Recently, my urges move me towards casting my own resin parts. I’m hoping one of you guys can recommend a good book on casting resin. The google search didn’t get me all I want to know. I’d like to know about making the molds, what’s the best stuff to use… Any recommendations are very appreciated.
MortarMagnet:
Finescale Modeler has run numerous articles over the years on how to cast your own parts.
To get you started though.
See the casting section.
Cheers;
Gregory
Thank you, Gregory. I’ve only recently started read to FSM again. There is certainly a great deal of articles that I missed, which I wish I had not.
MortarMagnet:
That’s why there are back issues available and eBay.
Issues of FSM that have information on casting your own parts
Fall 1983
November December 1984
September October 1985
August 1986
October 1987
May 1994
March 1997
July 1998
July 2000
November 2002
May 2005
Some of these should be available through back issues or on eBay.
Cheers;
Gregory
Yes, Gregory. I was browsing the back issues, as you have mentioned there are quite a few. I’ll see what I can learn about some of these articles and maybe I’ll buy a few backissues. I imagine that resin casting also takes some practice just like everything else. Perhaps, I’ll be able to find a tutorial out there somewhere. Thank you.
Try these links and see what suits you…
I was also thinking of doing the same thing, if I do, I will go with these sets…
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82698
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82084
Good luck!
Thanks for those links. Maybe I should use a starter set like that. I hate blundering through things.
Well a book will be good on how to make the mold, but this will give you all the supplies and brif instructions on what to do…
The thing I am most concerned about is the mold.
MortarMagnet:
The mold is the easy part. Here’s what I do.
Make a mold box out of Lego blocks with a minimum 1/4" at each edge added for strength of the sides. Now I will deal with this as a single piece mold (where you do not haveto divide the mold) this is perfect for making single piece castings (Boxes, Pouches, Arm, Leg, Head, Torso, Bottle, etc)
Place your “master” (what you want to mold) in the centre of the bottom of your lego mold box and pour your RTV rubber (slowly and slightly rocking the mold box from side to side to evenly coat the master) let it set up. All RTV comes with instructions on how long it takes to set up, FOLLOW PRECISELY!!! I have seen a lot of people wreck their mold by rushing and it is too expensive to muck about with so follow the directions carefully.
When your mold is ready. Do a “test pour” use tap water and a measuring cup (I use liquid medicine cups) Fill the cup to a mark on its side. Say 4 oz…and pour it into your mold note how much water it takes to fill the mold to the top level with no bubbles. This will tell you how much resin to use to make your parts. Dump the mold out and let it air dry or use a hair dryer on low to dry it.
When dry mix your resin and pour into the mold slowly but constantly into one corner with the mold slightly tilted to the side. This allows any trapped air to be forced out by the resin. Once you’re done pouring use a straight pin to poke any air bubbles that may form during the setup of the resin. Once you’re done that let the resin finish setting up and you’re part is finished.
Following the directions of your resin you should note that it is completely set when it changes to one uniform colour and hardens. Then you’re ready to de-mold and see your first part made. If it doesn’t turn out exact see what you can do to correct it.
Do not try replacing it in the mold and adding more resin this will just complicate matters for you. Just practice and pour carefully and you should see better results on the next piece.
Never throw poor castings out. They can be used for other projects. Poorly formed Jerry Cans can be used as bottom row in a stack in the bed of a truck. Ammo boxes can be slightly buried in groundwork to form the corner of a trenchline etc.
For a two piece mold (Use for full body figure etc.) You follow the above except you fill half the mold box with modelling clay (plasticene) and place your master on top of the plasticene and place a small piece of lego slightly in from each corner to make a mold key this keeps your completed mold lined up when pouring resin later. As well you will want to imbed a couple of small squares of lego near the top of the mold this will make your pour and air release vents.
Pour your RTV to fill the mold box to the top. Once it sets up remove the first part of the mold with the master still imbedded remove only the lego that was used to make the keys and the pour vents. Coat the RTV with a small amount of Cooking Spray or Vaseline to keep the mold halves from bonding together. Remove the modelling clay and place the first part and master in the bottom with the master facing up. Mix and pour your RTV and complete the mold.
When it sets up remove it from the box and remove the master. Clean both parts with a small amount of liquid soap and water to remove the cooking spray or vaseline and let dry. Place the two halves together and build your mold box back around it and you’re ready to pour.
That’s about it.
Enjoy.
Cheers;
Gregory
Hey Gregory, thanks a bunch. Doesn’t seem any different than most other casting methods. It’s not as intimidating as I thought. Again, thank you.
You’re welcome. It’s one of the easier things to do once you get the hang of it.
Cheers;
Gregory