How is this made?

[speedybtx]

Saw this on one of John Underhills videos

 

[speedybtx]

I do see on the Zon of Ama, quite a selection of two part silicon rubber mold making chemicals.
the cylinders... use something like Delrin rods( I have some), etc. and a similar material to make a tall box from.

I do have on hand some plastics that should work from other projects. need to dig them out and post the info.
I need to keep cost low. who does not

When it comes to mold release, I see Stoner products mentioned a lot. There is a lot of varieties they make,
is there one general purpose that you would recommend, or another brand please.
thanks very much!

 

[speedybtx]

I have this .. I bet I ordered as Delton.
Mostly flat …
1/4 thick

 

[Mortalis]

That is made by creating a solid frame form that is cubic rectangle and inserting solid forms for the holes and then filing said rectangular frame form with a molding compound and then, using a pressure vessel to minimize the air bubbles and, letting the molding compound set. Then remove the solid forms to create cavities.

 

[speedybtx]

Yes Sir,
thanks, and allow me a few questions

The initial box..
could I make it from most anything such as wood, or even cardboard ? perhaps line that with saran wrap or wax paper.

would you have a recommendation for the silicon rubber material that fills the box. if nothing else am I using the correct name, silicon rubber ?
lol. I understand these questions may seem kinda dumb..

 

[JohnU]

Yes, you can make your mother mold out of wood but cover the surface where the silicone will touch it with clear packing tape. That will make demolding much easier. I would suggest a silicone mold maker like Plat 25. It's flexible enough not to tear but ridged enough to demold. Red Mold Maker is just too soft for a mold this deep and will make demolding very difficult. Here's a site with lots of options and info on silicone…

Silicones and Mold Making Materials

High-quality silicone & rubber molds for durable, precise casting. Perfect for accurate, long-lasting results in all your projects!

alumilite.com

 

[JohnU]

here's an image of a block mold i made. The "mother mold" is wood covered with "Tuck Tape" and the untaped pieces in the first image are just spaces to ensure my wall thickness and were removed before pouring the the silicone. This was made with Alumilite Red Mold Maker because its a larger shallow mold.

 

[speedybtx]

ok! thanks much. I am watching videos now.
The concept is coming together. I have to admit, in past projects of various types, I always ended up with wrong materials. or too much or too little of something!
Will start off "small"..
have hit the resources pages as well.

 

[jttheclockman]

Why not just use PVC pipe like most people do. Build a wooden box to hold the pipes. If what you are after is long rods. Cut to any size.

 

[speedybtx]

I am actually working on researching the PVC pipe idea. I have on hand, the pipe! I found an example on the resouces pages
this website is just chocked full of info

Watching the video by John I thought it pretty neat how he popped out the casting with some compressed air.

It seems I should order some Alumilite...

 

[jttheclockman]

I am actually working on researching the PVC pipe idea. I have on hand, the pipe! I found an example on the resouces pages
this website is just chocked full of info

Watching the video by John I thought it pretty neat how he popped out the casting with some compressed air.

It seems I should order some Alumilite...

If I may make a suggestion. Take it slow. Jumping into a new hobby is always thrilling and you get the want to do that syndrome. Start with the simple things. This can become a very expensive hobby and as you already found out there are many facets to this hobby. Casting is one of them. there are many molds premade out there. there are many methods of making your own too. You will find out though that molds of any kind wear out and do not perform like they do when new over time. Plenty of info in the library here as well as many threads written by others that are easily scanned to help you. You will also find there are many different casting resins to work with. They are not cheap either so do the homework but keep asking questions. take the answers to expand your search peramiters. Good luck. have fun and welcome to the site.

 

[speedybtx]

You are so very right JT. That is where I mess up often!

I do have most of the materials for the PVC pipe style, as documented in the resource/library page.

One question.. lol one?

How do you remove the casting from the PVC pipe?

 

[JohnU]

You are so very right JT. That is where I mess up often!

I do have most of the materials for the PVC pipe style, as documented in the resource/library page.

One question.. lol one?

How do you remove the casting from the PVC pipe?

PVC will not last and the longer or more you use it, the harder it gets to demold. The heat in the resin will wear away at the smooth surface making it hold onto the casts more. If you're only going to do a few, pvc, or other recycled containers will be fine. If you're going to make a lot, I would suggest investing in a mold or system of some sort. It will last much longer with less headaches along the way. Here are a few videos to help you out on options for molds. . .

 

[speedybtx]

Thank you John.

Yes I will keep it to perhaps three tubes.

The "problem" I have, being so new to casting, It is easy to go down other paths, without even trying the first path!

I certainly appreciate the patience and help everyone has provided!

 

[dschem]

Silicone is expensive unless you buy it in bulk, so it's often less expensive to by them from ptownsubbie than time and materials to make your own (unless you are trying to make something very specific/custom or plan to make many).