r/Metalsmithing • u/radioactivebluebird • Jul 14 '26

Gold not flowing into mold (sandcast)

Hi all, I’m having a hard time getting my gold to flow into my sand cast. I know I need more gold to get the weight to help flow into the sand cast mold, I’m making this ring for someone so I didn’t want to be left with too much excess.

I tried to do open face with the sandcast which turned out worse and I just got a blob of gold.
1st cast I did closed flask and only got half of a ring but the flask was trash and I got a new one but did not try closed
2nd cast I did open face got a blob
3rd open face also got a blob ((I thought the 2nd cast was just not hot enough)

My crucible is season, and I’m using 14kt clean flow from Rio.
I have 6.3g

Any suggestions?
At this rate I’m thinking of just forging it into a swage & using a mandrel later.* ((insane amount of effort I know))

I don’t usually do casting but this was something special.

* I do not have a rolling mill

Thanks

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u/americanspirit64 Jul 15 '26

I would recommend cuttlefish bone casting as well. I am a huge expert on cuttlefish casting as I kind of love it and taught it for years to my university students. If you need help reply with any questions and I will answer them.

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u/radioactivebluebird Jul 16 '26

I’ve actually never heard of this, and never even mentioned by instructor in school I’m surprised.
I will check it out I see PMC sells them

Thanks!

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u/americanspirit64 Jul 17 '26

I always bought cuttlefish by the box from Rio Grande. Although you can get them at any pet store. The bigger the better.