by HesinRaca » Fri May 08, 2009 12:50 am
Ok, so the big key here is you're going to be asking questions about how to do hobby-level attempts at a field that is HUGE. I mean, assuming you take metalsmithing in here as well, you're taking about a field that has existed for who the hell knows, maybe even 10,000 years to some level(please someone give me factsoids on this). So, when you ask a question, jsut keep in mind some things will be hard to simplify to a non-professional/hobby budget, and some techniques will require tools you can't avoid.
I will, and probably the other smiths, give you the best advice and options we can. Granted, I'd much rather get the commission and make some money, but I am willing to answer questions regardless.
As for rings. Like I said, look up sand casting, and cuttlefish casting. Lost wax casting can work, if you can drop some money for investment, but you're going to need to do a burnout and it won't work in the oven;) I've heard of people doing it in mortar mix and using a torch to burn out the wax, but I have no proof this is a good plan. If you post a specific project I can suggest help you out, but depending on the design it might be easier to do it for you. Or you can come to Bend OR and I'll run you through it.