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Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
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Author:  DenyAllKnowledge [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
Hi everyone, have been browsing this website pretty frequently over the last year or so and have finally got round to my first post! Might I also take this moment to congratulate everyone on the amazing quality of work you all produce and also thanks for sharing!

My question is; do any of you guys know of (or have produced yourselves) any guide for molding and casting an epic scale figure? I've sculpted a few (Demiurg and Steel Legion trooper being the most pleasing) and would like to do some casts so I can make up a few units!

I've some experience with molds and casting since I used to be a modeller and painter in films and TV. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on making such small scale figures.

I've made some practice molds and casts of converted rhino's etc and they've come out pretty well, but I must admit that I'm approaching the figure molds with much trepidation.

I'll try to get some pictures of my current sculpts up soon.

Cheers.
Author:  Otterman [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
As way of introduction, there are a few copyright respecting casters here who are totally, for sure, not worth suing. I'm looking at you, GW. I didn't do it. It fell off of a truck.

The most professional caster is Ravenstar (www.ravenstarstudios.com)

The better casters on the board are, in no particular order, . These guys cast their own creations, but like you, they tend to be vehicle sized.

The worst caster here is me, Otterman. I have attempted infantry figures, with poor results. Air flow through such small cavities is much less predictable than with the larger vehicle molds.

I believe that the 'overpressure' technique, where the mold is poured and then subjected to a few atmospheres' pressure, would do better than gravity feed. Unfortunately, that requires non-trivial equipment, namely a sizable compressor and pressure pot.
Author:  Moscovian [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
My limited experience with moulding has only been with vehicles that I've made, although those vehicles have infantry on them (see my links to the Dark Eldar Raider for an example).  I find that the detail transfers surprisingly well.  With that said, it will be easy for air bubbles to get trapped inside those little fellas and you end up with a pilot without a head, a knee, a left torso, etc.  

Also you may want to consider using a mould release agent to keep the mould in good shape.  I found that without  a release agent on my more detailed moulds little bits of rubber were coming away with the resin casts.

Just remember to respect the IP of GW.  While Dark Eldar Raiders are the IP of GW, they aren't produced in Epic scale and I've made them for my own use.  Making casts of Land Raiders or other available Epic scale models would be a big no-no.
Author:  Moscovian [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!

(Otterman @ Oct. 09 2007,09:43)
QUOTE
I believe that the 'overpressure' technique, where the mold is poured and then subjected to a few atmospheres' pressure, would do better than gravity feed. Unfortunately, that requires non-trivial equipment, namely a sizable compressor and pressure pot.

I have more info for you on this.  There is a company that puts out a nice pressure pot here in PA.  While the compressor can be expensive, the fellas over at smooth-on.com told me there is a cheap solution: use the tire filling station at your local mechanic's bay or gas station.  This would be a pain in the rear for the long term but if you are desperate (or don't want to risk buying a compressor before trying your mould) it is a quick solution.

Just remember that if you make pressure casts you need to make pressure moulds too, otherwise the rubber will compress and distort the casting.
Author:  Reaver [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
Otterman's right; 6mm resin infantry is a nightmare! Even Pros like Forge World say they won't bother with resin infantry again. That said, I've a vague feeling Evil + Chaos once managed to cast some infantry; so he might have a suggestion or two. The alternative is to pay someone to cast them for you in metal - there are a few companies who do this; price will really depend on how many you want.
Sorry not to be of more help,
Reaver
Author:  DenyAllKnowledge [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 3:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
Ahhhh, indeed..... the old intellectual property.

Needless to say, I merely made a mold and cast of a rhino since it was the nearest object to me at the time!

Rest assured that I don't intend to be making extra beer money by selling the little fellas (I get that by painting 6mm Ancients and Franco-Prussian war minis)!

I used to have easy access to vacuum pumps and other more specialised kit, but sadly no longer. So I'm stuck with RTV silicone and 1:1 ratio mixed plastic. For mold release I am currently using Macwax, which has been good so far.
Author:  Moscovian [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
Well, if you are a homeowner and have some disposable income, I am sure a compressor would come in handy for you at some point (nail gun, etc).  I'll see if I can rummage around and find the name of that PA company that makes the pressure pots.  What corner of the world are you located in?
Author:  DenyAllKnowledge [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help making a mold for an epic scale figure!
Thanks Moscovian, I'm located in the UK. Would be interested to see the price range for the pumps you mentioned - probably mean a bit of saving up though!
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