Making A Pewter Pipe Hawk Head

[Tim Crosby]

 Back in 2012 there was a Pewter Pipe Tomahawk posted on the "Blog".

  https://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/search?q=pewter&updated-max=2017-09-26T07:03:00-04:00&max-results=20&start=1&by-date=false

 I thought it interesting and Six yeas ago (I find that, the time, almost hard to believe) decided to make one. For whatever reasons I never finished what I started, which is not totally new to me. Anyway the mold was made up from scrap wood and Auto body filler. It was made in Two pieces one side at a time by filling one side, it has a back on it, with filler, covering it with a plastic wrap, I used a grocery store bag, pressing the pattern in to it and allowing it to set up overnight. The dowels are used to align the halves. 
 A second piece of plastic was then placed over the pattern, the top was put on and filler poured into it, after setting up all night the Two pieces separated easily. The eye of the pattern was filled with filler so it could be removed. I sooted up both halves hoping it would work as a release agent. The Two pieces were clamped together and the Pewter poured, the last Pic shows my crucible, a tin can with a spout bent into it. Once cooled the pieces separated with a little work, the soot worked. I did Two pours on the second I miss guessed the amount of Pewter and you see the result, no bowl, it will be used somewhere down the line. The eyes were solid and I drilled and filed them to a rough shape, both heads need some touch up work.
 I will post that as it happens along with the other work as the project progresses.

  Tim C. 

 Top half of mold, you can see the Auto Body Filler



 Side View



 Both sides, pattern removed and sooted



 Head sitting in Mold



 First pour



 Both



 Crucible

[msellers]

Thanks for sharing, this is as impressive as the horns you make. Following progress, hoping for inspiration.
Mike

[rich pierce]

Really cool. You’re game for trying just about anything.

[Pukka Bundook]

Very nice work Tim!

Going to be fantastic when finished !

[Elnathan]

Very impressive. Could make spoons, etc, using that technique...

I wonder how well those auto body filler molds would work for brass. Much higher temperature, of course.

[Tim Crosby]

Very impressive. Could make spoons, etc, using that technique...

I wonder how well those auto body filler molds would work for brass. Much higher temperature, of course.

  Take a look at the melting point of pewter, about 259 or so, Brass goes at 4 times+ that at 1600. Not a good idea.
 I let the mold sit for days in the hot Sun to make sure it was dry. I have made the mistake of pouring Lead/Pewter with moisture present, Safety, Safety, Safety, Never forget it.
   Tim C.

[Marcruger]

Hey Tim, I really like the look of the hawk head without the bowl. Can a plain hawk be made if you salavage that head?  Best wishes, Marc

[tallbear]

Cool stuff Tim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mitch

[David Rase]

Never a dull moment in your shop Tim.  Those wheels are always turning. 
David

[dogcatcher]

Tutorials like this creates "monsters".  I have been wanting a "hood ornament" type of decoration for my 1911 Indian replica motorcycle.  Since I read this I have spent enough time researching after reading this that now, my wife and I are messing with blocks of wax trying to carve a hood ornament design, and then will attempt to cast it.  Thanks for keeping me busy. 

[T.C.Albert]

That is great Tim. Thanks a million for
The inspiration!
TC

[Levy]

TC and TA,  Back when I was working as a conservator for the Fla. Dept. of State, a gentleman found a pewter spontoon type hawk with a pipe bowl on it.  The spontoon pipe was recovered from the Suwannee River by an artifact hunter.  It was in excellent condition with a remnant of the handle still in the eye.  I had some copies poured in brass, but didn't really think to have it poured in pewter as was the original.  the pipe bowl was slightly bent inward.  James Levy