

-k

Karen Christians
M E T A L W E R X
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA  02451
Ph. 781/891-3854 Fax 3857
http://www.metalwerx.com/
Jewelry/Metalarts School & Cooperative Studio
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________