27o 
RERAMIC STUDIO 
cision, reducing the plane surface (Figure n, F F) with 
the chisel or other tool to the size of the model. We also 
turn on the lathe the inclined portion (Figure n, G G), 
and we* may .'attempt .to produce the lines of modeling 
which, inside the mould, give the profile of the vase; 
but this last must be done with great discretion. If the 
Fig. 16 — Steel clamps. 
tool can penetrate further than the opening, the shape may 
be "beaten up" by slight taps; the tool being held firm- 
ly and care being taken not to injure the design. Then, 
the mould is turned end for end upon the lathe, and 
the process is renewed. 
The cores are also placed upon the lathe, provided 
that they are successful castings, without air-bubbles and 
holes. The shape of the top and the cap of the base 
are hollowed to receive the ends of the mould, fitting over 
the flat and the inclined portions (Figure 12). 
By passing the tool over the very smooth core which 
must go inside the vase (Figure 12), the workman removes 
enough material to create space sufficient for the pewter to 
flow in and form an object of such thickness as will assure 
a due amount of resistance without excessive weight. 
But the goblet must not be too thin, as the parts in 
bold relief must be held in shape by the solidity of the back- 
ground. 
The cap of|' the base , which holds the core of the 
foot is treated like the core of the body of the goblet, but, 
in the upper part of the cap, a clamp must be inserted; 
a kind of dowel which will penetrate it. This will support 
the two cores when they shall have been put into their 
respective places and cover the pieces of the mould (Figure 
12, G). 
The caps of the cores must be exactly fitted to the 
parts which they cover and support, but yet they must be 
given a degree of freedom to avoid unnecessary friction 
(Figure 13). The expansion of the metal from the heat to 
Fig. 17 — A A, canal or neck; B B, holes for bolts. 
which they must be subjected, demands this precaution, 
in order that the object may be easily and safely removed 
from the mould. 
The assembling of the mould of the tray mentioned 
at the beginning of this article, offers less difficulty by rea- 
son of its form. It may be effected by turning on 
the lathe. 
With a light stroke of his tool, the turner will sharpen 
the mouldings, if there are any, in the design of the tray. 
He will groove the outside edge, called the margin. (See 
Figure 1, B), to the depth of a half centimeter. He does 
this so that the counterpart may fit in, or over, this groove 
and that the two parts of the mould may turn easily on each 
other. 
To stop this rotary motion and to keep the two parts 
exactly in their place, a notch should be made in one on 
the outer edge of the margin and near the neck (Fig. 18, A) ; 
while in the corresponding part of the other piece spirally or 
ci 
Fig. 18— A, notch; B, dowel; G G, neck; GB, dowel in notch; 
D, mould put together; E, brace. 
ordinarily riveted, a dowel (Fig. 18, B) is fixed, which abuts 
upon the notch and thus fulfils the desired end. 
As in the case of the core of the goblet, the turner must 
remove with a proper tool a certain quantity of copper in 
order to make room for the pewter which is to be cast. In 
the present case, the counterpart of the tray serves the pur- 
pose of core (Figure 6 I), and it is cut away, as much as is 
needed to give the proper thickness to the pewter proof. 
The measure of the necessary thickness can be gained 
by repeatedly pouring into the mould a readily fusible alloy, 
half tin, half lead, admitted to both parts of the mould, 
which is perfectly closed, heated and lightly covered with a 
kind of coating, or glaze, adapted for use upon inside sur- 
faces. Finally, if judged necessary for the success of the 
piece, a further amount of copper may be removed from 
the core. 
Usually, the mechanic to whom this work is entrusted, 
is a skilled workman who specializes in making moulds for 
pewter, and who must also understand foundry processes, 
as otherwise he would be but the unintelligent adjunct of 
his tools. 
Thus the mechanic and the founder work together, 
each profiting by the observations and experiences of the 
other. In this way they produce excellent moulds and 
assure the success of the objects to be made from them. 
(TO BE CONTINUED) 
1? *> 
ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES 
Copper. — If you cannot find copper rivets the proper size for your work 
get copper wire and make the rivets. Silver solder is used for copper though 
you can use a soft solder also. Iron wire for building work while soldering 
comes by the pound and also on the spool, numbers 22 and 28 are the most 
useful. 
M. B. — You can use cattail leaves for a basket, but the leaves must be 
gathered in August when the tips are beginning to dry. Dry them on a floor 
or shelf, where the sunlight does not come and turn them occasionally so that 
they will dry evenly. When perfectly dry wrap in a damp cloth to make pli- 
able. Sweet grass is more easily gathered and dried. 
E. B.- — Colors for printing on thin materials can be bought by the ounce, 
