Casting silver in a tubular shape

[Konstantin]

Hi everybody.

I often need to make small silver rings 3 - 5 mm in length 8 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness. So I usually cut strips of silver and then fit them and later solder them which isnt very fast to do, and I wonder is it is possible to cast a silver tube about 5 cm (2") long or more, so I could just cut pieces of necessary length.

Any tips on tubular silver casting?
Konstantin.

[Alan T.]

As long as you use proper casting methods there should be no problem with casting a tube. Make sure and vacume your investment to remove all bubbles , insure the wax tube is 5-7% larger than the finished size you need to end up with and watch your metal temp. and use the proper flux. Pourisity will be your biggest problem if you are out of the Silvers casting range or if the flask is not at the proper temperature.

[Konstantin]

Thanks for throwing a hand Alan.

To tell the truth this will be my first casting project ever, so I you know of any web page for starters in casting I will appritiate that.


Konstantin.

[Alan T.]

I don't know of a webpage but if you have never cast before then I "HIGHLY" recommend you get the book "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight. This will give you all the basic methods you will need. I would also suggest you build a simple Vacume Caster using an auto airconditioning compressor and elect. motor to supply the vacume. The book is the place you want to start.

[scottsss]

Besides Casting their is also a way to draw the flat mettal into a tubular form. You need a press and some dies to do it. You can check out this link and see if your interested in it. http://www.bonnydoonengineering.com/...drawbook.shtml

I have the book and their is alot of info in it and plans to build your own press if you do not wish to purchase one.