Lost Wax Casting
Lost wax casting is a traditional jewelry making method where jewelers create detailed metal pieces by first making a wax model, then creating a mold around it, melting out the wax, and filling the space with molten metal. Think of it like making an ice cube - you fill a mold with liquid, but instead of water becoming ice, here the liquid metal becomes jewelry. This process is especially valued because it allows craftspeople to create intricate, detailed pieces that would be difficult to make by hand. It's also known as "investment casting" or "precision casting" in some job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Created custom engagement rings using Lost Wax Casting and Investment Casting techniques
Trained apprentices in Lost Wax methodology for fine jewelry production
Managed production of 200+ pieces monthly using Lost Wax Casting process
Typical job title: "Lost Wax Casting Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Lost Wax Casting Specialists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you set up a casting department from scratch?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss equipment needs, safety procedures, workflow organization, quality control measures, and training programs for staff. They should also mention cost considerations and production efficiency.
Q: What are your strategies for minimizing casting defects in production?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of common casting problems (porosity, shrinkage, etc.) and preventive measures, including proper temperature control, sprue design, and investment mixing techniques.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when choosing metals for casting different types of jewelry?
Expected Answer: Should explain how different metals behave during casting, including melting temperatures, shrinkage rates, and how these affect the final product quality and production process.
Q: Describe your process for casting a complex piece with multiple stones.
Expected Answer: Should outline steps for protecting stone settings during casting, proper sprue placement, and quality control measures to ensure stones can be set properly after casting.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic steps in the lost wax casting process?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the sequence: creating or injecting the wax model, spruing, investing, burnout, casting, and finishing basics.
Q: What safety equipment is needed for lost wax casting?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety gear like heat-resistant gloves, face shields, proper ventilation, and protective clothing, showing awareness of basic safety protocols.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wax carving and model making
- Understanding of casting equipment operation
- Basic metal preparation
- Simple finishing techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex wax work and model making
- Troubleshooting casting problems
- Multiple metal casting experience
- Quality control procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Department management
- Advanced casting techniques
- Training and supervision
- Production optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic casting safety procedures
- Unfamiliarity with different types of metals and their properties
- Lack of experience with quality control measures
- No understanding of proper equipment maintenance
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