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Figure 90. Plaster mold, separated. When the mold has seasoned thoroughly, cut out eyelet grooves and hook slots as well as a carving hole. First you must get samples of the hook size and wire eyelet you will use. The eyelets are easily formed from soft copper or brass wire in the shape shown in Fig. 91. When you have the sample eyelet and hook, place them in position on the plaster mold and trace around them with a pencil to indicate the part which will have to be removed. Wood carving tools are ideal for removing this plaster, to make room for the eyelet and hook, but you can also use a small, sharp knife. A larger knife can be used to carve out the funnel-shaped pouring hole. This is done to both halves of the plaster mold, as shown in Fig. 92. Figure 91. Shape of wire eye. Figure 92. Plaster halves of mold prepared for wire eye and hook. For casting the jigs you will need some lead or block tin or a combination of the two such as bar solder. Scrap lead or tin can often be bought from a junk dealer or a plumber. Solder bars are sold by plumber's supply houses or hardware stores. The greater the proportion of tin you use, the lighter the jig will be both in weight and appearance. A jig cast from almost pure tin will be very white and silvery in appearance and does not have to be painted. A jig cast from lead will be dark and will turn black later. Such jigs are heavier and are usually painted.
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