werkshop wrote:Bubber,
Thanks, I agree with your "critisism", my gaming group suggested this as well. This started out as a test piece, to see if I wanted to continue making this type of building. It got much more detailed than I had anticipated. The reason I did not make an undamaged wall section and then destroy it was that I know how the Gator Board reacts and that was the look I wanted. However, I am thinking about making an un-ruined piece or two, that would allow people to destroy the walls to their liking. My gaming group is interested in that option as well. Thanks for the suggestion, it is the next thing I am going to do with this project.
I almost went into architecture, much respect to you for sticking it out through school, I went with the art degree instead... It can be tough to get your mojo back, I have been in slumps before, I have always found that projects for the gaming table, or backyard projects for the kids help get me back on track.
Gosick,
Thanks for the compliment. I hope that my enjoyment for making these items shows in the final result.
The easiest way to start would be to find a local company that sells resin and silicone type products. I recommend Smooth-On (to whom I have no affiliation, other than buying gallons and gallons of their material). They are a good source for materials and information, plus they sell smaller sample size kits which can allow you to test out different products without investing in gallons of material. Other vendors I work with do not offer that type of option, they prefer industrial clients and do not bother with smaller quantities.
http://www.smooth-on.com/
They offer small starter kits for $50 and up.
I recommend the 300 series of resins, they are inexpensive and flow well. Mold Star, Rebound and Mold Max Stroke silicones are good if you do not have access to vacuum chambers and pressure pots.
Yes, I make molds and resin castings as a side business, for the extra income, so I have been slowly acquiring the tools that make casting and moldmaking easier. But it is something that can be done in a garage or basement, using several techniques to make up for not having a vacuum chamber or pressure pot. Dusting your molds with baby powder is critical if you are not using a pressure pot. I imagine there are plenty of threads about moldmaking and casting here on Dakka Dakka, but I am happy to add my 2 cents worth if you have questions.
The main thing I like to mention to people when they begin moldmaking and casting is to make the best original piece you can. The silicone will copy all details, including fingerprints. The resin will pick up all of the details in the silicone and that will be the piece you are left with.
Thanks again for the suggestions and encouragement. I hope to start a tutorial on either large scale 28mm buildings (4+ stories and a large footprint), or perhaps techniques for low tech moldmaking.
Please let me know what you think and I will get working on my first tutorial.
Take care...
