Iron Pour Returns to WI Makers Saturday

During the 2022 iron pour, members of the public scratch their designs on sand molds, which later were filled with molten iron. (Submitted photos from April 2022 event)

Members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater “pour team” fill scratch molds with molten cast iron during the 2022 event at Wisconsin Makers.

Remember that Wisconsin Makers is hosting its sixth annual iron pour this Saturday, April 15.

The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.

Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design, and her students and alumni — melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the liquid metal.

Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m.

The per-person cost is $25 ($15 for Wisconsin Makers members). Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.

After the sand mold is removed, cast-iron
squares cool down before grinding and heading
home with their creators.

At noon, Lind and her team will begin pouring the cast iron into the molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.

During the iron pour, brats will be available for $3, and chips and soda, for $1 each.

Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting/fabric arts, matting/framing and more.

It also is home to the Whitewater Art Club, which holds a free drawing class from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Thursday. Taught by Michael Alvarez of Whitewater, the class is designed for all ages and abilities, and one need not have participated in past classes to attend.

For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about the makerspace or memberships, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.