LENHAM POTTERY MODELS
making high-fired semi-porcelain models since 1969
Seven steps to the Shire Horse Model: Step Six

This is
Step Six:
Slip casting

Menu:

Back to
Step One:
armature


Step Two:
modelling

 

Step Three:
intermediate
mould-making

 

Step Four:
the rubber
model

 

Step Five:
plaster
production
mould

 

Step Seven:
fettling and finishing

 

Back to the
Introduction

 

Removing the plaster mould parts from the slip cast model, Page Three of Three.

Removing the internal segments of the mould from the slip cast model. When the clay model is firm enough to support its own weight, the mould is rotated backwards. The outer front legs segment can be removed down as well as out. The angle under the chin is matched with the angle of the front hoofs so that neither are disturbed as the part is taken off. The wedge has also been removed. Theoretically, the inner front legs segment should now slide out but, as I said before on the page about making the mould, it is a fiddle.

Even more of a delicate operation is taking the inner back legs segment off. It has to go forward, down a bit and then rotate backwards from the bottom edge. This manoeuvre breaks the rule that all parts should come off with a straight draw. A bigger wedge which took in some of the belly would have got over this problem.

When the awkward part is off, most of the underside of the hoofs are visible and can be trimmed. The horse is then lifted off the outer back legs segment and I usually place it on a sheet of plate glass so that all four feet can be checked and positioned. The waste around the filling hole is cut off, and after the cast has dried a little more, it is placed in the damp cabinet to rest until required for fettling.

The break lines can be seen in this picture. These must be removed with knife, tool and wet sponge.

The next step is to finish - fettle, fire and colour.