Wax models have been used by jewelry makers since time immemorial. Our Wax Working section offers techniques and tips for using this material.
Jewelers use wax models to cast rings and other jewelry. CNC machining is a great way to create such wax model based on a design in a 3D CAD system. The 123WaxRing system makes it very easy for any jeweler…
These slow, quiet days of summer are always a good time to review your shop practices before the busy holiday season kicks into high gear. To help you prepare to successfully cast all of the pieces you hope will be…
There are many paths to the perfect finish. When it comes to mass finishing production jewelry there are a few tricks you can use to keep your pieces looking their best. The following is a series of tips provided by…
Design and carving pendant
a two sided milling video
2 sided milling
a 2 sided milling project
A Beads Baubles and Jewels project. Make your own original textures for metal clay by carving on wax tablets and using a molding compound. Get inspiration from your surroundings and have fun! For more projects and jewelry-making know-how, visit us…
My first reaction when I heard about this book was, “It’s about time.” Think of it: If you tried to read every new book on jewelry-making, you would be reading most of the time. Yet, how many books can you…
Creative Side Jewelry Academy of Austin presents Kate Wolf, owner of Wolf Tools, as she uses the Wolf Trimmer to more quickly carve a piece out of wax.
A Beads Baubles and Jewels project. Make your own original textures for metal clay by carving on wax tablets and using a molding compound. Get inspiration from your surroundings and have fun! For more projects and jewelry-making know-how, visit us…
Stone-in-place casting is growing in practice with manufacturers and retail manufacturing operations taking advantage of these labor saving techniques. Stone-in-place casting requires gemstones be properly set in the wax model prior to casting. The most often utilized style of setting for this procedure is channel for round, baguette and princess cut gemstones..
This paper describes the conversion of dental tools into wax engraving tools, how they are held and how they are used.
Combining the Matt Mini-Lathe and Matt Gun techniques to create a two-color casting.
This article features the wax carving steps for this custom made pendant designed and created by Bill Holman. The center stone is a one-of-a-kind black drusy quartz carving, is highlighted by red accent gemstones and pave diamonds set in the central area. The metal is 18-karat white gold.
If you are accustomed to working in this additive fashion, the subtractive process of carving wax may be daunting to you at first. It challenges you to find a form, such as a ring, that is trapped in a block of wax. You must get an image of the piece in your minds eye, and then remove excess material until you have created that image. Sound tricky? Well, it does not have to be..
Matt Trimmer – The milling operation. With a quick adjustment of the table, you can cut grooves, line channels and open channels on your jewelry wax model with speed and precision.
While at the Atlanta Bench Jewelers Conference, my friend Elesa Dillon (the national sales manager for Southern Jewelry News and Mid America Jewelry News, which I also write for) asked me to help her pick out a gemstone to have…
DIY Mini Lathe
The casting department at Stuller Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana, has been experimenting with casting photopolymer models, and it has found a way for small shops to eliminate the problem of ash residue defects: Adding vents to the casting tree. Anyone who…
Bill Holman uses modern technology to create his designed line of jewelry featuring Drusy gemstones. Wanting his jewelry designs to be unique but not competitive with the natural beauty of the freeform Drusy gemstones, he creates one-of-a-kind masterpieces by milling components in wax using Foredoms AllSet Model Makers Milling Assembly.
Create the basic structure of a wax ring model with accuracy. With the Matt Trimmer you can precisely file and shape straight or curved surfaces quickly and efficiently. The Matt Trimmer also cuts grooves and channels in tapered or cylindrical…
In this demonstration, a wax model is shown, and will be hollowed out from behind. A strong light is mounted on the bench top, and the hollowing work is done in front of this light source. A rim demarcation is…
Creating a basic ring band with the Matt Mini-Lathe
Create DIY wax carving engravers made from everyday steel construction nails. When jewelers carve wax many of them will automatically pick up a normal engraving tool and carve wax as they would metal. But the problem is that wax is…
Casting is the most important method of commercial jewelry production. Even for small workshops, lost-wax casting is often the fastest method for creating a jewelry piece, especially if there is any complexity to it. However, one of the things that jewelers forget when carving wax models for lost-wax casting is just how different wax is from metal. They often use techniques and tools designed for working with metal for carving wax, even when it does not make sense to do so. By approaching wax as wax, not metal, jewelers can come up with new and faster ways of creating wax models for casting.
Tips on how to trim your jewelry wax model quickly and with precision using the Matt Wax Trimmer.
