casting

[cybersquig]

I\'d love to make casts of some components I\'ve sculpted so that I can make many accurate copies of them. Having said that I have absolutely no idea how to begin - is there somewhere that has a comprehensive explanation of such things? If not, any advice on the potential options open to me?

 

[PegaZus]

I think Hirst Arts may be the gold standard of casting (or at least, mold making) in many people\'s opinion.

Here\'s his mold making page that would probably be a good place to start.

 

[Einion]

Try a search, lots of previous threads on various casting issues with info that\'ll help. Here\'s one:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/forums/viewthread.php?tid=28412

Einion

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Here\'s a simple one\'s.

http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/739/levels/3

 

[Bigdennis52]

I just got some milliput today, those articles were pretty helpful, thanks everyone

 

[airhead]

what meduim are you wanting to produce?
Press cast in milliput/GS/sculpy?

Poured resin cast?

Poured white metal cast?

How many products are you wanting to pull from the molds? At what kind of production rate?

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

 

[cybersquig]

all good questions airhead, thanks.

to clarify,

I\'m quite happily press moulding components as I need them, but I\'d like to be able to make a mould of some greens that I can use maybe a few hundred times as I need to, with better accuracy. Then I can make my own dollies quickly, in various states of dress and undress, which\'ll make the whole scratch building process easier. Plus some people have asked me if I have the ability to cast some of my sculpting work for them to have a copy - I\'d be happy to oblige if I just knew how to do it. So to answer the question about production rate, I\'m not fussed really, just something quick, easy, reliable, accurate and without an extortionate setup cost. I realise some of those things may well be mutually exclusive. Oh, and if it only required materials and equipment I could keep in my caravan then all the better!

Thanks again,

James

 

[airhead]

I use the smooth-on products. Quart of mold making ureathane rubber and a quart of casting (white) resin. Some leggos to make mold boxes and some sculpy to seal it. All in a box about the size of a shoebox.

FYI, All of the products have a shelf life once you open them.

See the link above. There\'s some good articles and also the Hirst Arts website linke earlier.

 

[mickc22]

there are a ton of really good videos over at

Tap Plastics

some casting suppliers I\'ve used here:

Tomps

Sylmasta

Tiranti

 

[cybersquig]

thanks guys, that\'s really great. I still don\'t have time, but when I do I\'ll scour the websites you\'ve all recommended, I\'m sure they\'ll clarify things for me. Thanks so much!