[Jewelry making - Article 00217] - Re: [Orchid] Experience with learnsilver CDs

[coralnut]

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    Ron...I have not used any of Don's CDs but have used some of his
    site info in helping students get started in casting. I have been
    steam casting, as he demonstrates, for nearly 25 years with great
    success. I have better (and more expensive) equipment now but still
    demo steam casting and 'how to do it on the cheap' to each class. 

    Re casting natural items....remember, these are organic. That means
    carbon! So, you need more heat and lots more time. Be careful, some
    investments begin to break down as you get up above 1300 deg. So I
    normally burn naturals at 1250 to 1300 for 8 to 10 hours and turn off
    the oven. Let it cool and then do another burn at same temp.
    Depending on the item, whether its thick or thin, solid, heavy or
    light, you might even consider 3 burns. Another thing to remember,
    use a thin coat of some spray lacquor before investing. This seals
    the surfaces and precludes the investment from infiltrating which can
    cause carbon to stick to the inside surfaces thereby inhibiting metal
    flow. 

Try above and see how it goes. Cheers from Don in SOFL.
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