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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:31:46

Title: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:31:46
Hello internet! I've decided to get into sculpting artisans (primarily for my own enjoyment) and figured it'd be fun to document my progress along the way. Updates in the chain below.

We'll see how this changes over time, and if it goes dormant then well... I guess it's because life managed to get in the way for a while.

I'm currently: Sculpting any random idea that pops into my head, and giving casting a shot too, with mixed levels of success.

Current Sculpts:



Apollo Keymand Module In process (It's busted. Will try again.)
[attach=7]
V2
[attach=9]
V2 after my kid found it :P
[attach=10]
V3 Abandoned when I realized I had made it too tall
[attach=14]
V4 Being Cast
[attach=15]

Mini Keyper Out in the world!
[attach=16]
[attach=17]
[attach=19]

Nekkid Mole Rat 2nd Draft Finished,was cast, now in production! (I have a weird affinity for this lil' guy)
[attach=5][attach=4]
(the middle one is the tone I'm going for)
[attach=18]

Tankey  Casted, it sucked. Will re-sculpt. (Going to do V3 to address concerns with proportions and detail)
[attach=6]   
First semi-successful cast:
[attach=8]
A failed attempt at re-sculpting. Let's do this again...
[attach=12]

Random Bird Skull Cast/On Hold (It's weirdly tall. Unlikely to proceed further unless I completely re-do the proportions)
[attach=11][attach=13]

Santa Maria On hold (Going to try and re-work proportions)
[attach=1]

Pile O' Faces On hold (Going to redesign since I discovered SUK Legion was a thing :-[)
[attach=2]

Big Toe Hilarious (I may just cast this for fun and to freak out my wife and kids)
[attach=3]

Mystery Sculpts In Process

Materials:
$ynth purchased on reddit, it's as awesome as could be. I really enjoy using it.

Sculpting Tools Have word out to a friend who is a dentist, they're going to find me some "old ass dental tools" that I can use. Edit: ended up getting a cheap set on Amazon because I'm impatient. Also, X-acto knife. Lastly, rubber clay tools. Bangarang.

Sculpey Arrived! Currently being used to make sculpts when not being used to make random toys for my kids

Lego for mold I have kids at home so covered there

Silicone, Resin, Mad Scientist equipment Most of it received, just waiting on Pressure Pot and Mold Release at this point!

That's about it for now. We'll see what kind of hell I'm getting myself into here.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Corgi Butts on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:42:11
Wow, good luck!  Do you already have some design ideas in mind? 
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:45:09
Wow, good luck!  Do you already have some design ideas in mind?

Thanks! I have a few ideas in mind, predominantly centered around my interests in architecture and calligraphy. So building facades, sculpted script, and the like. We'll see how it goes!
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Nonster on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:47:38
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Corgi Butts on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:48:58
Wow, good luck!  Do you already have some design ideas in mind?

Thanks! I have a few ideas in mind, predominantly centered around my interests in architecture and calligraphy. So building facades, sculpted script, and the like. We'll see how it goes!

I'm picturing an entire keyboard covered in custom caps with sculpted script for each alpha. 
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Corgi Butts on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:50:27
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


Best...name...ever! 
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:55:14
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


Love it! Pressure pot is certainly high on the list for me as well.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 12:56:14
Wow, good luck!  Do you already have some design ideas in mind?

Thanks! I have a few ideas in mind, predominantly centered around my interests in architecture and calligraphy. So building facades, sculpted script, and the like. We'll see how it goes!

I'm picturing an entire keyboard covered in custom caps with sculpted script for each alpha.

While I can't say that's the plan, it's not not the plan.  :))
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Wed, 16 August 2017, 13:09:48
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


I got the CA Tech 2.5 Gal pot and I really like it. It's a great starter pot and I run mine at 60 PSI (it's rated at 80 PSI) which gives me bubble free casts.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 13:13:55
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


I got the CA Tech 2.5 Gal pot and I really like it. It's a great starter pot and I run mine at 60 PSI (it's rated at 80 PSI) which gives me bubble free casts.

Well I guess I need to sell some of my scotch collection to push this $300 purchase through  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Nonster on Wed, 16 August 2017, 13:22:37
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


I got the CA Tech 2.5 Gal pot and I really like it. It's a great starter pot and I run mine at 60 PSI (it's rated at 80 PSI) which gives me bubble free casts.

Well I guess I need to sell some of my scotch collection to push this $300 purchase through  :rolleyes:
I like scotch :))

Definitely pricey getting started but well worth it to not cheap out on stuff like this.

Thanks for the advice Authentic Danger, pretty sure that's the one I'll pull the trigger on. Also, how necessary is a degassing chamber? I've seen conflicting reports of people saying you need it vs you can get away with just having the pressure pot.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Wed, 16 August 2017, 13:31:24
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


I got the CA Tech 2.5 Gal pot and I really like it. It's a great starter pot and I run mine at 60 PSI (it's rated at 80 PSI) which gives me bubble free casts.

Well I guess I need to sell some of my scotch collection to push this $300 purchase through  :rolleyes:
I like scotch :))

Definitely pricey getting started but well worth it to not cheap out on stuff like this.

Thanks for the advice Authentic Danger, pretty sure that's the one I'll pull the trigger on. Also, how necessary is a degassing chamber? I've seen conflicting reports of people saying you need it vs you can get away with just having the pressure pot.

I don't have a degassing chamber, but I may get one if I "go pro" and start selling caps. I've had issues with 2-part silicone molds having minor issues (usually the stems aren't fully formed) but if I start using a Synth, that may be a non-issue moving forward.

Good luck to everyone starting their resin casting journey. It's tons of fun and I'm hoping to get better at it so I can start showing off my work.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 13:35:53
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)


I got the CA Tech 2.5 Gal pot and I really like it. It's a great starter pot and I run mine at 60 PSI (it's rated at 80 PSI) which gives me bubble free casts.

Well I guess I need to sell some of my scotch collection to push this $300 purchase through  :rolleyes:
I like scotch :))

Definitely pricey getting started but well worth it to not cheap out on stuff like this.

Thanks for the advice Authentic Danger, pretty sure that's the one I'll pull the trigger on. Also, how necessary is a degassing chamber? I've seen conflicting reports of people saying you need it vs you can get away with just having the pressure pot.

