[.ca] Handbook of Lost Wax or Investment Casting (Gembooks) (ISBN 0935182284)

This is a great tinkerer's guide to lost wax.:
Sopcak's "Handbook" is oriented more to the equipment than the processes. From building a kiln and a variety of casting machines, to vacuum investment and all the way through to rubber molds, for the craftsman on a budget, there's an inexpensive altrnative to commercial equipment laid out in detail. While spartan in execution, most essential processes are covered in enough detail for a rank beginner. For an experienced caster, some of the ideas presented may be helpful for problem solving or experimentation.

This Is For Jewelry:
I have a one man foundry for ceramic shell lost wax casting of sculpture. There are many challenges and opportunities to do things better. This book did not help because it is for the jewelry maker who is doing lost wax casting and not for the foundry casting art sculpture. The pictures and illustrations seem to be from the 40's and the book is for the person who is experienced and equipped as a machinist.

60's hit from the old gem and minerals magazine:
This is a grouping of articles that were published in the 60's and or 70's If my memory serves me. As I no longer have my magazines i can not check. It has been updated only in the safety warning area due to the asbestos that was suggested in the original articles. You really don't have to be a machinist or have a ton of tools to make the stuff in the booklet. You will need a basic knowledge of shop/metal work and have access to some hand tools, power tools do make it faster and some what more fun. To borrow a phrase MORE POWER!!!! If you go over the list of material at the end of each section. you will be able to come up with substitutes for the asbestos at your local ceramic supply. Also remember that the fire bricks and even the new replacements for asbestos have dangers. So take the necessary safety steps. There are a number of things to make in the booklet that are low cost versions of fancy items that cost big bucks.I own it.