282. Sand Casting For Jewellers with Iain Sainsbury

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Iain Sainsbury to talk all about sand casting for jewellers and how you can do it safely, confidently, and successfully at home.

Iain introduces his brand-new online course in sand casting, available now on pre-sale with 50% off until 6th November 2025. He shares why this ancient metalworking technique, dating back thousands of years, is experiencing a revival. With its low cost of entry, minimal equipment needs, and beautifully rustic results, sand casting allows jewellers to cast their own designs at home without the need to wait on external casters. No two sand cast pieces are ever the same, making every creation uniquely yours.

Jess and Iain dive into practical tips for safer, smarter sand casting at home, including:

• Safety First: Essential setup for fire safety, ventilation, and personal protection. Why you should avoid bulky gloves, always tie back long hair, and keep a fire extinguisher close by.

• Getting Hot Enough: Why standard butane torches won't cut it, and what to use instead - from MAP gas torches to oxygen/propane systems for faster, cleaner melts.

• Building Your Casting Area: How to create a simple heat-containing furnace using soldering boards and ceramic bricks to help your metal flow perfectly.

• 'Thinking Like Metal': Preparing your mould properly, from vent holes to clean sand and positioning, to ensure the molten metal runs smoothly and fully fills the design.

• Experiment and Enjoy It: Sand casting is part science, part play. Start small, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy the excitement of seeing metal become something new.

This episode is for you if you're curious about the process of casting your own pieces from home or have experience with it, and want to refine your home set up.