What do people use for setting models into to pour the first half of a two piece mold?

Ideally I'd like something reusable. The employee at Blick's suggested a product called Earth Clay, but I'm wondering if something like a bake-to-set modeling clay would work.

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

I don't do two part moulds. I suspend the model, pour silicone all around it, then physically cut the mould plane with a knife.

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

Doesn't that run the risk of damaging the master? My understanding is silicone has a mold life of around sixty casts, max. How do you suspend it?

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

Yeah, I guess. Try not to stab it. :-)


Depends on the model. Sometimes more, sometimes less.


I build a rig, that will act as the feed lines for the resin when it is removed from the mould.

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

E&C is right that one-part moulds are generally better, but if you really insist, Play-Doh can be used to sink the models into to pour the first half.

Seems possible. Could be too risky with models that can't simply be reprinted (i.e. handmade).

Do you have a pic of a rig? I'd like to see how you do it.

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

Me too!

Rigs generally look like sprues, really.

Here's a rig I just built for some mini tanks. I'll stick it to the side of a moulding box, then cut it out later.

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

Oh, I see. So you just glue that to the side of the box. What would you do for a model that has no sprue? I'm going to be attempting to cast my Warbarques.

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

I'd make a sprue. :-)

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

Helpful and sarcastic! Super.

Slightly worried about the amount of contact with the box required for a model the size of the 'barques, but I'll experiment.

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

Sounds interesting and there is a shortage of them, what do your Warbarques look like?

This.


This particular one was a commission model that's since moved to it's final home. However, the design is pretty simple, and I'm planning on doing only one more and casting it for the two more I need for another local player, and anyone else who wants one. May also do another Tomb Complex:


Finally, the last of the two local comissions are Abbatoirs. Probably get a model I'm happy with and dip it in rubber as well...

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SG

Ghost's Paint Blog, where everything goes that isn't something else.

Looks good! I reckon I'd be interested in 1-2 of those