Pewter help?

[MiloMilo]

I last posted with a Zoanthrope plush, and now this. Maybe I should just sit down with paint and model normally like other people.

I'm really interested in modifying the pewter models for jewelry. Issue is that I'd have to reposition limbs and such to make some of my ideas work. Does anyone know how I would go about heating the pewter so it would be soft enough to alter but not to the melting point? General google queries have ended in how to make my own pewter and how to cast with it. Which, while interesting were not useful. Two ideas that were also found included submerging in boiling water or heating in the oven. (Do either of these work?) I'd like ideas on how to soften the model as a whole or specific parts (just so I wouldn't have to wait for cool down and having to repeat the process).

Thanks! :)

[Pherion]

You want Salt Dipping (http://astronomican.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4963&highlight=salt+bending). Alternativly you can use a similar process with boiling water. Just can't get it too hot.

[MiloMilo]

You want Salt Dipping (http://astronomican.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4963&highlight=salt+bending). Alternativly you can use a similar process with boiling water. Just can't get it too hot.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if salt dipping worked just on the plastic models or not. But I guess it makes sense. :)

[fade_74]

I don't know if the boiling water would work well or not. The melting point of pewter is approx. 231 deg F. Boiling water may not be hot enough at 212. The salt would work, but you would have to have a pretty accurate read on the temp of the salt or you may end up melting the crap out of your mini. If you want to try the Hot liquid method....I would suggest vinegar. The acetic acid contained therein may up the boiling point to a little bit higher. It will stink up your house though lol.

[Aldramelech]

Goodbye

[Andrew]

If I remember chem class correctly, if you add some salt to the boiling water it will increase the temp that it will boil at. This might be just what you need and wont have to use viniger.