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I will be taking a sand casting class this month, and would like to try some of the buckles shown in the
buckle image thread
Some of these would seem to be hard to cast, with all the tiny curliques. Does anyone know the mechanics of casting these things? Would they have cast a bigger part and filed the fine part down?
Richard Campbell
Legio XX - Alexandria, Virginia
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Thanks! I know from taking classes with the instructor before that he uses "delph clay" in place of sand, and it is a very fine consistency. The one time he demonstrated in a jewelry class he cast an impression of a US quarter which came out with a lot of detail, but did look as I remember as if it would need some finishing work, including of course taking the sprues off.
Thinking about it I can see where you could put in a lot of was sprues and not damage the casting, whereas with sand/clay you are digging a sprue and can damage the detail. Will try out.
Richard Campbell
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I try to find how that type of buckles was made too, but already have the equipment to cast.
I think that the pelta buckles with the fine scrolls were cast as a rough version. The detail is added by hammering certain parts flat and then bending them in the wanted form. Most probably tongues were used, but I have never seen a Roman example.
In my collection I have a buckle that is clearly not completely finished because a part of the casting sprue and other excess material are not removed at all. The buckle is cast as a whole and does not have fine bent scrolls; it`s the other heavier type. Based on the lack of finishing it is clear that it is made using piece moulds.
(aka Niels)
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Looking forward to your progress. We need more reenactor made belt parts in the US!!
Quintus Furius Collatinus
-Matt
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This is rather where I hope 3D scanning happens: scanning such small parts and being able to 3d print them in casting wax, or even printed in bronze. At least giving an accurate picture.
Richard Campbell
Legio XX - Alexandria, Virginia
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Richard Campbell
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Hi Rich,
Just noticed your postcounter seems stuck at 2999 :-) The material he uses is probably Delftse aarde (or clay), which is great for high detailed casting.