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Cuttlebone casting

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Cuttlebone casting

Cuttlebone is the soft internal shell of cuttlefish. It is cut in two halves, a mold is carved and metal is cast into it: a quick casting method for one-off pieces.

Steps of the technique: Cut the bone, Carve the model, Add the sprue, Tie, Pour, Open
Summary of the steps

How it is done #

  1. Two halves of the bone are cut and flattened.
  2. The model (for example a ring or a leaf) is pressed into both until it leaves its cavity.
  3. An entry channel and air vents are carved and the halves are tied.
  4. Molten metal is poured and left to cool; the mold is opened and cleaned.

Result #

The piece takes on the texture of the bone's grain, which is part of the charm. Each mold serves for one or a few castings.

What it is for #

Simple pieces in silver, bronze or tin and for learning the principles of casting.

Safety #

This is melting work: use protective equipment and ventilation.

Step by step #

  1. Cut the bone. Split the cuttlebone in two and flatten the faces.
  2. Carve the model. Make the cavity with the object or a chisel.
  3. Add the sprue. Carve the inlet channel and vents.
  4. Tie. Bind the two halves.
  5. Pour. Pour in the molten metal.
  6. Open. Let it cool and open the cuttlebone.

Tools and materials #

  • Cuttlebone
  • Knife and chisels
  • Molten metal (crucible)
  • Binding wire

Common mistakes #

  • Faces not flat: the metal escapes.
  • Not enough vents.
  • Reusing the cuttlebone more than once.
  • Pouring without protection.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.