I don't have a degassing chamber, but I may get one if I "go pro" and start selling caps. I've had issues with 2-part silicone molds having minor issues (usually the stems aren't fully formed) but if I start using a Synth, that may be a non-issue moving forward.

Good luck to everyone starting their resin casting journey. It's tons of fun and I'm hoping to get better at it so I can start showing off my work.

Thanks! We'll see how this goes  :D
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: I_am_not_me_ on Wed, 16 August 2017, 15:13:19
Caps centered around architecture sounds really interesting. Good luck!
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: wanewang on Wed, 16 August 2017, 18:19:27
trying to make my own cap too!
still in progress...
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 16 August 2017, 19:53:41
Caps centered around architecture sounds really interesting. Good luck!

Thanks! Very excited to get my not get my hands dirty because gloves!
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 17 August 2017, 11:07:45
Impatient Update  EDIT: sorry in advance for the photo orientation, still figuring this out!

While I wait with bated breath for my tools come in, I decided to put pencil to paper and start this thing.

I grabbed my trusty Rhodia Dot Pad, and determined that a DSA cap was roughly 5 pips wide, and 4.5 pips tall. I wanted to draw to scale so my eyes and hands could get used to working with the actual cap. To that end, I also decided to handicap myself with a pretty blunt tool: the #2 pencil

[attachimg=1]

Well ****. That ended up being too hard. I quickly moved to a 0.7 mechanical pencil, and away we went! The building in question is the Santa Maria Nova in Vincenza, Italy.

[attachimg=2]

In certain spots I used this cool magnifying tool that I had from years ago. I don't know what it's called or where I got it from, but yeah, it's pretty perfect for getting a good look at details!

[attachimg=3]

Anyways, after about 15-20 minutes I felt like I'd accomplished what I wanted with this pencil exercise, and the wait continues!

[attachimg=4]

I think one of the struggles I'll have moving forward is dealing with the eaves of many buildings. That might make some really cool buildings like pagodas pretty difficult to have success with in the molding process. We'll see I guess!
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Thu, 17 August 2017, 12:12:05
The drawings look great. I'm excited to see little buildings on your keyboard :)

Something to think about is coloring. It will be hard to have lots of different colors on the walls of your sculpts (like having red bricks with white mortar between them) so keep that in mind as you design (unless you're going to paint the resin afterwards).
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 17 August 2017, 12:16:02
The drawings look great. I'm excited to see little buildings on your keyboard :)

Something to think about is coloring. It will be hard to have lots of different colors on the walls of your sculpts (like having red bricks with white mortar between them) so keep that in mind as you design (unless you're going to paint the resin afterwards).

Good point. For now I was going to focus on pretty a homogeneous palette, which shouldn't be too hard with industrial
 and/or old structures. A lot of washed gray/beige.

At this point, adding a terracotta roof would be saucy.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Thu, 17 August 2017, 13:13:38
The drawings look great. I'm excited to see little buildings on your keyboard :)

Something to think about is coloring. It will be hard to have lots of different colors on the walls of your sculpts (like having red bricks with white mortar between them) so keep that in mind as you design (unless you're going to paint the resin afterwards).

Good point. For now I was going to focus on pretty a homogeneous palette, which shouldn't be too hard with industrial
 and/or old structures. A lot of washed gray/beige.

At this point, adding a terracotta roof would be saucy.

Doing the top a different color would be pretty easy since it's at the bottom of the mold. I say give it a try  :thumb:
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Thu, 17 August 2017, 15:16:20
Good luck, I'm currently in the same boat. I have the $ynth and have made a few sculpts and am now preparing to take the next step into casting.

The one thing that seems like a must to get a bubble free cast is a pressure pot. I've been looking at the C.A. Technologies 2.5 gallon tank. It's not the cheapest option but comes highly recommended and seems to be safe as well (which should be priority number 1).

Excited to see your progress updates and to hear from any veterans that have input and advice.

Until then here's a sculpt idea I've been toying around with, the TiKey.  :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SoefS0o.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/vYZIG8V.jpg)

swirls on top is really cool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Waateva on Thu, 17 August 2017, 15:48:18
Impatient Update  EDIT: sorry in advance for the photo orientation, still figuring this out!

While I wait with bated breath for my tools come in, I decided to put pencil to paper and start this thing.

I grabbed my trusty Rhodia Dot Pad, and determined that a DSA cap was roughly 5 pips wide, and 4.5 pips tall. I wanted to draw to scale so my eyes and hands could get used to working with the actual cap. To that end, I also decided to handicap myself with a pretty blunt tool: the #2 pencil

(Attachment Link)

Well ****. That ended up being too hard. I quickly moved to a 0.7 mechanical pencil, and away we went! The building in question is the Santa Maria Nova in Vincenza, Italy.

(Attachment Link)

In certain spots I used this cool magnifying tool that I had from years ago. I don't know what it's called or where I got it from, but yeah, it's pretty perfect for getting a good look at details!

(Attachment Link)

Anyways, after about 15-20 minutes I felt like I'd accomplished what I wanted with this pencil exercise, and the wait continues!

(Attachment Link)

I think one of the struggles I'll have moving forward is dealing with the eaves of many buildings. That might make some really cool buildings like pagodas pretty difficult to have success with in the molding process. We'll see I guess!

I like the ideas you've got going so far!  That said, DSA is one of the less desirable profiles, so maybe try basing your sculpt on Cherry or SA profile instead?  This would also give you more clearance to work with on the top end.

Keep up the good work though, and good luck!
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 17 August 2017, 15:51:08
Impatient Update  EDIT: sorry in advance for the photo orientation, still figuring this out!

While I wait with bated breath for my tools come in, I decided to put pencil to paper and start this thing.

I grabbed my trusty Rhodia Dot Pad, and determined that a DSA cap was roughly 5 pips wide, and 4.5 pips tall. I wanted to draw to scale so my eyes and hands could get used to working with the actual cap. To that end, I also decided to handicap myself with a pretty blunt tool: the #2 pencil

(Attachment Link)

Well ****. That ended up being too hard. I quickly moved to a 0.7 mechanical pencil, and away we went! The building in question is the Santa Maria Nova in Vincenza, Italy.

(Attachment Link)

In certain spots I used this cool magnifying tool that I had from years ago. I don't know what it's called or where I got it from, but yeah, it's pretty perfect for getting a good look at details!

