Intro to Iron Casting Workshop

Location: 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Iron casting is a community workshop experience!

This program is a three-day workshop offered Thursday through Saturday, June 27 – 29, July 18 — 20, and October 3 – 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Intro to Iron Casting participants work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work, pattern, and mold-making, and receive a step-by-step overview of the iron-casting process. No prior experience is necessary. This workshop covers multi-part mold and pattern design, lost-wax casting, resin-bonded sand molds, and experience participating in an iron-casting demonstration. The course results in your own unique design(s) cast in solid iron!

All items for the workshop will be cast on Saturday, June 29. Cooled castings can be picked up on the following Sunday.

Please note that the iron-casting operation is scheduled from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m., but it can often last eight or more hours. The actual start time for the casting period is determined on the day of the event based on mold count, outdoor temperature, and other factors. Additionally, the pick-up window is 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. However, it may be later than anticipated if the casting operation lasts long into the previous evening. Check with Rivers of Steel Metal Arts staff on the casting date for more specific information.

Intro to Iron Casting workshops include up to 250 lbs. of sand and corresponding chemical, waste removal, and related foundry consumables. Sand and chemical needs beyond this allotted amount are available for $.31/lb.  Any additional material fees are required to be paid upon pick up of the final castings.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets!