Reassembling

After all the individual parts of the sculpture are cast and cooled, the next step is to reassemble the bronze pieces back into a single sculpture. First, the pour cups, sprues, and vents are cut off each piece. Because bronze shrinks a little after cooling, the pieces are fitted together as closely as possible and tack welded in place. Then, all the gaps are welded solid and chased, or ground, as well as any imperfections fixed.