# Founder

Part of the Metalwork Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/index.md)

> **5.** After completing the first four requirements, complete ONE of the following options: **Option 3—Founder**

Founding is one of the oldest ways humans learned to shape metal. Instead of hammering a bar or bending a sheet, you create a mold cavity, then let molten metal flow into that space and harden. This option teaches you to think ahead: every gate, vent, and parting line affects the finished result.

## What You'll Complete

- **[Req 5c1 — Molds & Their Parts](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/req5c1/)**: Learn the language of mold parts and common mold types.
- **[Req 5c2 — Sketching Your Cast Objects](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/req5c2/)**: Plan two objects that make sense for casting.
- **[Req 5c3 — Making & Pouring Your Molds](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/req5c3/)**: Build molds, position gates and vents, and cast lead-free pewter objects.

## How This Path Builds

Founding rewards careful planning. A bad mold can ruin a careful pour, and a bad gate or vent can trap air or keep the cavity from filling. By the time you pour metal, many of the important choices have already been made.

> **Tip**
>
> Casting often looks like the dramatic part is the pour. In reality, the quieter parts—pattern choice, mold preparation, and gate placement—usually decide whether the casting succeeds.

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- Previous: [Sawing, Sinking & Soldering](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/req5b3/index.md)
- Next: [Molds & Their Parts](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/metalwork/guide/req5c1/index.md)