[TheForge] New Member introduction.

[MattCrunk at aol.com]

Hello folks, and happy holidays on this very pleasant Christmas eve.
 
New member here. I was researching metal casting and finishing online and  it 
lead me to this list. Several lists actually. So I've joined them all at once 
 in hopes of finding my answers.
 
My interest in (and knowledge of) metalworking is fairly limited and  
specific. I'm a tattoo artist by trade and also an occasional builder of  
professional tattoo machines (most people outside the industry call them guns)  for 
myself and other artists. I have previously either hand made the frames  for my 
machines by cutting and bending, milling them from solid stock,  or purchasing 
them ready-made from outside sources. But I would like to  start casting my own.
 
These frames are small, with overall dimensions no larger than about 4" x  3" 
x 1" max. They are commonly cast in iron, brass, or steel, and occasionally  
copper or aluminum. I would prefer to cast in brass. They could actually be 
cast  in any material as long as it was reasonably rigid and sturdy.
 
I'm vaguely familiar with the casting process, sand casting, lost wax, etc.  
but know nothing about home casting or what such a set up  requires. However, 
seeing that there several yahoo groups and other email  lists devoted to 
home/hobby casting, it makes me think that maybe the setup is  at least not cost 
prohibitive for my needs.
 
I'd welcome any advice you could give me on set up, sources, etc.  Thanks.
 
-Matt Crunk