(Three-day workshop)
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11:00 – 7:00 p.m.
September 16, 2020
Intro to Iron Casting
Wednesday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Iron casting is a community workshop experience!
Intro to Iron Casting participants work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work, pattern and mold making, and receive an overview of the iron casting process step by step. No prior experience necessary. This workshop covers multi-part mold and pattern design, lost- wax casting, resin-bonded sand molds and experience participating in an iron casting demonstration. The course results in your own unique design/s cast in solid iron!
All items for this workshop will be cast on Saturday, September 19, 11 – 4 p.m. Cooled castings can be picked up on Sunday, September 20, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Intro to Iron Casting workshops include up to 250 lbs. of sand and corresponding chemical, waste removal and related foundry consumables. Sand and chemical needs beyond this allotted amount are available for $.30/lb. Any additional material fees are required to be paid upon pick up of the final castings.
Hours & Admission*
This program is offered two times in 2020 on the following dates: July 8 – 10 and September 16-18 from 11:00 to 7:00 p.m.
General Admission
$285
Location & Directions
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in Swissvale and Rankin, PA in the Monongahela River Valley. The entrance to the Carrie Furnaces is located at Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin, PA 15104.
What to Know Before You Go
As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.
- What to wear: Closed toed shoes. Clothing you can get dirty. If you would like to participate in the casting portion of the workshop then work boots are required footwear. We have all other necessary safety gear on site. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven – sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
- Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities are generally not (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals.)
- Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
- Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible.
- Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
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What to bring: Nothing is required but if you have small sculpting tools or specific materials you would like to experiment with please bring them. If you are bringing items to be cast please keep in mind the size limits mentioned above and be sure your objects/materials are flexible and malleable enough to be removed from the hardened sand molds. We can advise on materials once you arrive so feel free to bring a range of options from which to choose.
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When you arrive please check-in at the front gate. Bring paper copies of your tickets or have them accessible on a smart phone. If you arrive early please remain in the gate area and do not wander the site.If you need to call for directions or assistance please call 412-464-0838
Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.