(Attachment Link)

Anyways, after about 15-20 minutes I felt like I'd accomplished what I wanted with this pencil exercise, and the wait continues!

(Attachment Link)

I think one of the struggles I'll have moving forward is dealing with the eaves of many buildings. That might make some really cool buildings like pagodas pretty difficult to have success with in the molding process. We'll see I guess!

I like the ideas you've got going so far!  That said, DSA is one of the less desirable profiles, so maybe try basing your sculpt on Cherry or SA profile instead?  This would also give you more clearance to work with on the top end.

Keep up the good work though, and good luck!

That's true! I had just grabbed a DSA cap because I wanted to know the limits as far as width goes, but I'm thinking once I get supplies in hand all hell will break loose.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Fri, 18 August 2017, 23:01:35
i got a question for everyone anyone: what is your biggest challenge sculpting (besides size, bc that is a given when you're dealing with keycaps)?  for me it is when i cut a shape and i'm trying to place it without using my fingers=huge pain in my ass.
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sat, 19 August 2017, 02:27:07
i got a question for everyone anyone: what is your biggest challenge sculpting (besides size, bc that is a given when you're dealing with keycaps)?  for me it is when i cut a shape and i'm trying to place it without using my fingers=huge pain in my ass.

Since I've yet to get fully rocking and rolling, the biggest challenge is convincing my spouse that this is actually a real thing that people do, and some even make money doing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Sat, 19 August 2017, 09:00:26
i got a question for everyone anyone: what is your biggest challenge sculpting (besides size, bc that is a given when you're dealing with keycaps)?  for me it is when i cut a shape and i'm trying to place it without using my fingers=huge pain in my ass.

Since I've yet to get fully rocking and rolling, the biggest challenge is convincing my spouse that this is actually a real thing that people do, and some even make money doing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
u know i was/am hoping to make money, BUT have not yet. still i have found something i love doing. look, if u really need to make your money back just make a few pieces of jewelry and sell it on etsy. resin jewelry is huge right now. however i will say most people are using epoxy for that


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Sat, 19 August 2017, 09:07:21
but urethane properties remain the same, and could sell for jeweyi should add


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sat, 19 August 2017, 09:11:58
i got a question for everyone anyone: what is your biggest challenge sculpting (besides size, bc that is a given when you're dealing with keycaps)?  for me it is when i cut a shape and i'm trying to place it without using my fingers=huge pain in my ass.

Since I've yet to get fully rocking and rolling, the biggest challenge is convincing my spouse that this is actually a real thing that people do, and some even make money doing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
u know i was/am hoping to make money, BUT have not yet. still i have found something i love doing. look, if u really need to make your money back just make a few pieces of jewelry and sell it on etsy. resin jewelry is huge right now. however i will say most people are using epoxy for that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
True true. I don't think it's quite that dire (thankfully), it's more that my wife is still dumbfounded that artisan crafting not only exists, but is a hobby unto itself!


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 25 August 2017, 23:09:07
Update!

Finally got some tools and clay! I started at around 10:45 and am now calling it quits at midnight. Taking a stab at the building...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170826/189101c9979ad06bcde285e70b8354d7.jpg)

It's pretty rough to start, but the scale is about right and the clay is easy to work with. Now that this side is done-ish, going to see about adding columns/layers to the other sides while I think about how to get a base.

Until next time!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Fri, 25 August 2017, 23:12:51
Update!

Finally got some tools and clay! I started at around 10:45 and am now calling it quits at midnight. Taking a stab at the building...

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170826/189101c9979ad06bcde285e70b8354d7.jpg)


It's pretty rough to start, but the scale is about right and the clay is easy to work with. Now that this side is done-ish, going to see about adding columns/layers to the other sides while I think about how to get a base.

Until next time!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
nice! after jelly keys med resort i thought somebody should do a ton of architecture. looks like you're the man to fill those shoes. you're a natural sculptor. great start


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 25 August 2017, 23:23:56
Update!

Finally got some tools and clay! I started at around 10:45 and am now calling it quits at midnight. Taking a stab at the building...

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170826/189101c9979ad06bcde285e70b8354d7.jpg)


It's pretty rough to start, but the scale is about right and the clay is easy to work with. Now that this side is done-ish, going to see about adding columns/layers to the other sides while I think about how to get a base.

Until next time!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
nice! after jelly keys med resort i thought somebody should do a ton of architecture. looks like you're the man to fill those shoes. you're a natural sculptor. great start


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! That key was such a cool one. Did it ever get delivered? I've wanted one or two or 7 for a while, missed the sale by just a couple of days.


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Fri, 25 August 2017, 23:26:20
Update!

Finally got some tools and clay! I started at around 10:45 and am now calling it quits at midnight. Taking a stab at the building...

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170826/189101c9979ad06bcde285e70b8354d7.jpg)


It's pretty rough to start, but the scale is about right and the clay is easy to work with. Now that this side is done-ish, going to see about adding columns/layers to the other sides while I think about how to get a base.

Until next time!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
nice! after jelly keys med resort i thought somebody should do a ton of architecture. looks like you're the man to fill those shoes. you're a natural sculptor. great start


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! That key was such a cool one. Did it ever get delivered? I've wanted one or two or 7 for a while, missed the sale by just a couple of days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
maybe for the initial pre-sale, but the main sale that just ended a week or so ago im pretty sure it will take a couple months to fulfill. they are just now shipping me my oasis


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sat, 26 August 2017, 21:39:30
More progress...

At the risk of overworking it (I found it hard to sculpt while holding it after a while, I think next time I'll have to work on the base first so I can hold the $ynth instead of the building and smudging the **** out of the detail. Anyways, not a bad first go in my mind! I don't know if it's quite cast-worthy, but it's a start!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/af489dfc7ff86ca035c9b42ccf84e8c7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/829966b7cb33e55548109eb3abada717.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/57c09439b5b914cd85fcf3261e56d85f.jpg)


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Sat, 26 August 2017, 22:50:30
More progress...

At the risk of overworking it (I found it hard to sculpt while holding it after a while, I think next time I'll have to work on the base first so I can hold the $ynth instead of the building and smudging the **** out of the detail. Anyways, not a bad first go in my mind! I don't know if it's quite cast-worthy, but it's a start!

