Step 4: Wax Chasing       left.gif (2115 bytes)

OVERVIEW | MODELING | MOLD MAKING | WAX CASTING | WAX CHASING | CERAMIC SHELL | POURING BRONZE | CHASING | PATINA

The wax casting is then cleaned up - a process called chasing.   The mold line is removed, by either carving or melting, any air bubbles in the wax is surface are removed.  The artist will then refine any areas of detail that might not have transferred well in the wax casting process.  A variety of sculpting and melting tools are used to chase the wax.  Whatever surface details the wax casting has at this point the bronze will have as well, even a finger print will show up in the bronze casting.


Bars of wax called gates are attached to the wax casting.  These gates are then attached to a pour cup.  The pour cup and gates are the plumbing for the bronze - how the metal will feed into the casting.  Often times a piece is cast in several different pieces and then welded together after the casting has occurred.

 

 

Wax Being Chased

Gated and Cupped Wax