Mini Metalcast Antlers

Mixing the greensand

First cast from antlers of a toy deer

Equipment

Antler mold made from stainless wire and baked clay

Cast pulled from sand

Second cast from clay antlers

Clay mold of antlers with cast antlers third cast

Recently I've taken an interest in casting metal.  I'm making most of my equipment from materials I have laying around.  I have yet to build my furnace but couldn't wait to give it a try.   So, I stole a stainless steel pan from the cupboard and partially filled the drag with greensand to make some small antlers.  I used a low-temp melt metal similar to pewter.  Specifically, its some old solid wire silver solder I found out in the garage.  I didn't use a sprue because the metal solidifies almost instantly.    The first set of antlers were made from a toy deer whom cooperated quite nicely.  He held quite still even when his whole body was turned upside-down so I could pack the sand around his antlers.  I think the last set of antlers turned out alright using the clay mold I made.  It was a kind of a thrill for me anyways to melt metal with a torch.