Networking again

[torquill]

Does anyone know a good silversmith who does lost-wax casting? There's a pendant I want, but it looks like I'll have to have it custom-made. (Relatively) inexpensive would be a definite plus.

Edit: Looks like this one will have to get put on hold. Commissioning a pendant would run me at least $250. Crucible classes cost $350 or so. I can get precious metal clay (thanks unseelie23) for $25, but I have no way to fire it, as I doubt I can get a consistent temp of even 1300°F for 20-25 minutes (they say you can do it on home gas stoves or with torches, but how do you hold it in place, let alone make sure the temperature is correct?) so I'd need access to a kiln. Which I don't have. Sigh.

Everything costs too much.

Comments

[hopeforyou.livejournal.com]

Dammit, I know how to do this sort of thing. I just don't have the equipment...

[koga.livejournal.com]

Try Norman Greene, a jewelsmith in Berkeley.

http://www.puzzlering.net/

[luna-torquill.livejournal.com]

I remember this guy from Dickens. He does beautiful stuff.

[koga.livejournal.com]

I used to work for him. Very nice guy. I learned pewter and silver casting from him.

[amanda-nye.livejournal.com]

I have a friend in Antioch that has kilns. She makes ceramics, and her friend does metal casting and probably has some equipment, too. They might be willing to help for low cost.

[farmount.livejournal.com]

OK, I know that the local community colleges and other "adult classes" used to have PMC classes with the idea that you pay for the clay, and then they fire it for you.

Look around and there might be something out there.

[farmount.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah, and Angelwear Creations was the one who did my ring from the original silver. Yes, they're up in Seattle, but I recall it being reasonable and I'm happy with the quality.

[purple-pyrate.livejournal.com]

There is a jewelery supply store in San Jose called Wenric's (across the street from Oakridge Mall), they do custom work quite reasonable. They made my wedding ring and I was satisfied with it. They also have classes on metal smithing. They also may have a kiln available for public use, you would need to ask them. I can tell you they don't sell PMC, I already looked into that. There is a metal worker's guild in the Bay Area and they have meeting once a month in Mt. View. Next time I get the e-mail reminder I can forward it to you.