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/af489dfc7ff86ca035c9b42ccf84e8c7.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/829966b7cb33e55548109eb3abada717.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/57c09439b5b914cd85fcf3261e56d85f.jpg)



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nice man! i spent about 5 hours yesterday for 3 casts of one of my molds and only 1 turn out correct. BUT today i spent the whole day casting more and i think i got all 4 of my casts correct. in the end i decided my problem is that my resin needed to stay in the mold 2hrs before demolding, and that's probably bc my resin is starting to turn bc its almost 2 months old. so just know that each phase, from sculpting, mold making, and casting this is a learning process. at least for most of us. just enjoy the journey.


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sun, 27 August 2017, 04:49:16
More progress...

At the risk of overworking it (I found it hard to sculpt while holding it after a while, I think next time I'll have to work on the base first so I can hold the $ynth instead of the building and smudging the **** out of the detail. Anyways, not a bad first go in my mind! I don't know if it's quite cast-worthy, but it's a start!

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/af489dfc7ff86ca035c9b42ccf84e8c7.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/829966b7cb33e55548109eb3abada717.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/57c09439b5b914cd85fcf3261e56d85f.jpg)



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nice man! i spent about 5 hours yesterday for 3 casts of one of my molds and only 1 turn out correct. BUT today i spent the whole day casting more and i think i got all 4 of my casts correct. in the end i decided my problem is that my resin needed to stay in the mold 2hrs before demolding, and that's probably bc my resin is starting to turn bc its almost 2 months old. so just know that each phase, from sculpting, mold making, and casting this is a learning process. at least for most of us. just enjoy the journey.


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I've always wanted to be a mad scientist, so that's encouraging! Best of luck to you, sounds like you're chugging along!


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Sun, 27 August 2017, 20:28:23
More progress...

At the risk of overworking it (I found it hard to sculpt while holding it after a while, I think next time I'll have to work on the base first so I can hold the $ynth instead of the building and smudging the **** out of the detail. Anyways, not a bad first go in my mind! I don't know if it's quite cast-worthy, but it's a start!

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/af489dfc7ff86ca035c9b42ccf84e8c7.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/829966b7cb33e55548109eb3abada717.jpg)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/57c09439b5b914cd85fcf3261e56d85f.jpg)



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nice man! i spent about 5 hours yesterday for 3 casts of one of my molds and only 1 turn out correct. BUT today i spent the whole day casting more and i think i got all 4 of my casts correct. in the end i decided my problem is that my resin needed to stay in the mold 2hrs before demolding, and that's probably bc my resin is starting to turn bc its almost 2 months old. so just know that each phase, from sculpting, mold making, and casting this is a learning process. at least for most of us. just enjoy the journey.


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I've always wanted to be a mad scientist, so that's encouraging! Best of luck to you, sounds like you're chugging along!


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yeah. the most frustrating part for me is i make something and all i hear are crickets. yeah, my quality isnt amazing yet, BUT i really feel like nobody even notices my posts. i think i don't understand how to post to geekhack and more so use tapatalk. maybe im posting to the wrong subforum and i cant figure out how to include an image in my topic title either, which might mean something. i dunno. moderators are no help either. i feel like i belong on oldpeoplefacebook:/


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sun, 27 August 2017, 20:33:30
Sorry to hear bud! Yeah I think people will probably not pay attention until there's a decent-sized story to read (lots of process updates, pics, etc.) I'm pretty much just doing this for myself, so expectations are pretty low lol
Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sun, 27 August 2017, 21:58:33
Another Random Update

In a departure from architecture, I decided to fiddle with something as a counterpoint to watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix with my wife. A bunch of heads. Sure, why not?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170828/223d382487931e5115574fee985cbd96.jpg)

Ended up being kind of fun to do, even if it gives me the creeps. Will probably try to see this one through...


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: KeLorean on Sun, 27 August 2017, 22:27:06
Another Random Update

In a departure from architecture, I decided to fiddle with something as a counterpoint to watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix with my wife. A bunch of heads. Sure, why not?

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170828/223d382487931e5115574fee985cbd96.jpg)


Ended up being kind of fun to do, even if it gives me the creeps. Will probably try to see this one through...


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yeah, neat idea, and totally creepy. it's wild how the clay will almost sculpt itself. what i mean is a mistake sculpting may give u an idea to do something u wouldn't have done but it ends up better. sculpting is the best part to me. however the resin is very interesting. lots of wild things u can do with it


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 29 August 2017, 13:14:12
Okay, another random update

First of all, body horror creeps me the heck out. So what better way to explore that than sculpt some funky toes...

Big toe draft
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/1ae75dad17f13d0fb3dea60bdc54d884.jpg)

A whole foot's worth of toes in the creepiest way possible
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/abdb487a477651dc78546a072b3b3e07.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/fd5e848ba2bf5968841afeb18ca43f66.jpg)

Toe'ts weird I know.



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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Kenda on Tue, 29 August 2017, 21:02:51
Okay, another random update

First of all, body horror creeps me the heck out. So what better way to explore that than sculpt some funky toes...

Big toe draft
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/1ae75dad17f13d0fb3dea60bdc54d884.jpg)


A whole foot's worth of toes in the creepiest way possible
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/abdb487a477651dc78546a072b3b3e07.jpg)

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/fd5e848ba2bf5968841afeb18ca43f66.jpg)


Toe'ts weird I know.



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Oh my it looks so creepy


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 29 August 2017, 21:05:24
Okay, another random update

First of all, body horror creeps me the heck out. So what better way to explore that than sculpt some funky toes...

Big toe draft
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/1ae75dad17f13d0fb3dea60bdc54d884.jpg)


A whole foot's worth of toes in the creepiest way possible
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/abdb487a477651dc78546a072b3b3e07.jpg)

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170829/fd5e848ba2bf5968841afeb18ca43f66.jpg)


Toe'ts weird I know.



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Oh my it looks so creepy


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Hahaha unfortunately for my weak stomach it does indeed


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 29 August 2017, 22:49:02
Update! (I'm sensing this is becoming a daily thing :P)

My wife said my creations are far too weird to appeal to actual human beings (likely true) and said I should do something people tend to like, such as animals (also true).

I told her I'd work on an animal tonight.
I'd like to think I kept that promise.

