Photos by Jin S. Lee and Monika Graff


or lost wax. This process uses wax impressions around which a ceramic shell is built. After the shell is complete, the wax is evacuated and molten metal can be poured into the empty shell. This investment method was used to cast the memorial material. After receiving the wax impressions, we created investment trees and prepared them for the pouring operation. At that point we were ready for the metal. I was very excited about this project and knew it would be a great opportunity for the company, but also for the individual workers. Once the


®


material arrived, the magnitude of the project began to sink in. As we opened the crate we saw twisted steel that was recovered from the fallen towers. It was a very somber and awe inspiring moment. As we prepared to melt the material, I gathered the crew onto the melt deck. Since some of the guys were in their early twenties and had no personal memory of the attack, I explained where I was on September 11th and the gravity of what we were about to do. My Melt Manager, John Hammond, likewise recounting his memory of that day as we tried to instill a sense of reverence


before we began. Finally, before we start the melt, we removed our hard hats and I lead the team in prayer. This job had considerable risk since


each piece was unique and there were no potential replacements. We couldn’t have any fallout and every piece had to be right. Fortunately, every tree poured off without issue and we shipped the order early.


While I don’t actually know how a small foundry in Missouri was pick for this job, I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity we were afforded.


September 2019 ❘ 33


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