This is an old topic, but I can’t find anything about my specific question. My largest square and rod size ingot molds aren’t big enough to create an ingot that I can roll and then draw down to 12” of 8 gauge wire. I have open molds, but I don’t like the ingots that they produce for this purpose as, at least when I use them, the ingot is not uniform in size. I should probably work on my open molds casting technique. 12” of 8 gauge is kind of a standard starting point for me to make a heavy bracelet. I usually just cut it off a roll of 8 gauge wire, but with the cost of silver what it is right now, I try to use whatever scrap I have first. I can cast using delft clay, but the bottom of the casting is pretty nasty. Does anyone know where to find closed steel molds that are a bit deeper than those that we can typically buy from the usual places? There may also be issues with trying to cast in a steel mold this deep. Thanks…Rob
Rob, wouldn’t this work? 8mm is a fairly wide ingot hole. If you can’t find what you’re looking for I’ll bet you can find a machinist who can make one to meet your needs. Ingot molds aren’t super technical.
This doesn’t link to a rubber mold? Who knows what’s up with that? The Otto Frei web page has the proper description.
I didn’t think about a wider hole, just longer than the largest that I have which is 6mm. The Durston goes up to 8mm. Thanks, I will look into it…Rob
Here is another option you might want to consider from Hans Meevis. This is the link to his tutorial page that describes how to make your own adjustable open ingot mold from scratch, or you can purchase one already made from Hans.
His website has a lot of great tips and tutorials.
Good luck.
~AJ
I made my own very similar to that which Hans makes. It is open. I am looking for a closed ingot molds. Thanks…Rob
When you mentioned open molds in your post, the old-school one-piece cast-iron types immediately came to mind, and they leave a lot to be desired. They’re notorious for uneven heat distribution, rough interior surfaces, and castings that require far too much cleanup afterwards. The Hans-style molds are a significant improvement over those, so I thought the comparison might be useful.
Large silver pours are definitely challenging. Keeping the mold extra hot in the kiln right before the pour has helped me, though I’ll admit I haven’t poured ingots as long as the ones you’re making.
They are a challenge in an open mold, at least for me. I guess that is why I am looking for a closed mold that I can oil and keep hot until I pour. The Durston 8 - 10 mm should do the trick. Thanks…Rob
Hi Rob,
Here is another option…8mmx55mm rod
Those are really cool molds, but they aren’t long enough to do what I am trying to do. Thanks…Rob
I am waiting for a Durston closed wire mold to be delivered that has up to 10mm wire mold slots. My old mold only goes to 6mm. I hope that the new mold will allow me to draw longer pieces of 8 gauge wire. My current mold belonged to my father and is very old. It still works just fine other than for a couple inside dents compliments of some abuse before I got it. In this metal market I don’t let clean scrap hang around. I haven’t bought silver since January 2025 and am waiting to see what the precious metal market does before I buy any more. My prices are currently based on $25 metal. I will likely have to raise them after the first of the year. Thanks for all the great suggestions…Rob
Rob:
You may like to do another try with Delft clay by casting the ingot in a horizontal position with a vent at the other end of the pouring end (sorry if you already tried). I remember an old You-tube from India casting a slim bar about two feet long using sand packed around an wooden madrel and then pulling it from the sand, in your case you may have to make a basic box and a rod to pack the clay and then form both ends for the pour and vent.
Carlos…Thanks, I made a larger frame in which to do what you have described and it works well. It just takes a long time and I am trying to avoid it for just that reason. I had a larger mold delivered to day and I will see how that goes…Rob
The Durston ingot mold arrived yesterday. I was doing a small show and had to wait until today to unpack and try it out. It is very nicely made. My old mold stopped at about 6mm round. The new Durston goes up to 10mm round. That is larger than I want to roll in my flat mill and an ingot needs to be forged a bit before you try to roll or draw it anyway. I forged the 10mm round down a bit and then very carefully rolled it in my square mill to about 7 gauge square, rolled a square taper, annealed and drew to 8 gauge round. 40 grams of scrap resulted in 18” of 8 gauge round. I can probably start with an 8mm round ingot and still draw to 12” of 8 gauge round which is my goal…Rob