Is there a step by step video explaining how to do this? I want to make some copies of 1:48 aircraft crew figures, among other things in the future. Hans von hammer has very kindly helped me by explaining his methods and gave me a hepful link to check out but I guess I just need to see it being done. Making the mold is my sticking point…I know it needs air escape holes and a pouring point…may need to be a 2-part mold…yikes! Any help would be appreciated!
Len
No huhu. If you want to read, this is the best tutorial on casting I know:
http://ultrawerke.blogspot.com/2007/02/resin-castig-tutorial-part-i.html
[Note the idiosyncratic spelling of “castig”]
If you prefer to watch videos, This should give you a leg up:
Tom,
Thanks for the reply. I checked out the video 1st because thatswhat I was looking for but that one wasnt it ...I need the mold-making process...specifically for figures. I re-read what Hammer sent me and Im going to give it a shot. I`ll try Google for more videos.
Thanks again,
Len
The idea of laying out a mold is the same whether you make the master yourself or are duplicating a kit or aftermarket part. The basic philosophy is “think like an air bubble.” How would you like mold laid out if you were an air bubble trying to escape. Here are several suggestions.
Make the mold with considerable height- that creates hydrostatic pressure differences that can force a light air bubble out.
Do not bring the pour sprue in from the top. With that arrangement the air trying to leave the mold cavity has to battle the incoming resin to escape. Make the pour sprue J-shaped, which brings the resin in from the bottom of the cavity and helps force the air out.
Make sure there are vent tubes at every local high point in the cavity. A wheel, for instance, only needs a single vent tube to let air escape, while a complex pattern that has, say three bumps on top, will need three vent tubes.