Manufacturer spend much time and money diagnosing defects that are believed to originate in the casting process, but actually occur during waxing. Many companies run in circles, changing this gate/sprue, that metal, these temperatures, and screaming at suppliers to try to fix the ‘mystery’ problem. While these areas certainly can be the source of problems, many defects are misdiagnosed as casting defects, and thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars are wasted in search of non-existent flaws in the casting process.
The Matt wax extrusion gun allows the jeweler to create beautiful organic designs. This video covers getting started with the Matt Gun.
This video is the first in a series that introduces the viewer to working with Matt wax modeling tools including: the Matt Gun, Matt Trimmer and Matt Mini-Lathe.
An inexpensive method to make a square to lay-out lines on your jewelry or wax carvings is shown in this video tip. For more articles on jewelry making go to: http://GuideToJewelryMaking.com or http://BenchJewelersNetwork.com
Welcometo Stacey Rhodes Jewelry Designs, where we will detail all of the steps involved in adding a new piece ofjewelry to our line. In this issue we will be working with our latest design. I’ll take you through every phase…
Welcome to Stacey Rhodes Jewelry Designs, where we will detail all of the steps involved in adding a new piece of jewelry to our line. In this issue we will be working with our latest design. I’ll take you through…
Creative Side Jewelry Academy of Austin presents Kate Wolf, owner of Wolf Tools, as she demonstrates how to more quickly prepare your wax piece for carving.
This article provides a helpful tip on locating dead center on ring blanks and finding balance on an object. Free-form wax carving offers jewelers an unlimited number of design possibilities. However, one noticeable disadvantage of this type of wax carving…
I make all my own wax carving tools and hot wax tools.I have done this since the early 1970’s when I could find only dental tools ready-made on the market. I was told a bent nail would suffice, but thought I could do better. So my tools and techniques developed together and now the one is probably a reflection of the other.For a long, time I thought the variety in tools was endless, but now I only make modifications of a few basic shapes. They are shown below. The tools are easy to make and require no specialized equipment.
Casting and finishing the fairy
First video of wax work
White, gummy Wonder Bread isn’t just for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It’s a fun tool for making hollow forms in carving wax.
This article features the manufacturing steps for a one-of-a-kind free-form pendant designed and created by Barney Jette. The center stone is a one-of-a-kind chrysoprase carving by Steve Walters, Ramona, CA and is highlighted by a cultured pearl.
Designing jewelry with the Matt wax extrusion gun. The blue wax is specially formulated to cool quickly, allowing the jeweler to design on an object, in air or with a pattern.
The Matt Mini-Lathe removes wax on all kinds of circular and cylindrical forms to help you create bands, bezels, settings, coin holders—all kinds of circular wax models.
A perfect wax model starts with a perfectly cut wax blank. With the Matt Miter Box (Matter Box) you can cut perfectly parallel walls or tapered wax blanks with precision and ease.
The basic shape of your ring dictates the accuracy of the entire design. Learn how to create that shape with precision. See how the Matt Ring Template assists you in accurately transferring the ring shape onto wax. Save time and…
Regarded by many wax designers as the best carving wax available anywhere, Matt™ waxes are formulated to the demanding specifications of professional wax carvers. Pre-milled and trued to minimize preparation time, each is specially formulated to meet a variety of…
While many jewelers work directly in precious metals, many also work with wax, carving models for casting in silver and gold. Working with wax often requires tools specialized for carving, sawing, filing, and finishing material that is softer than metal….
Aside from the visual pleasure one derives from a textured surface, the biggest benefit is the ease in finishing the cast piece. No filing, no burs, no abrasive points, and no scratch removal compounds are necessary. Simply use a wire brush on the flexshaft for a soft satin finish. If a mirror finish is desired, then go on to the polishing wheel.
I have great respect for the capabilities of CAD/CAM technology, and Ive seen some absolutely amazing pieces generated by it. Ive also seen some pieces that miss the mark; they need some simple revisions to make them easier to produce and aesthetically pleasing. I asked Marc Williams of MarcCo Jewelers in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, for an assortment of CAD castoffs — pieces with “issues” that I could use to demonstrate how to resolve production and design problems. Ill evaluate and revise the first of these pieces here, and others will follow in subsequent issues..
Mold cutting Akron RTV-RP clear silicone. Cylinder mold was cured in a round film canister which saves about 1/2 the normal amount of silicone. RP master was designed by Diannah Beauregard in western North Carolina. RP master was built at…
The one of the most revolutionary advance in recent years, apart from the Laser soldering, is the method of “Setting Stones in Wax”. It has “freed” up many impossible designs and allowing the manufacturer to forge ahead and create many difficult setting projects. Otherwise, that company might have had to re-design their ideas and to have the stones hand set. A jewellery company can now replicate each design with the same degree of accuracy and professionalism.
