Low temperature casting metal

This topic has 12 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 3 January 2021 at 17:01 by Dave S.

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3 January 2021 at 12:55 #27866
Dave S
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@daves59043
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3 January 2021 at 12:55 #517183
Dave S
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@daves59043
I want to cast some chess pieces. I have Pewter for the “white” as it’s east to melt and cast, but I’m stuck on a similar low temp, but not silver coloured metal for the “black” set.

Probably doing this with the kids, as they can make wooden moods for pewter.

Any metal suggestions?

Dave
3 January 2021 at 13:09 #517187
Ady1
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@ady1
Anodising?

Edited By Ady1 on 03/01/2021 13:10:28
3 January 2021 at 13:15 #517190
not done it yet
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@notdoneityet
Plastic, instead of metal? Don’t know of a black metal, or anything close to it as most are light and shiny.
3 January 2021 at 13:18 #517192
RichardN
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@richardn
What about Woods metal, or one of the other very low temp metals. Comes in all sorts of similar alloys, some without cadmium, which might be preferred since you also suggested kids in the same sentence…?

Woods Metal

The stuff I have is a very whitish silver, and certainly once pewter has started to fester on a shelf for a bit can get quite a dark grey- so possibly inverting your colour choice?

Edited By RichardN on 03/01/2021 13:19:41

Edited By RichardN on 03/01/2021 13:19:55
3 January 2021 at 13:20 #517194
JasonB
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@jasonb
can you chemically darken the Pewter or add a patina to the surface. Failing that clear casting resin with iron or bronze powder and poured into the same moulds
3 January 2021 at 13:20 #517195
mike T
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@miket56243
A dark metal filled acrylic casting resin.

Room temperature, so safer for the kids as well..
3 January 2021 at 14:29 #517212
pgk pgk
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@pgkpgk17461
I filled some checks in a rustic style table using epoxy and metallic nail art filler – available in a huge range of colours if you're game to get away from B/W convention.

edit – another thought might be to 'leaf' if afterwards – faux gold leaf et al isn't too pricey

pgk

Edited By pgk pgk on 03/01/2021 14:31:26
3 January 2021 at 14:49 #517224
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
I can think of no low melting point metals that would fulfill your requirement. Only some surface coating would do the job, coloured resins as others have said would be one route. Bear in mind that for detailed casting you will need a much higher temperature than just the menlting point. For pewter it would be in the region of 350 – 400*C. Noel.
3 January 2021 at 14:50 #517225
old mart
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@oldmart
Pewter has lead in it.
3 January 2021 at 16:46 #517256
Rod Renshaw
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@rodrenshaw28584
Modern pewter has antimony instead of lead.

Rod
3 January 2021 at 16:54 #517259
Bazyle
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@bazyle
The pewter won't stay shiney white unless you varnish it. If you look for 'antique patina' treatments for pewter there will be a way of darkening it to look old.
3 January 2021 at 17:01 #517260
Dave S
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@daves59043
Thanks all, sounds like a bit of a rethink is required.

If I come up with a cunning plan I’ll post it.

Dave
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