How to Carve Wax to Cast a Ring From
- 1). Measure the tube of carving wax to a little larger than the desired width of your ring. This will allow you to work with the wax while being sure you still end up with the ring in the size you want. Mark the wax around the entire circumference of the ring and slice off a piece, taking care so that the slice is even. Use a miter box if you have one, otherwise make a careful cut with a sharp knife. A miter box is a jeweler's tool that involves a blade and a stabilizing box, and helps to ensure precise cuts.
- 2). Carve out the inside of the ring tube until the ring is the size needed. Check on sizing with a ring mandrel as you work to be sure that you do not carve too little or too much.
- 3). Mark off your design on the wax and begin carving. Use a commercial wax pen, or warm your carving tools in a candle or an alcohol lamp and methyl alcohol.
- 4). Check for sizing from time to time as you work.
- 5). Smooth the wax with steel wool when you are happy with your carving. Smooth it further with nylon pantyhose and finally, with a wax cleaner. If needed, you can touch up any imperfections with touch-up wax.
- 6). Send the carving out for casting once the wax is smooth. Be sure to give the caster specific instructions, including the type of metal you would like the ring cast in.
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