I thought I would share that I'm in a casting class right now. We're working in aluminum right now and we'll be moving to solid bronze, gray iron and maybe the ever so volatile magnesium.
So far I've managed to cast salt and 2 pepper shakers, 2 bookends, 2 ashtrays, and a two piece pattern all in aluminum. I'll work on getting some pics up to show how much I suck at it..
We have to submit an open design and I'm not too sure what I want to do, Maybe someone can toss a few Ideas my way? pleaaaaase!
I've managed to think of a few things: a miniature truck, shift knob, something for my fj40, toyota plaque...
Other than the open design I'm looking at plaques, pots, pans, skillets, etc...

Why not cast a pair of aluminium soles for your work boots? Or maybe a set of false teeth for the "Jaws" look (obscure James Bond reference).

aluminum codpiece. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

Stay away from cookware, as AL leaches. It's also suspect with Alzheimers. The roomie once suffered AL poisoning from the old cookware her Mom gave her to go to college with.

Make an urn for some hard-core wheelin' geezer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I wonder how one would hold up as an anvil. I'm havin' a heckuva time trying to find a piece of railroad stock, or even I-beam. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Can you do pew torches, AKA candle holders on a stick. It would also be tax deductable <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

What casting techniques are you limited to?

lol, cod piece, a grill would be bling, but I would def take it to a jeweler and get it iced, haha... thats funny
Were not making the cookware from aluminum, just iron.
Today I cast 2 bookends, 1 bowling pin in aluminum and 2 pieces in bronze.(working on getting pics up)
Uhmm, as far as being limited(not real sure what you're asking but)-> heres the types of patterns I've done: Matchplate, cope and drag, molding machine, cored, loose and core box. We might get to "lost wax/foam" in March, which will be pretty awesome.
We're using a Permabond for the molds which consists of oil, sand(silica cuz it's cheap), western clay, and a few other things to complete the concoction.
We will be moving to "green sand" with a carbonaceous material, such as sea coal, to pour some ferrous metals. That will be taking place within the next few weeks.
Other than lack of materials and such, we're not very limited as of right now, later in the semester when things get more demanding and complex, I'm sure mold/core sizes will become an issue, as well as the gating systems..
Thanks for the ideas!! I may end up casting a steering wheel for a gokart.. not sure yet, I would like to get some more ideas from you creative people!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

We did sand casting in high school. I made an anchor. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Why are those tax deductable/

Maybe donate them to a church.

Must be a Catholic thing- I've never seen pew torches in a church.