Aluminum Calligraphy Dip Pen by Maker in Training || No Lathe Pen Challenge

This is my entry for the No Lathe Pen Challenge over at One Car Workshop which can be found here. http://onecarworkshop.com/2017/01/20/win-a-lathe-the-no-lathe-pen-challenge/ I decided to go all out and try my hand at casting a dip pen. I started by making a Polymer clay version as my template. I used silicone caulking to create a mold using a method I saw from the King of Random (Link below). By making a mold, I was able to create several wax versions of my dip pen. (This provides room for error on my part) I then was able to use investment casting techniques to create a plaster and silica sand mold that would take the heat from the molten aluminum. I used my small foundry to get the aluminum to melting temperatures. This was the first time I used propane to melt metal. The cast came out descent with only one gas trap at the bottom which did not change the look significantly. Once I cleaned up the casting, I applied a little "aging" effect to the pen and then drilled the appropriate sized whole for a nib holder. All in all I think it turned out great, what do you think? If you enjoyed the video please give it a like and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If you are interested in more, please subscribe! King of Random reference videos: Proto-Putty video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fwytA5r2Mw Metal Foundry Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHD10DjxM1g Propane Addition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO8NwseRxSA Safety note: I my video there is no regulator on the propane tank, BIG problem! Never use a propane tank without a regulator. Music by Bounce in Place Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/bipsounds Specific song: Back To Volos https://soundcloud.com/bipsounds/back-to-volos Used with permission