Reddit mentions of The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook

Not bad for a first try.
There are a number of simple casting material pewter can go into but one of the cheapest is plaster. A well made plaster mold will survive several dozen pewter casting if treated properly.

You can buy a 15 or 25 lb bag at the local big box hardware store for under $20, or smaller amounts from an art supply store, though it will cost more per lb.

PLASTER MOLD NEED TO BE BONE DRY BEFORE YOU POUR HOT METAL INTO THEM THEY CAN EXPLODE OTHERWISE. Please wear the proper safety equipment, the bare minimum of a face shield and leather gloves,ideally with an leather apron and leather boots. How long it takes to dry depends upon the size and thickness of the mold and the humidity level . A 3"x 5" x 5" mold will be dry in about 5-7 days if it is not too humid. A way to speed it up is to put your oven on its lowest setting and leave them in there for 8-10 hours. They will be significantly lighter when dry, and will have feel a bit like fired clay.

You might consider making 2 part molds there are a great deal of references out there for that info, here is a video that covers the basics. (this video for clay reproductions but the basics still apply. You would additionally need to also carve or cast in a pouring cup and channel called a gate or sprue into the plaster to allow you to pour in the pewter.)

There is scattered info on mold making on the web, but plenty of solid books on the topics. I would recommend The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook
It doest talk too much about metal casting, but it covers a lot of the info for general mold making, and is a great resource. You might also look into Practical Casting: A Studio Reference by Tim McCreight is deals with metal casting on smaller jewelry scale and covers other simple molding materials.


I have also heard MDF molds work pretty well for a few trys, though I never have done it personally. Good luck!

This is not specific to injection moulding, but I picked up many good tips, and most of the general knowledge (for hobby), from this book by Thurston James.
Since your shop maintains dies, the best resource you'll have in terms of knowledge will be the tool and die makers which work there. Put any ego/superiority you have aside as it will get in the way of your learning (plus, theirs is bigger anyway). Ask questions. The toolmakers are a fountain of information and will gladly take you over every part of their craft if you let them. You will learn more from them than any book.

Congrats on the job!

http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builders-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281

It sounds like you may have molding and casting experience... and maybe you even have this book, but if you don't, it's not expensive and I think you'd find it helpful... materials-wise it's a bit outdated BUT I still find that when I'm about to do a new project, even with newer plastics, referencing it still tweaks my brain in ways that help solve problems before I get to them... perhaps you would also find it inspirational.

This book was both excellent and also used in a casting and mold making materials science course I took at Uni.

If you have a junior college nearby that offers the course, you can 'audit' it which means you won't be held to the assignments, or graded.

This book will get you started.

And this book will carry you even further.

A few places to start:
http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builders-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281

http://www.smooth-on.com/howto.php