Had a go at bronze casting

MysterG · 2026-03-20T08:59:11+0000

Last weekend me and MrsG did a days bronze age animal casting course.
Bit of history, followed by making the sand mould then casting in bronze.
Have to say the last bit surprised me somewhat as I fully expected the tutor to do the final pour, but no the students were let loose with liquid bronze.

Great day. Quite intense at times, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Now obviously I'm thinking what do I need to do this at home??

Booked up to do copper axe heads next month :cool:

Beanwood · 2026-03-20T10:03:27+0000

Brilliant- I love the idea of doing courses like that- which begs the question why I don’t do some of them :doh:

oldbikedavey · 2026-03-20T10:38:14+0000

There's a reason for cuprous moulding boxes to be split vertically, but it's a bit obscure as to why....

MysterG · 2026-03-20T10:54:15+0000

Beanwood said:
Brilliant- I love the idea of doing courses like that- which begs the question why I don’t do some of them

This one was just outside Swindon, but the tutor operates from Lydney I think.
Also teaches flint knapping.

Pigeon_Droppings2 · 2026-03-20T10:59:09+0000

I did a bit of aluminium sand casting at college...really interesting.

I'm sure I was always taught to have a flow in and separate air vent out to make things a bit safer....but maybe I didn't remember right.

Looks great ..it's an amazing process and a great feeling to have made a cast yourself.

Kram · 2026-03-20T14:59:46+0000

Casting is good fun. My furnace design was not really up to the higher temperatures but one day I will fix it.

These videos are worth a watch, he mostly uses alu, that is a lot more fussy about how you gate and pour than brasses and bronze, but much easier due to lower temperatures.