Ibby,
Zinc was one of the easiest metals to cast there is. Many components for cars are made from #2 (diecasting) zinc. Older cars have rear-view mirrors, door handles, and the like made from zinc. (As of a year-and-a-half ago, #2 zinc was selling for $1.15/lb for small quantities from home hobbyist supply houses here in the U.S.) It can easily be melted on a stove (390°C melting point -- though you should have an exhaust fan running when you do so) and poured into a mold (which should be properly heated to 350°C or so) and cooled. I have gotten good results using (well-finished) plaster of paris molds.
I often "suggest" to people who express an interest in casting to start with zinc. It is easier to work with than aluminum and most of the equipment you need is already in your home. The main thing is to get a good Corningware pot (often available from 2nd hand stores) to melt in -- though I have used old tin cans in a pinch. It can still burn you badly (as can almost anything being melted), but the temperatures are more like "cooking" than "industrial."
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