Author Topic: Starting keycap crafting (Read 128352 times)

JT_Sea · « **on:** Tue, 12 April 2016, 23:03:42 »

So, I've found many awesome caps that I can't come close to affording. I figured I might as well give making one a shot.

I thought I'd start with something I like - video games.

So far I'm fairly happy with how this is turning out. From what I've been told the teeth as they are won't cast well, so I think I'm going to redo them.

Now to track down a toaster oven, and order some stuff from reynolds advanced materials.

And any input would be appreciated.

alexjd99 · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 12 April 2016, 23:11:05 »

Looks good overall! I would recommend two things to make casting easier. I would make the mouth solid, and carve the teeth, so there isn't an actual gap in the mouth (if that makes sense, just so that there's no nooks or crannies when you're casting that will make the mold all wonky). I would also angle the leaves up a bit, so that they aren't also parallel to the top of the mold. It would make it easier to pull out of the mold, even if you only angle it 20 degrees or so.

Great progress so far though, can't wait to see what else you'll make

JT_Sea · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 12 April 2016, 23:31:23 »

Quote from: alexjd99 on Tue, 12 April 2016, 23:11:05

Looks good overall! I would recommend two things to make casting easier. I would make the mouth solid, and carve the teeth, so there isn't an actual gap in the mouth (if that makes sense, just so that there's no nooks or crannies when you're casting that will make the mold all wonky). I would also angle the leaves up a bit, so that they aren't also parallel to the top of the mold. It would make it easier to pull out of the mold, even if you only angle it 20 degrees or so.

Great progress so far though, can't wait to see what else you'll make

I think I get what you are saying. I'll take it into consideration, thanks!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54 »

I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 16 April 2016, 22:29:07 »

After letting the piranha plant sit for a few days, I think I'll start that one over again. Its not really conveying anything good.

But in the mean time I've started working on other caps for the Super Mario series. I thought the goomba would be a good candidate.

This guy can definitely use some finishing, but overall I'm happy with the first pass.

As always input is appreciated

suicidal_orange · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 17 April 2016, 06:09:20 »

If that goomba is small enough to not hit the caps around it that's looking great, and piranha plant v2 looks easier to cast and more comfortable to press - definite progress

iLLucionist · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 17 April 2016, 07:29:18 »

How do you actually make those?

JT_Sea · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 17 April 2016, 21:09:11 »

Quote from: iLLucionist on Sun, 17 April 2016, 07:29:18

How do you actually make those?

@iLLucionist currently I'm just sculpting these out of Super Sculpey http://www.ebay.com/itm/251644946799?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT. Next step is to actually bake them, so they harden and from there I can start the casting process.

Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sun, 17 April 2016, 06:09:20

If that goomba is small enough to not hit the caps around it that's looking great, and piranha plant v2 looks easier to cast and more comfortable to press - definite progress

@suicidal_orange So far I think it is. I actually don't have a mech at home, just in the office. I'll have to cart the lil goomba in tomorrow and see.π

iLLucionist · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 04:25:23 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Sun, 17 April 2016, 21:09:11

Quote from: iLLucionist on Sun, 17 April 2016, 07:29:18
How do you actually make those?
@iLLucionist currently I'm just sculpting these out of Super Sculpey http://www.ebay.com/itm/251644946799?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT. Next step is to actually bake them, so they harden and from there I can start the casting process.

Really cool, thanks for the info!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:14:12 »

Boo hiss - I made this fella a lil to big. I'll have to try sanding it down now that I baked it. I may also just try and make a V2, we'll see what shapes up.

iLLucionist · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:15:14 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:14:12

Boo hiss - I made this fella a lil to big. I'll have to try sanding it down now that I baked it. I may also just try and make a V2, we'll see what shapes up.

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Looks nice. Can you actually push that cap down?

romevi · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:17:20 »

Want a Goomba.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:29:50 »

Quote from: iLLucionist on Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:15:14

Quote from: JT_Sea on Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:14:12
Boo hiss - I made this fella a lil to big. I'll have to try sanding it down now that I baked it. I may also just try and make a V2, we'll see what shapes up.

Show Image

Show Image

Looks nice. Can you actually push that cap down?

@iLLucionist - nope not yet, thats what the boo-hiss was all about. The goomba needs to go on a diet.

I'm going to try sanding it down tonight, and if that doesn't work out I will make another one.

DvorakDachshund · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 17:30:02 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Mon, 18 April 2016, 10:29:50

The goomba needs to go on a diet.

I'm going to try sanding it down tonight, and if that doesn't work out I will make another one.

