My 16 year old son wants to get into some type of metal casting. He has been watching a lot of youtube videos and wants to make some small cast items. I need a good idea for a class to get him started. Is this jewelry or metal shop?
Any advice appreciated.
The quickest path? Probably JSM, because they are set up for it. Be aware he will need classes, and depending on the age limit in JSM he’ll need to have you actually perform the casting as he’s too young.
In the metal shop, he’ll need to wait until he is 18 or he can watch you do it.
If he starts by casting pewter it is actually pretty easy. Pewter melts at temperatures less than 600 degrees F and is easy to sand cast. JSM used to have a steel ladle that is suitable for melting pewter with a propane torch. I haven’t been too active there in the last few months, but we should still have all the equipment needed.