Hello all.  First let me wish you a great new year.

 

Now, for my questions.  I've read through the articles over at Transtopia and some other topics(great work on the IG2KB, WV & team) & forums but need a little guidance.

 

Looking at the BareMetal article & starter kit, I can visuallize the whole process but what do you start from?  If I'm looking to create some pieces from scratch, is there a certain clay to use to create the original part?  I understand the bottom layer of clay and the molding steps, but how can you hand-make an original piece that won't be damaged/modified when you press it into the clay floor of your mold box?  If it is clay, do you have to wait for it to harden, or is there a certain type of clay to use?

 

Secondly, for the plastic resin that you make the parts out of.  Does anyone know which type is best to use?  I want to have TF quality plastic, not KO quality. (but if the price is too high, I'll settle for whatever the best option would be).

 

I have plans for making a similar MP-sized Devastator like WraithVerge, just not the same method as he recently uploaded (very nice, though!).  My other plan is making fully articulated hands for my MP Prime (taking some tips from that other article at Transtopia).  Like WV can attest to, these are going to take forever to work on so  don't plan on seeing much from me in regards to progress, but I'll post if people are interested.  The hands will be a much quicker project (obviously) so that will be done before much progress is done on Dev.

 

Thank you for your time and input guys!

Onewaydown,

 

go to starship modeler.com. They should have moldmaking and casting articles there in the tips section.

Thanks for the reply, WV.  I've been there, and other sites as well, and understand the process just not the material.  I've searched forums, googled, and just can't seem to find quite the answer I'm looking for. =(  I was hoping to tap into the knowledge of some experienced folks...  =)  I'd appreciate any other help.

 

Do you (as in anyone) use regular clay to sculpt pieces or something else?  If so, is there a good brand/type?  I bought some Sculpey brand regular clay but it's too pliable and my shape is lost when i'm handling it. Like I was trying to create a mock OP finger to test some things, but I could not get the clay to be very precise and when I try to mess with it, I screw up the overall shape.  Should I heat it up to make it more rigid to work with or is there a good epoxy or something?  Or do you styrene and cut/sand from a block of that?

 

And to touch on the resin again, I'm really only looking for good brands/types.  I've seen some people talk about Aluminite, Por-a-Kast and Polytek brands.  Anyone have any experience with any of those?  Anybody know what to stay away from?

 

 

I really hate to come of as such a 'noob', but I truly am in this and would appreciate any guidance anyone can provide.  I'm not really looking for what to DO but more what to GET or NOT GET (from the experience of other talented peeps) in regards to materials.

 

Once again, I appreciate your help!!