I have found an interesting read on the complete process for both new and old casters.
Hopefully it will fill in the gaps and help people out.
Here is a spread sheet that may be of use to someone. It helps track your costs, just fill in the info in the yellow blocks.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/94zlskqi43luuos/Lead_Alloy_Calculators.xls?dl=1