BRONZE CASTING FOR BOATBUILDERS
The process of patternmaking and casting custom hardware.
- SAM JOHNSON — JUNE 15–21
If you are a professional or amateur boatbuilder, in a small or large operation, working on traditional or modern craft, power or sail, wood or even plastic, one thing you always have to consider is the matter of hardware. Boatbuilders are often in need of special bronze fittings that are either not available off the shelf or must be cast at great expense.
This course with Sam Johnson will introduce the basics of patternmaking, sand molding, and bronze casting. Students will learn how to build an inexpensive furnace and all the tools necessary to cast hot metal using sand-casting technology. Even if you don’t want to do your own casting, you will learn enough about design and patternmaking to minimize the cost of having a commercial foundry make your castings.
In this stimulating, hands-on course, students will make patterns of their design to cast tools, boat hardware, and other objects in bronze. Anyone who has ever lost an oarlock will appreciate learning how to make copies of original hardware. Students will also learn how to make complex castings using cores and following blocks, and how to make duplicate patterns from silicone rubber and epoxy. Last, but not least, each student will learn how to finish off their castings.
Tuition: $650
Materials: $230
“Sam Johnson’s bronzecasting course was wonderful. There was plenty of solid instruction on a complex subject and lots of hands-on experience in all phases of pattern-making, casting, and finishing. Sam made it all easy to understand.”
“The first day alone of my bronze casting course more than paid for my tuition and travel. Sam Johnson was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had!”
Bronze Casting video produced as a tribute to WoodenBoat School.