One of the most revolutionary advances in recent years, apart from laser welding, is the method of setting stones in wax. It has allowed many previously impossible designs andalso allowed the jeweler to forge ahead and create many difficult setting…
A custom cnc modelmaster mill and Artcam Jewelsmith project
Skull Ring custom cnc project, artcam , modelmaster cnc
A drill press (either a full size, miniature, or Foredom) with an end mill or cylinder bur can thin down wax slabs quickly and accurately. Position the bottom of the cylinder bur or end mill slightly higher than the desired thickness of the finished wax.
n this installment we present a mold cutting technique called a spiral cut, which is designed to facilitate the successful release of a cage-like wax model from a mold.
Carving wax pattern for Tanzanite
AJM recently asked two companies, AU Enterprises in Berkley , Michigan , and Racecar Jewelry Co. Inc. in Cranston , Rhode Island , to test out the new ACCU Carve injection wax from KerrLab in Orange , California . Designed for casters and designers who need to rework wax patterns, ACCU Carve is intended to provide carvability in an injection wax, as well as offer low shrinkage, good flow, and low ash content. Using two different methods, the participants put this product to the test. The staff at AU took an experimental approach, reporting on the wax’s performance in various categories, while the Racecar staff used the wax to fill a casting order for a class ring. The following are the results of their tests.
In my 25 years of working as a goldsmith, I have always looked for tools that make my life easier — tools that make me more efficient and therefore more profitable. And I’m not an easy sell. Although I have embraced CAD/CAM in the past few years and produce many of my models on a milling machine, I frequently hand-carve wax models in my shop. I often modify models that have been milled, or add hand-carved elements to them, which is a great way to personalize designs that can otherwise have an overarching CAD look. When laying out a design on wax, I scribe lines for the silhouette of the top of the piece and side views directly onto the wax. With the framework in place, it’s time to remove the excess wax — which is where the Wolf Adjustable Trimmer really shines. This tool allows you to remove wax quickly very close to the layout lines.
Working with the Matt Gun – Using the green wax pellets to design on water creates models with unique and abstract forms.
This video documents the making of a silver necklace inspired by Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. The green and purple material is wax, which is then cast (using the lost wax casting process) into silver. This necklace is made up of…
File produced and animated in Matrix 3D software.
Starting out with clear layout lines is essential with any wax-carving project. If you’re creating a design from scratch, it’s easy enough to clearly scribe your lines directly onto the wax block. But what if a customer has a design or image they want you to turn into a piece of jewelry? How can you accurately recreate that same design on a block of wax? Transfer it. Here are some quick tips for transferring a pattern onto wax.
Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain shows how to turn wax, like on a lathe, but with a flex shaft instead. Filmed in full HD 1080p.
the building of a custom 10 k yellow gold necklace, artcam jewelsmith, and modelmaster cnc
Cnc on modelmaster and artcam jewelsmith
the making of a custom necklace
Flat cut silicone mold using Castaldo VLT rubber.
The Foredom Wax Carver (WC-1) is a new wax worker recently made available to the jewelry industry by The Foredom Electric Company. To demonstrate many of its features, Michael Dickey performs a wax build-up project.
An English excerpts from the book “Lost Wax Jewelry Making: The Build-up Technique” by Minoru Azama, printed in Japanese by Kashiwa Hobby Books. This article will guide you on the process of using the wax build-up techniques to create a ring shank and how to approach gemstone positioning and symmetry. You will also find information on how to create wax seats for soft porous minerals and stones.
You can begin carving waxes right out of the box with this starter kit. An instruction book offers expert lessons in creating wax models; an assortment of waxes, tools and templates helps you successfully produce your designs with professional results.
Recently a customer requested that we make her an unusual mother’s ring. She chose a magnificent 3.56 ct. oval blue sapphire as her center stone and this design was made for her ring. The two bezel set side stones, one…
Euro Tool, Inc. has developed five wax tool kits and a cordless wax pen for the overall improvement of wax working projects..
This paper will describe how to turn a block of wax into a pottery of approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall. The pottery was turned in two pieces. The lower section below the ring below the inlaid stones and the portion above the ring. I have turned wax that is 3 inches thick..
Working with the Matt Gun – The red wax is strong but flexible and resilient. This video demonstrates the weaving technique. The red wax is also excellent for making prongs, pearl pegs and sprues.
Created specially for wax carvers by Kate Wolf, renowned wax-carving instructor, these “wicked sharp” wax tools offer profiles to handle every wax-carving task. Precision-crafted wax carvers are shaped, sharp and ready to use and can be further customized to meet…
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