Some years back I started tinkering with pewter casting. I’ve made a number of badges, tokens, buckles, and other bits, with varying degrees of success.
Materials
I’ve been getting my metal lately from RotoMetals. The price has risen drastically lately, but I imagine that’s the case from any supplier these days.
I originally made my molds from soapstone ordered online from Dick Blick, then switched to using pyrophyllite (aka African Wonderstone) acquired from burntmud.com. It’s got a similar hardness and cost but is less prone to breakage. I am currently using soapstone again.
Tools
My primary tools are a set of cheap wood carving tools I got from Michael’s. I also have a graver made from the end of a screw set into a wooden handle, a few dental picks, an eyeglass screwdriver, and other bits and pieces. I also like to keep some Play-Doh on hand to preview the finished product as I go.
I melt my metal in a Lee electric pot, though I disabled the spout on the bottom because it didn’t pour fast enough and use a Lyman side pour ladle instead.
I also have a beginner’s sand casting kit that I use on those rare occasions that call for it.