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Michael J. Gilbert, Pewterer
www.GilbertPewter.com
Made By Hand
in
Ottawa, Canada
Since 1986

mjg@gilbertpewter.com


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The Craft: How I Make a Pewter Figurine


The Model
Casting Pewter I begin by sculpting an original design, usually in an epoxy putty (a kind of plastic clay). I'll often work from photos of friends or relatives, when making a Park Bench Figure for example.

The Mould
When I've finished the original artwork, I make a rubber mould of the design. The rubber mould is re-usable; I'll be able to use it to cast a number of each design.

Casting
Pewter has a low melting point (compared to most other metals): I cast the molten pewter in the rubber mould using a home-made centrifuge, which spins around, forcing the pewter into the mould. The centrifuge helps to capture the fine detail of the original artwork.

Mould Fettling & Finishing
Each cast piece is then 'fettled'; that is, it is trimmed and cleaned, to remove any 'flash' or rough edges left over from the casting process. Finally, each piece is then given an antique finish and polished.

This work is done, from beginning to end, in my home workshop.


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