The Naked Mole-Rat
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170830/ab822c73f2efb816a0a5e3a54fcb745d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170830/236df160496118e16b087601420a111a.jpg)

It's almost cute in a "unforgivably hideous" kind of way. Almost.


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Title: Re: Let's start sculpting!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 30 August 2017, 22:42:43
Nekkid Update

Taking another stab at the naked mole rat tonight which is pretty much just a way for me to practice wrinkles. I think the proportions are better (not to mention it's not so wide as to be ill-fitted for a keycap like the first draft), and I went with eyes that could be a secondary color rather than just holes.

Also, adequately creepy which is good.

Round 1 v. Round 2: Nekkid Mole-Rat

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/757df9976f56aa9b3e40b0b20df07f47.jpg)

Some Detail
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/425fd04b04f252ff60b6b508d132b924.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/240448c09720837d9860c13d2288c7ca.jpg)




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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Time to buy some science-y supplies
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:30:58
Drinking Update!

I don't drink beer usually, but a couple friends of mine have been trying to convince me it's worth my liver, so here we are.


Working on a new sculpt (Tankey) while I drink myself into oblivion, what could go wrong?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/9f373f1d146615ed06afde12aeda942c.jpg)


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Time to buy some science-y supplies
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 05 September 2017, 11:14:11
SHIPPING DAY

I got a welcome package over the weekend!
[attach=1]

Silicone, Pipettes, Stirrers, Pigment, Cups, and syringes, along with some Smooth-On Smooth Cast 320!

I quickly took to getting my 1st sculpt (Tankey), ready to bake:
[attach=2]

After which I quickly slapped him into a mold. In the absence of a vacuum chamber, I did a number of things to reduce bubbles:

Held the mixed contents on a random orbital sander to agitate the bubbles
Brushed the silicone on the mold manually to get all the nooks and crannies
Did a slow, high pour starting from the bottom of the mold
Held the mold itself on the same sander for some more bubble action
[attach=3]

All in all, seems to have been a success, though I did break the sculpt in the process of removing it from the mold.  :(
[attach=4]
[attach=5]
Here's hoping the cast will go will and we'll have a nice master!

I cannot wait for this pressure pot and mold release to come in the mail!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:03:14
Amazing progress!! I'm excited to see how Tankey turns out! Sign me up for a black tank with a red barrel ;)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Time to buy some science-y supplies
Post by: Waateva on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:03:58
SHIPPING DAY

I got a welcome package over the weekend!
(Attachment Link)

Silicone, Pipettes, Stirrers, Pigment, Cups, and syringes, along with some Smooth-On Smooth Cast 320!

I quickly took to getting my 1st sculpt (Tankey), ready to bake:
(Attachment Link)

After which I quickly slapped him into a mold. In the absence of a vacuum chamber, I did a number of things to reduce bubbles:

Held the mixed contents on a random orbital sander to agitate the bubbles
Brushed the silicone on the mold manually to get all the nooks and crannies
Did a slow, high pour starting from the bottom of the mold
Held the mold itself on the same sander for some more bubble action
(Attachment Link)

All in all, seems to have been a success, though I did break the sculpt in the process of removing it from the mold.  :(
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
Here's hoping the cast will go will and we'll have a nice master!

I cannot wait for this pressure pot and mold release to come in the mail!

I like the look of the tank, would be really cool with multi-shot!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:08:05
Amazing progress!! I'm excited to see how Tankey turns out! Sign me up for a black tank with a red barrel ;)

Thanks! This is one of the first colorways I want to try!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Time to buy some science-y supplies
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:08:40
SHIPPING DAY

I got a welcome package over the weekend!
(Attachment Link)

Silicone, Pipettes, Stirrers, Pigment, Cups, and syringes, along with some Smooth-On Smooth Cast 320!

I quickly took to getting my 1st sculpt (Tankey), ready to bake:
(Attachment Link)

After which I quickly slapped him into a mold. In the absence of a vacuum chamber, I did a number of things to reduce bubbles:

Held the mixed contents on a random orbital sander to agitate the bubbles
Brushed the silicone on the mold manually to get all the nooks and crannies
Did a slow, high pour starting from the bottom of the mold
Held the mold itself on the same sander for some more bubble action
(Attachment Link)

All in all, seems to have been a success, though I did break the sculpt in the process of removing it from the mold.  :(
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
Here's hoping the cast will go will and we'll have a nice master!

I cannot wait for this pressure pot and mold release to come in the mail!

I like the look of the tank, would be really cool with multi-shot!

YASSSSS
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Kenda on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:26:48
Interesting sculpt


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 05 September 2017, 12:35:14
Interesting sculpt


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Thanks, less creepy than the last one I imagine.  ;)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 September 2017, 08:58:27
Mission Update

I started watching a NASA documentary late last night, and was compelled to make a NASA-themed artisan

The Apollo Keymand Module
[attach=1][attach=2]

It currently has a rounded bottom, so I'll likely need to carve that out to fit it on my $ynth, but so far it looks pretty fun! Would be interesting to shoot this with a bunch of different pigmented details.

Still waiting on Pressure Pot, should arrive today. Bye family.

Godspeed everyone!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: KeLorean on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:06:38
Drinking Update!

I don't drink beer usually, but a couple friends of mine have been trying to convince me it's worth my liver, so here we are.


Working on a new sculpt (Tankey) while I drink myself into oblivion, what could go wrong?

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/9f373f1d146615ed06afde12aeda942c.jpg)



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awesome


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: KeLorean on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:07:08
Mission Update

I started watching a NASA documentary late last night, and was compelled to make a NASA-themed artisan

The Apollo Keymand Module
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

It currently has a rounded bottom, so I'll likely need to carve that out to fit it on my $ynth, but so far it looks pretty fun! Would be interesting to shoot this with a bunch of different pigmented details.

Still waiting on Pressure Pot, should arrive today. Bye family.

Godspeed everyone!
this great! keep it up


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:08:11
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:14:09
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)

Hahaha me too. This is essentially me twiddling my thumbs until mold release and pressure pot arrive. I did 3 sculpts last night, trashed 2 of them, and then ended up with the Apollo. So definitely desperate to get casting.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:20:55
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)

Hahaha me too. This is essentially me twiddling my thumbs until mold release and pressure pot arrive. I did 3 sculpts last night, trashed 2 of them, and then ended up with the Apollo. So definitely desperate to get casting.

