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CARVING THE CUTTLEFISH BONE AND POURNG THE METAL

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1. The cuttlefish bone can be shaped with simple carving tools or even a sharp knife, producing the mould. Alternatively, a metal shape can be pressed into the soft cuttlefish bone, leaving a cavity for the molten metal to fill.
 
 
 
 
2. The two sides of the cuttlefish bone are wired together (they can be clamped). They are now ready for the casting procedure.
 
 
3. For safety reasons, the cuttlefish bone mould is ‘stood’ upright and securely in sand (builders sand is ideal). The sand is ‘built up’ around the mould, so that the mould cannot ‘topple’ over. If necessary, fire bricks can be used to build a support around the mould.
If any of the molten metals ‘leaks’ or ‘spills’ from the mould, it will come to a rest safely in the sand.
 
 
 
 
After pouring the metal, the mould and its casting are left to cool slowly. When cold, the mould is split open, revealing the casting. The sprue is removed with a junior hacksaw and any necessary filing and polishing are carried out.
 
 
 
 
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