Recently I tried sandcasting a stone in place again. I use CZ stones. You can get them in a range of colors and they seem to hold up pretty well in most of the casting experiments I have done. The ones I lost, I broke out and replaced - setting them like a flush set stone. Here are some photos and videos from the process.
This video shows the process I use to sandcast my popular F Bomb key chains. All my casting equipment (sand and frame) I get from https://www.etsy.com/shop/DIYJewelryCasting I also am in his wonderful group that has amazing tutorial videos and wonderful people to help you troubleshoot any issues you have. Find it on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/262359177616661I use a MAPP gas torch ( can get them from local hardware stores). I will try and make another video soon and include voice directions for all the steps I go thru, this was just a quick demo and we were chatting about nothing related to casting. These key chains can be purchased from my website www.loraleeartist.net Feel free to ask any questions, I happily share knowledge and if I can't help, I'll direct you to someone that can. Thanks for watching.
I used the stainless steel ring on the left to sandcast a copy in sterling silver. You can see how rouch and textured the band is from the sand. From there I use files and abrasive wheels on my dremel to smooth the surface. I love playing with different objects in the sandcasting. Just to see what patterns do well or don't do well. I've cast acorns, rings, twigs, and ingots using this process. I got my sandcasting kit from Craig Dabler on Etsy. Great casting tools and patterns for sale in his shop. He also has a great group...
An acorn from our Granddaddy Oak tree in our yard here in Louisiana. The ground is always covered with them every year. I used Craig Dabler's sandcasting kit to cast this one in sterling silver. I save all my scraps of silver from different projects and use them to cast things like this. So no metal goes to waste in my shop. Every bit is saved to use in casting new items. Recycling is Beautiful.
