Contributing Member UKRay Posted January 2, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted January 2, 2011 Has anyone ever tried casting buckles in lead-free pewter? Apparently it isn't too difficult but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually done this and hopefully see some of the results. Also brass, bronze and any other metal - pictures would be greatly appreciated especially of the casting process. Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
mendedbowl Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 Ray, I haven't done any yet, but casting metal has interested me lately also. I have a little past experience doing blacksmith and farrier work, so I'm familiar with the "fun" of working with hot metal. I've been viewing a lot of interesting videos on Youtube about home metal casting, foundries, and furnaces. There's one series of nice demonstration videos by a man there in the UK who makes his own working engine models. Not sure where in the UK, it would be wonderful if he is close enough for you to visit For regular buckles I think it would be easier and cheaper to buy what's already available, but for unique, one off, or restoration work; casting it yourself would be ideal. Are you wishing to recreate a buckle that you already have in hand, or make something totally new? ken Quote
Contributing Member UKRay Posted January 2, 2011 Author Contributing Member Report Posted January 2, 2011 I'm looking to re-create historic buckles and fittings, Ken. The sort of thing that was used in medieval times on belts, pouches and other leathergoods. Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Members scottishshoemaker Posted January 2, 2011 Members Report Posted January 2, 2011 Check out Trylon we use them for other things. Hopefully should be able to help, I would be interested in re-enactment style buckles. Quote You Want It, I'll Make It!
Contributing Member UKRay Posted January 2, 2011 Author Contributing Member Report Posted January 2, 2011 Thanks, George - most useful! Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Suze Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 I've always wondered just how "sturdy" some of that low melt pewter is. I see it a lot at SCA events for sale and it just seems "fragile?" to me. Like it would bend and break easy. Of couse I am pretty hard on my belts.... Quote Reality is for people who lack imagination Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford
mendedbowl Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 Ray, If you're interested in brass or bronze, or anything that requires a little more heat, maybe you can find something of use here The gentleman in the UK who makes models, uses aluminum but you might find his set up interesting. this is his youtube page here ken Quote
mendedbowl Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 Just remembered this site...maybe they have something you like already made fetteredcockpewters Quote
dirtclod Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 That's just pretty durn intresting. Thanks for posting the link. Quote I'm old enough to know that i don't know everything.
Suze Posted January 2, 2011 Report Posted January 2, 2011 did you go to the "naughty bits" section? fun stuff >eyebrow wiggle< Quote Reality is for people who lack imagination Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford
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