Cuttle fish bone is the bone of a cuttle fish; a fish related to the squid and Octopus. They can be purchased from any pet shop in a variety of sizes.
Using a band saw the cuttle fish should be cut lengthways to provide two equal halves. The halves need not be sanded as the cut forms a natural bedding which is secure from leakage during casting.
Prepare a tracing of your design and follow the pencil lines with a needle, making holes closely spaced which follow the whole of your trace (placing the trace on to a soft surface like polystyrene makes it easier to create clean holes). On completion place the trace on to one side of the cuttle fish and dust with charcoal. This will transfer your pattern to the cuttle fish without damaging the surface.
Using a pointed tool - lino cutters for example - carve out the shape into the Cuttle fish.
Square off the top and bottom of the cuttlefish to allow it to fit within the mould holder.
Place the two halves of your cuttle fish together and with the Flamefast spring clamps place the mould into the mould holder.
You may need to pack one side of the Cuttle fish to ensure that the sprue is directly beneath the pour nozzle. (The sprue is effectively a funnel to allow the liquid metal to run into the mould).
Because the Cuttle fish is resilient you are able to use the mould on more than one occasion. The complete cycle can easily be achieved in a single lesson.
