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So I have some experience in resin casting, using OOMOO to make and reproduce some nice 40k bases and the like and I want to expand my repartee to include larger pieces. Basically, i'm trying to find a good resin that I could use to reproduce detailed larger models in two part molds. The main question I have is: Is there an inexpensive resin that I can use to get the detail that I've been enjoying from my oomoo, but won't cost me $150 per gallon?

I know that when I start working on my next project it will be a learning process and will have some trial and error to make it work. I don't want to lose out on the details of the figs, but I also am on a tight budget. Anyone know of decent stuff to work with?

Alumilite resins are great, I especially like the RC3 resin as it strikes a nice balance between pouring viscosity, shore hardness, and flexibility. To reduce the amount of resin used, you could either use filler or you could slush cast the piece and then fill with a 2 part expanding foam for light weight and good rigidity depending on just how large of pieces you are talking about.

I have cast 1 and 2 part molds with OOMOO 25 and 30 and Smooth-On 121/30 as well as Aluminite Quickset silicone.

For resin, I have used AlumiRes Casting Resin and both of the Aluminite "Amazing" types - clear and white.

Two part molds are tricky as you have to really plan out where the the air is going to escape to. Although the resins above produced great detail, the fast set time can be an issue if you are wanting to pour into more than one mold for your cast. Your air escape channels should also be facing up so that as you are pouring in your inlet holes, its not running out somewhere else.

Although its not the "use this product" answer you are looking for, I hope it helps. Shop smart too and utilize the 50% coupons that the big box craft stores have and look for industrial plastics stores in your area as well. My plastics store sells all types of silicone, resin, dye, paint droppers, syringes, and polystyrene sheet.

There probably isn't a silver bullet for anything as I am learning what is available, but I do want to try to make some larger things.

I've decided to see what I can do with what remains of my current supplies, then get some Aluminite to see how it compares. Its a pity I don't have infinite resources to play with the different mixes, but that's just the way it works.

I found some dental resins that were powder based and could do some crazy detail if mixed correctly. I am tempted to try to pick up a couple pounds of that. It may chip faster though (dentists generally put a glaze on it)