Clayshapers - are they worth it?

[slah]

Basically what the title implies...

I´m thinking about getting some clayshapers for sculpting, but wanted to hear about peoples experiences with them.

Do they help? if so how, how much and can i expect to become a sculpting god 4-5 min. after acquiring some claysculpters!?!?

 

[Ritual]

Short answer: Yes!!

Longer answer: I assume it\'s a slightly subjective matter. Some might be more comfortable with using regular steel sculpting tools, but I find the soft clay and paint shapers really useful for making smooth surfaces and blending putty into surrounding areas. They are also useful for creating general shapes, although I prefer metal tools to create detail.

 

[green stuff]

If you want a smooth result, then it\'s the way to go.

But as most things, you have to take the time to learn to use it.

You might also want to experient with different shapes and hardnesses of the rubber tip.

 

[slah]

Originally posted by green stuff
But as most things, you have to take the time to learn to use it.

So we´re talking like 10 min or something....sheeesh what a let-down

All kidding aside it seems that I´ll have to try some out. I was thinking about getting them from Heresy miniatures, unless there is a specific name-brand that´s better than the rest?

 

[Ritual]

Andy (Heresy) sells the original brand, AFAIK, so that would be a good source. Andy is very particular about the tools he sells. Only the good stuff that he would use, or is using, himself!

 

[Einion]

Clayshapers - are they worth it?
I think like a lot of things this is basically going to have a very unsatisfying answer - maybe.

Individual mileage varies; some people are going to try them and immediately fall in love with what they can do, other people won\'t like \'em.

Personally I would definitely recommend trying them, since there\'s no way of really knowing which way you\'ll feel about them just by reading about what they\'re like. If you buy just one to test I would recommend the cone shape (Taper Point) as the best all-rounder of the common profiles.

Einion

 

[slah]

I´m at work atm, so can´t se andys shop, but as far as i can remember he sells them in a package deal. That´s most likely what i´ll be getting because of the discount and the added expense of double P&P if I decide that I like them and want a full set.

 

[freakinacage]

i would say yes, deffo. i use a small black conical small black flat most. i also have the lidl set which is brill for bigger things (only £4 for 4 shapers!). i also have a rubber cuticle pusher which does a good job and is cheaper than a proper shaper of the same side (most women have some spares so ask around)

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by slah
I´m at work atm, so can´t se andys shop, but as far as i can remember he sells them in a package deal. That´s most likely what i´ll be getting because of the discount and the added expense of double P&P if I decide that I like them and want a full set.

Yeah, if you can\'t pick one up in a local arts & crafts shop it\'s probably better to just get the set then. You can always sell \'em on via eBay if you find you don\'t have a use for some or all of them.

Einion

 

[demonherald]

I have to say that clay shapers were a revelation to me personally .. They realy are great for blending outty into hard surfaces such as when filling a model . I still use my steel tools for a lot of texture work but for smooth areas and blending in shapers rock

 

[dogfacedboy uk1]

Clayshapers get the thumbs up from me. They have advantages over metal tools and are great for blending and getting a nice finish on the clay/putty. You should still get some metal tools as well of course. I would recommend the firm clayshapers and a round fine and a chisel fine should do the job nicely, those are the two i use most.

 

[DukeGeorgal]

I prefer the tapered wedge tool, that is the one I use the most. I have the small firm set of five from Royal Soveriegn, and I highly recommend them.

 

[DarkStar]

I\'ll add to the entourage of folks saying \"hell yes\" in this thread. Definately a big gun in your arsenal of sculpting tools to own. Use them with green stuff, procreate, magic sculpt, aves, sculpey and even heat them use them with wax. They are indispensible. I use the wedge the most personally. The black \"firm\" ones are my choice although I use one of the softer white ones at times.

 

[Mindslide]

Hi, instead of creating a new topic I up this one.
I'm a beginner/average sculptor and I'm about to buy a colour shaper set for GS and maybe milliput and magic sculp. I've understood that extra firm is the best choice about stiffness, but what about the size? Should I buy size 0 or size 2? What do you suggest and what is your experience?

 

[MAXXxxx]

it really depends on what you sculpt. 28mm or larger and lots of small details vs large flat areas. but in general I'd find the 0 generally more useful.

 

[Zab]

yes. Also get some firm silicon color shapers for working with GS and dry pigments.

 

[Mindslide]

it really depends on what you sculpt. 28mm or larger and lots of small details vs large flat areas. but in general I'd find the 0 generally more useful.

My target is 28 mm (main shapes and details) rather than large flat areas.

yes. Also get some firm silicon color shapers for working with GS and dry pigments.

Do you think that firm is better than extra firm when working with GS?

 

[RuneBrush]

[/COLOR]My target is 28 mm (main shapes and details) rather than large flat areas.


Do you think that firm is better than extra firm when working with GS?

both oh firm and extra firm have uses depending upon what you're doing. Extra firm are excellent for flat surfaces (armour, leather etc), firm and medium are good for more organic things.

 

[Mindslide]

Ok, that's good to know. I have a bigger need for tools suitable for flat surfaces, so I bet extra firm should do fine, thank you .