Now, to do a casting set up, you're talking a TON more tools and money! Rio offers kits that have most of what you need to get it done.
You'll need a Vacuum chamber for the investment, a kiln to cure the investment and burn out the wax, a casting machine, casting torch, and a bunch of needed tools.
This is the set up I'm currently looking at, runs alittle of $4,000:
http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea...age=GRID&free_text|1236628209406=casting+kits
But you still need the casting torch, gas/oxy tanks and other assorted casting tools.
Casting is VERY dangerous, and VERY messy! It's not something you just want to "jump into". I would STRONGLY suggest you take a jewelry class at a local college or talk to a good jeweler in your area to see the setup.
You'll probably be dropping $5-6K to get a basic casting set up. Now that doesn't include the REST of the Bench Jeweler's tools you'll need to actually finish your rough castings. It's a SERIOUS investment to get into jewelry making.
Here's my current setup:
And this is what it NORMALLY looks like, lol
I know I've spent somewhere around 4K+ just in tools so far. That's not include the $$$$ invested in materials like Silver/Gold stock, findings, and gem stones. I know I have a tray of nothing but Sterling Finding like setting heads, clasps, bails that's over $1,000 in COST. :wacko
I'm not trying to scare you away from doing it, but just know it's not as easy as melting silver and pouring it into a mold, it's not pewter or pot casting metal!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask!!! I'm sure Megatron can answer them too!
- Jeff