I know the feeling. Casting is really fun but be prepared for a lot of waiting. I've been pouring resin in the morning and letting it cure while I'm at work, then pouring again and letting it cure overnight.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:24:02
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)

Hahaha me too. This is essentially me twiddling my thumbs until mold release and pressure pot arrive. I did 3 sculpts last night, trashed 2 of them, and then ended up with the Apollo. So definitely desperate to get casting.

I know the feeling. Casting is really fun but be prepared for a lot of waiting. I've been pouring resin in the morning and letting it cure while I'm at work, then pouring again and letting it cure overnight.

Yes, I've been mentally preparing for it... I just need to have a cast in hand so I can hold it up to my wife and say, "see? This isn't a stupid hobby!" lol jk
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: KeLorean on Wed, 06 September 2017, 21:39:40
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)

Hahaha me too. This is essentially me twiddling my thumbs until mold release and pressure pot arrive. I did 3 sculpts last night, trashed 2 of them, and then ended up with the Apollo. So definitely desperate to get casting.

I know the feeling. Casting is really fun but be prepared for a lot of waiting. I've been pouring resin in the morning and letting it cure while I'm at work, then pouring again and letting it cure overnight.

Yes, I've been mentally preparing for it... I just need to have a cast in hand so I can hold it up to my wife and say, "see? This isn't a stupid hobby!" lol jk
taylorisg, ur sculpting skills and creativity are already apparent, but as authentic alluded, that is only 1 side of this 3 sided "casting hobby." the 2nd and 3rd being mold making and resin casting. these next 2 sides may frustrate your previous progress, BUT it should also open your mind to a brave new world.

for me, this hobby is a roller coaster of victories and failures, brilliance and stupidity. there is just so much going on here i dont think the community has even come close to the full potential. in some ways the jewelry community has lead the way for resin casting BUT i believe in the next few years that will change. only bc i've never seen so many intelligent, determined individuals with such passion and lack of regard for convention or any limits whatsoever. we are the future...ok. im being a little over dramatic BUT this is mostly how i feel, and i can only speak for myself (although i believe our predecessors in this community echo this) that i will help u guys unlock that potential in any way i can, such as tips, advice, encouragement, and even financial support...of coarse in exchange for cool caps:)


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 September 2017, 21:42:10
Keymand Module looks really cool. Not many round keys, so it stands out for sure.

I'm still holding out for multi-shot Tankeys though :)

Hahaha me too. This is essentially me twiddling my thumbs until mold release and pressure pot arrive. I did 3 sculpts last night, trashed 2 of them, and then ended up with the Apollo. So definitely desperate to get casting.

I know the feeling. Casting is really fun but be prepared for a lot of waiting. I've been pouring resin in the morning and letting it cure while I'm at work, then pouring again and letting it cure overnight.

Yes, I've been mentally preparing for it... I just need to have a cast in hand so I can hold it up to my wife and say, "see? This isn't a stupid hobby!" lol jk
taylorisg, ur sculpting skills and creativity are already apparent, but as authentic alluded, that is only 1 side of this 3 sided "casting hobby." the 2nd and 3rd being mold making and resin casting. these next 2 sides may frustrate your previous progress, BUT it should also open your mind to a brave new world.

for me, this hobby is a roller coaster of victories and failures, brilliance and stupidity. there is just so much going on here i dont think the community has even come close to the full potential. in some ways the jewelry community has lead the way for resin casting BUT i believe in the next few years that will change. only bc i've never seen so many intelligent, determined individuals with such passion and lack of regard for convention or any limits whatsoever. we are the future...ok. im being a little over dramatic BUT this is mostly how i feel, and i can only speak for myself (although i believe our predecessors in this community echo this) that i will help u guys unlock that potential in any way i can, such as tips, advice, encouragement, and even financial support...of coarse in exchange for cool caps:)


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Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree that in many ways this hobby is still in its early days!


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 08 September 2017, 08:40:04
Update: First Time Casting

Hi all!

Big changes afoot. Casting equipment came in, so I went about setting up my garage:
[attach=6]


I cast my initial mold 4 times to test the waters, and here's what came out:

[attach=1]
[attach=2]
[attach=3]
[attach=4]
[attach=5]

The clay sculpt was broken. For the first 3 casts I put a little bit of pigment in so I could see the details better, didn't seem terribly helpful. 1st and 2nd mold both came out with a lot of mold release residue from the looks of it. Also broke when removing. 3rd cast worked (sorta) but had some issues on the bottom. Last one came out okay, but seems pretty matte. I'm thinking either the resin I'm using (Smooth Cast 320 which is the off-white that you see) isn't very high sheen, or that the clay sculpt I used wasn't polished prior to getting molded.

Next step is either re-sculpting the whole thing, then polishing it prior to or after baking (I dunno if that's the right way to go about it), or polishing the cast that I have (if that's possible) then making a new mold off of that.

If anyone knows the answer to that, I'm all ears :)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: KeLorean on Fri, 08 September 2017, 17:40:14
Update: First Time Casting

Hi all!

Big changes afoot. Casting equipment came in, so I went about setting up my garage:
(Attachment Link)


I cast my initial mold 4 times to test the waters, and here's what came out:

(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

The clay sculpt was broken. For the first 3 casts I put a little bit of pigment in so I could see the details better, didn't seem terribly helpful. 1st and 2nd mold both came out with a lot of mold release residue from the looks of it. Also broke when removing. 3rd cast worked (sorta) but had some issues on the bottom. Last one came out okay, but seems pretty matte. I'm thinking either the resin I'm using (Smooth Cast 320 which is the off-white that you see) isn't very high sheen, or that the clay sculpt I used wasn't polished prior to getting molded.

Next step is either re-sculpting the whole thing, then polishing it prior to or after baking (I dunno if that's the right way to go about it), or polishing the cast that I have (if that's possible) then making a new mold off of that.

If anyone knows the answer to that, I'm all ears :)
sometimes its hard to see details in photos, so what is the issue u are having. is it with the mold or resin?


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Let's cast this stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 14 September 2017, 08:33:28
Decent-sized Update

A few things in the pipeline:

Got a vacuum chamber, which is fun. Excited to give it a whirl this week.

