The diagram below shows pieces of the pewter ingot cut to a size suitable for heating in a ladle. Fire bricks have been arranged around the bowl of the ladle so that the heat from the brazing torch flame is reflected back onto the ladle. As the temperature rises the pewter begins to melt and quite quickly forms a molten liquid.

The molten pewter is then carefully poured into the mould. The mould is set in sand in case any of the molten pewter runs down the side of the mould. If this happens the molten pewter will simply stay on the surface of the sand and cool down. The mould should never be placed on a cold surface. If molten metal comes in contact with a cold surface it will ‘splatter’ violently. Anyone close to the area will be in serious danger.

When the pewter has cooled the mould is split open and the casting removed. The pewter casting will need some work with hand tools and the ‘waste material will need removing. Pewter is extremely soft and malleable making it easy to shape.

SAMPLE PEWTER
CASTING

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