Bell Casting Event - 2018
April 10, 2018
Please join us for this exciting event! Bell founders Meeks, Watson & Co. of Georgetown, Ohio, will visit Iowa State University to work with students and cast the first carillon bell on campus. When complete, the Campanile-Carillon Model will be a scaled copy of our iconic Campanile, and will travel throughout the nation, showcasing Cyclone pride.
External Videos
These videos can be found on the Iowa State University Society of Carillon Alumni and Friends Facebook page.
April 9, 2018
Bill & Joshua Meeks with ISU Metalcasting Lab technicians and carillon students
Preparing the bell mold
Putting the mold wash on the core (inner mold)
Lighting the mold wash
Firing the mold wash off to create a smooth pouring surface
Joshua, left, & Bill Meeks prepare to transport the crucible
Jim Shelledy, center, watches a walk-through of the pouring
Richard Watson, left, meets with Bill & Joshua Meeks for the final preparation
April 10, 2018
Visitors tour the Metalcasting Lab inside Black Engineering on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 before the first bell casting for the Campanile-Carillon model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
Visitors tour the Metalcasting Lab inside Black Engineering on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 before the first bell casting for the Campanile-Carillon model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
Bill Meeks, left, and his son Joshua, of Meeks, Watson and Company, check the temperature of liquid copper and tin in the Black Engineering Metalcasting Lab on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 for the Campanile-Carillon Model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
The crucible containing liquid copper and tin is prepared to be lifted for pouring in the Black Engineering Metalcasting Lab on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 for the Campanile-Carillon model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
Bill Meeks, left, and his son Joshua lift the crucible containing liquid copper and tin for pouring in the Black Engineering Metalcasting Lab on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, for the Campanile-Carillon model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
Bill Meeks, left, and his son Joshua, of Meeks, Watson and Company, pour liquid copper and tin into a bell mold in the Black Engineering Metalcasting Lab on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, for the Campanile-Carillon model. (Christopher Gannon / Iowa State University)
Live stream of the pouring of the carillon bell in ISU Metalcasting Lab
Attendees watch a live stream of the pouring of the carillon bell in Memorial Union, Campanile Room
April 11, 2018
Removing the bell from the mold after 15 hours of cooling
Photographers capturing Joshua Meeks chiseling sand from the interior of the bell
Cleaning the bell exterior with a brush
Professor Caroline Hayes, left, chair of ME Department, and the new carillon bell no. 14
Cleaning up the casting mold
Jim Shelledy, Joshua & Bill Meeks after packing up
Metalcasting Lab back to before
Loading the pickup truck