- 1). Shape the wax pattern by filling a wax injector with hot wax and injecting the wax into a rubber mold. You can carve an individual wax pattern by using specialized wax carving tools. You can also buy wax patterns already formed.
- 2). Place the wax mold into a metal casting flask. Mix investment powder with water and then fill the remaining space with the mixture. Attach a sprue, or a special round device through which molten silver can channel into the mold, to the top of the flask. Wait 10 minutes for the investment to harden. Heat for several hours or until the wax melts away completely leaving the shape intact inside the hardened investment.
- 3). Insert the flask into the casting machine after it is cool to the touch. Cooling times can vary depending on the size of the piece. Put the sterling silver grains into the appropriate compartment of the casting machine for melting at approximately 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. The centrifuge of the casting machine will then direct the molten silver into the investment mold.
- 4). Turn off the casting machine after all of the silver grains have melted and filled the mold. Allow sufficient time for the silver to harden and cool. Once cool to the touch, remove the flask from the machine. Carve away the investment with a metal carving tool to reveal the casted silver item.
- 5). Cut off the sprue from the end of the silver item and file, using metal carving and filing tools. Clean and polish the finished piece with any silver polish.
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