Since the tank broke coming out of the mold, and I wasn't really happy with a number of things, I decided to start over, this time with a small threaded barrel I found at Lowe's:
[attach=2]
Still not terribly happy with it, as I'm not getting the detail I'd like working with the Sculpey all at once. I think the next move is to work on individual parts, baking the mold in layers as I work on it. This should keep each part crisp and not muddying the details. Also I don't like the crawl tread at all so I think I'm going to re-design that.


I decided to re-work my Keymand Module by starting it from scratch on the $ynth:
[attach=1]
I wasn't 100% happy with the proportions (it looked too tall and lean for my liking) but it was fairly clean and I wanted to try mold-making again. At any rate, I put it on my counter to get the oven ready, and one of my kids found it and proceeded to smash it...
[attach=3][attach=4]
Oops. Lesson learned there.

Instead of re-doing the Keymand Module yet again (I'm still not liking the limits of the V1 $ynth in terms of interior profile, and I have a V2 in the mail to try), I decided to make a quick palate cleanser, and do my first skull. To avoid the risk of re-hashing a common trope (and to further avoid comparing my work to those who have accomplished it much better than I could hope to), I went with a bird skull:
[attach=5][attach=6]

We'll see how this goes. I now have a ton of different sculpts to re-do from scratch, but I very much enjoy sculpting, so it's not a big deal!

Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: DON`T PUT YOUR SCULPTS WITHIN REACH OF YOUR KIDS
Post by: Taylorisg on Sat, 23 September 2017, 19:57:08
Big fat update

Okay, so this is a mish-mash of photos, anecdotes, and ways in which I'm sucking the time out of my day.

Ded birb. Made one, didn't much care for the profile, but it's too late now, so....
[attach=11]

I made V3 and V4 of the Apollo Keymand Module, and am in the process of casting it as a 2 piece mold.
V3 (booooo, too tall dumb dumb)
[attach=1]
V4 (yay, it looks just right. Now cast it!)
[attach=2]
 making the Mold
[attach=3]
Mold Achieved!
[attach=4]

Mini Keyper

This was an idea I've been toying around with, to the point of casting. Turns out pigment is hard, and I suck.

[attach=5]
Drippy reason makes me sad.
[attach=6]

Nekkid, again!

I'd been eager to give the Nekkid Mole Rat more of a go, so I decided to do just that. Molded the sucker, then made one, then two, then three, and so on... Now I'm making a 4-cap, 2-part mold for it half-because I wanted to prove to my wife that despite her thinking it's the most ridiculous thing, some people might actually go for it. Not smart people, mind you, but y'know, people. And the other half was because if I ever ended up selling artisans, selling something as ugly as this little dude would just warm my heart.

I decided to play with the translucency, and am thinking that the one in the middle is my horse.
[attach=7]

I wanted to make some masters, but decided why not have fun with it in the process. This is an Uruk Hai version:
[attach=8]

And a David Bowie version, which came out terrible because in my attempt to capture how his eyes dilated diffferently, I succeeded in making him look hella derpy.
[attach=9]

I was lucky enough to have time to meet up with someone coordinating a meetup here in Ohio, so I threw together a couple of artisans for them. My first fruits, if you will.
[attach=10]

Mold making, like a boss clueless person
[attach=12]
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: djfunh8r on Fri, 29 September 2017, 10:23:02
How do the stems turn out on the synth vs when you make your two part mold to cast multiples?  I like the results with the synth but it kinda stinks making one at a time.
Title: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 29 September 2017, 10:28:36
How do the stems turn out on the synth vs when you make your two part mold to cast multiples?  I like the results with the synth but it kinda stinks making one at a time.
So far so good, provided the bottom half of the mold comes out okay. I have had some issues with getting silicone to fill in the cruciform all the way, so now I just fill that part first and remove any trapped air before pouring the rest!

Edit: oh and also, I make sure to add a vent on the cruciform so no air gets trapped there  while casting.


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: djfunh8r on Fri, 29 September 2017, 10:36:33
How do the stems turn out on the synth vs when you make your two part mold to cast multiples?  I like the results with the synth but it kinda stinks making one at a time.
So far so good, provided the bottom half of the mold comes out okay. I have had some issues with getting silicone to fill in the cruciform all the way, so now I just fill that part first and remove any trapped air before pouring the rest!

Edit: oh and also, I make sure to add a vent on the cruciform so no air gets trapped there  while casting.

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It looks like maybe this is the cruciform vent?  I assume you just have one for each on the multiple molds?[attach=1]
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 29 September 2017, 10:38:13
That's it. Actually that photo is just 1 cap, so I have 4 there (3 placed on the corners of the cap, with 1 on the cruciform)...

For the 4 cap mold, it's a huge mess of swiss cheese holes...
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 29 September 2017, 10:40:57
I might add that how you pour the resin in matters in terms of venting.

My current method is tilting the mold and injecting the lowest vent with resin. Once it seeps out of the top vent, I know it's full and am relatively assured that there's minimal bubbles before it goes in the pot.

Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Fri, 29 September 2017, 11:02:27
What clay are you using for you molds? I've been using some Air-Dry Clay by Crayola and it's way too soft.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 29 September 2017, 11:09:35
What clay are you using for you molds? I've been using some Air-Dry Clay by Crayola and it's way too soft.
You mean as the base that I adhere my sculpt to in order to pour the silicone? Just super sculpey firm.


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Fri, 29 September 2017, 11:17:24
What clay are you using for you molds? I've been using some Air-Dry Clay by Crayola and it's way too soft.
You mean as the base that I adhere my sculpt to in order to pour the silicone? Just super sculpey firm.

Ah, ok. I was gunna give that a go next unless there was a better recommendation.

Thanks!

Caps are lookin' good! Still interested in a Tankey to call my own ;)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Fri, 29 September 2017, 11:35:12
What clay are you using for you molds? I've been using some Air-Dry Clay by Crayola and it's way too soft.
You mean as the base that I adhere my sculpt to in order to pour the silicone? Just super sculpey firm.

Ah, ok. I was gunna give that a go next unless there was a better recommendation.

Thanks!

Caps are lookin' good! Still interested in a Tankey to call my own ;)
Thanks! I'm working on V4 of the Tankey now!


