Wax working

Outline of topics covered, day 1

Waxes
description -what is a wax? -sources -types -microcrystallines -paraffins,petroleum jelly -beeswax -vegetable waxes -rosins -modelling wax -slushing wax -jewellery and dental
-slab breaking -basic melting , kettles, pots -mixtures, hardening and softening -fire hazards, safety -water in wax -colouring

Modelling
strength for ceramic shell -welding -flames, tools, fingers

Casting of wax
temperatures for different types of mould -pour rate, -venting -slushing -idiosyncrasies of moulds -sprue making, plaster tooling

Fettling
hole filling, cracks -joint line elimination

Throughout the day, using newly learned skills, students are encouraged to make a number of pieces in wax, one of which they will take through to bronze.

day 2

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