Casting hardware

Jewelry Discussion
1

hello everyone,

has anyone had any experience casting hardware for cabinetry? Ive
only working in silver and gold, but may be branching out into other
areas, any thoughts from casters would be helpful as well?

thanks
h

2

Hello Heather,

I’d be glad to give you some hardware casting tips. Reply offline or
call me at 207-729-3599.

John, J.A.Henkel Co., Inc.,
Moldmaking Casting Finishing, Producing Solutions For Jewelry Artists

3

Hi Heather, I have made a number of models for furniture hardware and
had them cast in brass or bronze. Email me directly if you have any
questions.

Joel Schwalb
@Joel_Schwalb
www.schwalbstudio.com

4 
has anyone had any experience casting hardware for cabinetry?

Hi h,

I’d recommend checking out the “ArtMetal” forum. It is similar in
nature to Orchid (but not quite as cool), and is comprised of all
sorts of metalsmiths, not just jewelers. I know there are some folks
in that community with extensive knowledge in this area.

www.artmetal.com

All the best,

Dave

Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio
Charlotte, NC (USA)

5 
has anyone had any experience casting hardware for cabinetry?  Ive
only working in silver and gold, but may be branching out into
other areas, any thoughts from casters would be helpful as well?

Sure, I’ve done some of that, using bronze and the lost wax
technique and also (since that was rather expensive for this type of
thing) pouring lead pewter directly into rubber molds. I liked the
bronze hardware better; it stood up well in use and didn’t need
plating. But it’s difficult to get people to pay as much for a handle
or knob as for a gold ring (less the material cost), even though
they’re harder to make. Do you have a niche market in mind? Or any
specific questions about how to do it?

Andrew Werby
www.unitedartworks.com

6

Heather,

I would contact Pauline Warg. [ warginc@sacoriver.net ] I have
included her email address. She works with a caster who does just
that, makes brass, silver and bronze knobs for fine woodwork.
Instead of competing with hundreds of jewelers at gift shows, set up
a booth in a woodworking show.

Good idea.
-k

Karen Christians
M E T A L W E R X
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA 02451
Ph. 781/891-3854 Fax 3857
http://www.metalwerx.com/
Jewelry/Metalarts School & Cooperative Studio

7

Heather,

If you are able to obtain the name of the caster from Pauline would
you please post it?

Thanks!
Pam