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: xtianyves on Sun, 08 October 2017, 10:45:11
Wow really impressed with your work so far! I am loving that tankey and am inspired enough to almost start down the artisan path myself. Haha if only I had the space to do it. I live in a tiny 1BR apartment and two kids so there's really nowhere to do the work.

Will continue to watch and see your work get better and better!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: Taylorisg on Sun, 08 October 2017, 10:52:05
Wow really impressed with your work so far! I am loving that tankey and am inspired enough to almost start down the artisan path myself. Haha if only I had the space to do it. I live in a tiny 1BR apartment and two kids so there's really nowhere to do the work.

Will continue to watch and see your work get better and better!

Don't be afraid to start! I have 4 kids at home and space is at a premium. Aside from the casting stuff, this is my set-up:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/ff6eea541f65cce73cedd8fe251b0321.jpg)

I pretty much keep sculpts in the Tupperware as I work on them, and just grab everything and take it to a table or couch when I have a little free time (my go-to is the 30 minutes I sit in the hallway while I'm waiting for the little ones to fall asleep).

You can do it! If nothing else, just start the sculpting part! I dove in (a little too soon I think) buying casting stuff once I realized how much I like sculpting, but you can make useable keys with just baked clay! Not easy to replicate should you ever decide to share it with the masses, but something you can enjoy!




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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some ugly stuff!
Post by: xtianyves on Sun, 08 October 2017, 10:58:08
Wow really impressed with your work so far! I am loving that tankey and am inspired enough to almost start down the artisan path myself. Haha if only I had the space to do it. I live in a tiny 1BR apartment and two kids so there's really nowhere to do the work.

Will continue to watch and see your work get better and better!

Don't be afraid to start! I have 4 kids at home and space is at a premium. Aside from the casting stuff, this is my set-up:

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/ff6eea541f65cce73cedd8fe251b0321.jpg)


I pretty much keep sculpts in the Tupperware as I work on them, and just grab everything and take it to a table or couch when I have a little free time (my go-to is the 30 minutes I sit in the hallway while I'm waiting for the little ones to fall asleep).

You can do it! If nothing else, just start the sculpting part! I dove in (a little too soon I think) buying casting stuff once I realized how much I like sculpting, but you can make useable keys with just baked clay! Not easy to replicate should you ever decide to share it with the masses, but something you can enjoy!




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Wow now I feel bad about having just the two! I've spent the better part of the past two months doing my research and it's hard to piece together exactly what I need to start but thanks for this thread it's really nice to see how things come together. At least I know I have tons of LEGO pieces to use for use with my own projects!

That's some real dedication and I must give you kudos for the work! I hope to find some time to start in the next couple of weeks since I have a ton of ideas brewing. Just a little busy running a business with my wife at the moment!
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 02 November 2017, 15:00:23
Been dormant for a while, but I'm excited to announce I finally got this thing figured out enough to squeak out a small sale!

[attach=1]

For what it's worth, here's the listing! https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/7acnpc/artisanthe_miniature_mini_keyper_artisan_sale_by/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/7acnpc/artisanthe_miniature_mini_keyper_artisan_sale_by/)

Let me just say, thank you to anyone and everyone who has viewed, commented, and shared on this thread so far! So excited to make this dream a reality!

Title: Making Stuff Together!
Post by: djfunh8r on Thu, 02 November 2017, 17:02:49
hoping to get one of these!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Thu, 02 November 2017, 17:04:04
hoping to get one of these!   :thumb:
Thanks for the support!!!


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Sun, 12 November 2017, 23:42:21
Monthly check in on your thread. Keeping my eyes peeled for a Tankey...

Carry on and keep up the good work!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Mon, 13 November 2017, 06:02:22
Monthly check in on your thread. Keeping my eyes peeled for a Tankey...

Carry on and keep up the good work!  :thumb:
Ha thanks! Got some molds in the works, and tankey is on its 5th(!) redesign

For the time being, I'll just leave this right here:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171113/46e367c5ba9f165f08e4b3197b0ef710.jpg)


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Waateva on Mon, 13 November 2017, 11:38:21
Monthly check in on your thread. Keeping my eyes peeled for a Tankey...

Carry on and keep up the good work!  :thumb:
Ha thanks! Got some molds in the works, and tankey is on its 5th(!) redesign

For the time being, I'll just leave this right here:
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171113/46e367c5ba9f165f08e4b3197b0ef710.jpg)



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(https://i.imgur.com/gk7IQgu.gif)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: sidebooob on Tue, 14 November 2017, 16:04:32
Fantastic guide, this has helped me a lot!

BTTF gib pls.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: sinkingstepz on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:08:50
more boomsnep pls
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Cavemann6 on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:09:20
Are you still making artisans?
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:10:06
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Topernicus on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:10:44
NE moar NASA or Tank keps avail?
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:11:22
NE moar NASA or Tank keps avail?

I have the molds.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: sinkingstepz on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:12:52
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Cavemann6 on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:12:57
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.

Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: OneNightFriend on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:13:06
What flavor resin do you use
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:14:57
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.



Ok.
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot

Yes.
What flavor resin do you use

Cheeky.
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: OneNightFriend on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:15:49
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.



Ok.
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot

Yes.
What flavor resin do you use

Cheeky.
What types of cheek are we talking here?
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:18:20
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.



Ok.
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot

Yes.
What flavor resin do you use

Cheeky.
What types of cheek are we talking here?

If the question is do I use beef-cheek flavored resin, I think you already know the answer based on my sleeve tattoos with references to culinary counterculture, bold yet groomed beard and product-suspended hair, and statement prescription eyewear.


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Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: sinkingstepz on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:19:13
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.



Ok.
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot

Yes.
What flavor resin do you use

Cheeky.


We'll need some naked mole-rats while you're at it pls
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Cavemann6 on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:19:39
One of your neat caps  ;D

More
(https://i.imgur.com/rRDmsc6.jpg)
Title: Re: Crafting Artisans: Make some things!
Post by: Taylorisg on Wed, 06 June 2018, 22:20:02
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Ok.



Ok.
Are you still making artisans?

Sure.

Sure.
more boomsnep pls

Ok. You have convinced me.

Tankey or riot

Yes.
What flavor resin do you use

Cheeky.


We'll need some naked mole-rats while you're at it pls

At least say pl-- oh, okay then.


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