This book is a basic introduction to lost-wax casting with emphasis on jewelry making。 It is designed to be used both as a textbook and a reference book and is directed primarily at beginners。 Experienced casters， however， will probably find some useful ideas; they may even find some new techniques。 Heavy emphasis is placed upon understanding why things are done in a particular way， rather than simply presenting a set of cookbook rules that will always work。 The book is also available in a 8。5x11 inch comb-bound version for use in the shop or classroom。 See ISBN 0-9679600-1-0。