Any Sufficiently Ancient Technology

Episode 3

Silversmith, Chris Manning, and watchmaker, Jon Edwards, discuss the ancient art of lost wax casting and its application in Chris’ work making pens today.

Original image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arthur_C,_Clarke_Amazing_5306.jpg


“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”
– Arthur C. Clarke

Original image from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-wax_casting

Lost Wax Casting
wikipedia.org

Original image from Matt Wax

Jeweller’s Wax
Chris uses Matt Wax for the waxes he casts
dumatt.com

Original image from https://bitsbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_19&products_id=39&zenid=l7ireuf07g0g8ul2987mdbqqk0

Carbide Cutters
Bits and Bits carbide cutters Chris uses for milling wax
bitsbits.com

Original image from https://www.rhino3d.com/

Rhino 3D
3D modelling software that Chris uses
rhino3d.com

Original image from http://amzn.to/2zor6tV

Rubber Molds
Sheets of rubber for replicating waxes for casting
amazon.com

Original image from Ransom & Randolf

Investment Plaster
Chris used SatinCast 2000 until it was discontinued, UltraVest is an excellent replacement
riogrande.com

Original image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPcuX0gp1Vs

Sling Casting
Old school sling casting, with some modern twists
youtube.com

Original image from http://amzn.to/2y0rECF

Centrifugal Caster
A Neycraft centrifugal casting machine
amazon.com

Original image from http://amzn.to/2y2FXXm

Vacuum Caster
An example of a vacuum casting machine
amazon.com

Original image from https://youtu.be/XO0i6VAHyTM

Vacuum Casting at Scale
An overview of the processes Rio Grande employs to manufacture the tools and components they sell
youtube.com

Original image from http://amzn.to/2y2PYE2

Graphite Crucible
A complete gold melting setup, with graphite crucible
amazon.com

Original image from http://youtu.be/nOzGi_2Ojm0

Selective Laser Sintering
3D printing directly in metal
youtube.com

Original image from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/density-and-pressure/v/specific-gravity

Specific Gravity
khanacademy.org

Original image from Chris Manning

Gate & Sprue
An overview of designing sprue systems for casting
ganoksin.com

Original image from Jon Edwards

Sterling Silver
wikipedia.org

Original image from Silver Hand Studios

Argentium
wikipedia.org

Original image from Jon Edwards

Beginner’s Mind
A book about seeing & experiencing things with fresh perspective
amazon.com

Original image from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Beauvais_1.JPG

Gothic Architecture
The inspiration for many of Chris’ pens comes from architecture
wikipedia.org

Original image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Houses.of.parliament.overall.arp.jpg

British Houses of Parliament
wikipedia.org

Original image from Jon Edwards

Parliament of Canada
parl.ca

Original image from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaipur

Jaipur
wikipedia.org

Original image from Silver Hand Studios

Jaipur Pen
One of the pens Chris crafted, inspired by his time in Jaipur
silverhandstudios.com

Original image from Chris Manning

Taj Mahal
wikipedia.org

Original image from Silver Hand Studios

Taj Mahal Pen
One of the pens Chris crafted, inspired by his visit to the Taj Mahal
silverhandstudios.com

This episode was released on November 7, 2017