I'll say, that thing is enormous! Like the design though, I really like the idea of squishing Goombas

JT_Sea · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 18 April 2016, 23:39:20 »

Started working on Goomba V1.5

Definitely a rough pass right now, hopefully I can get some more time in tomorrow and make this lil fella look better.

iLLucionist · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 06:00:08 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Mon, 18 April 2016, 23:39:20

Started working on Goomba V1.5

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Definitely a rough pass right now, hopefully I can get some more time in tomorrow and make this lil fella look better.

Nice attempts! Are you going to paint them over? Or leave them as is?

romevi · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 08:23:15 »

I like the one with eyebrows. Can't imagine a Goomba without 'em!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 10:42:14 »

Quote from: iLLucionist on Tue, 19 April 2016, 06:00:08

Nice attempts! Are you going to paint them over? Or leave them as is?

@iLLucionist - just sold my planck on /r/mechmarket to fund the purchase of casting materials.

Quote from: romevi on Tue, 19 April 2016, 08:23:15

I like the one with eyebrows. Can't imagine a Goomba without 'em!

@romevi the eyebrows totally make the goomba, we'll see if I get to the point where I can add them to the grey one tonight.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36 »

Updates

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

romevi · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:44:47 »

Looking good so far! Are you going to add pupils?

JT_Sea · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:54:45 »

Quote from: romevi on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:44:47

Looking good so far! Are you going to add pupils?

You know I'm not certain, I had some on there earlier and then took them off. Maybe I'll give it another go and post some photos.

Lain1911 · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54

I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

iLLucionist · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36

Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

theoriginal123123 · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:37:18 »

I think it looks very promising so far! It'd be interesting to see the goomba in different colourways!

Diokhan · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:40:37 »

Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10

Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

I think those will be used to make molds.

FLFisherman · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:23:11 »

Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28

Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54
I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

Show Image

That's.... odd.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:54:11 »

Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10

Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

Casting supplies should be here tomorrow, just in time for all sorts of new learning.

Quote from: theoriginal123123 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:37:18

I think it looks very promising so far! It'd be interesting to see the goomba in different colourways!

I'm excited to make a large bowl of rejects! Then maybe after that I'll have something worth showing

Quote from: Diokhan on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:40:37

Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

I think those will be used to make molds.

Yes sir.

Quote from: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:23:11

Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28
Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54
I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

Show Image

That's.... odd.

Was that from the super mario movie? I'm wondering if its supposed to be the piranha plant.

romevi · « **Reply #27 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 08:21:24 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:54:11

Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?
Casting supplies should be here tomorrow, just in time for all sorts of new learning.

Quote from: theoriginal123123 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:37:18
I think it looks very promising so far! It'd be interesting to see the goomba in different colourways!
I'm excited to make a large bowl of rejects! Then maybe after that I'll have something worth showing

Quote from: Diokhan on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:40:37
Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

I think those will be used to make molds.

Yes sir.

Quote from: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:23:11
Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28
Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54
I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

Show Image

That's.... odd.
Was that from the super mario movie? I'm wondering if its supposed to be the piranha plant.

Isn't it Little Shop of Horrors?

Mattc777 · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 12:26:58 »

Loving your goombas! Keep up the progress! Would love to see finished products.

Lain1911 · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 12:48:54 »

Quote from: romevi on Wed, 20 April 2016, 08:21:24

Quote from: JT_Sea on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:54:11
Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?
Casting supplies should be here tomorrow, just in time for all sorts of new learning.

Quote from: theoriginal123123 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:37:18
I think it looks very promising so far! It'd be interesting to see the goomba in different colourways!
I'm excited to make a large bowl of rejects! Then maybe after that I'll have something worth showing

Quote from: Diokhan on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:40:37
Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

I think those will be used to make molds.

Yes sir.

Quote from: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:23:11
Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28
Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54
I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

Show Image

That's.... odd.
Was that from the super mario movie? I'm wondering if its supposed to be the piranha plant.

Isn't it Little Shop of Horrors?

Yes Little Shop of Horrors. Fun fact I recently saw a interview with Rick Moranis saying it took 52 puppeteers for the giant plant. Great cult movie.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 14:07:50 »

I've never seen little shop of horrors.

Quote from: Mattc777 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 12:26:58

Loving your goombas! Keep up the progress! Would love to see finished products.

Thanks! Should have some bad castings next week.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 22:58:25 »

Little sanding and finishing touches on the goomba tonight. Went for the pupils.

Casting supplies should be in tomorrow, so new things to start working on.

romevi · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 20 April 2016, 23:59:36 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Wed, 20 April 2016, 22:58:25

Little sanding and finishing touches on the goomba tonight. Went for the pupils.

Show Image

Show Image

Casting supplies should be in tomorrow, so new things to start working on.

Ha ha! The pupils definitely make it better.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 07:37:37 »

Quote from: romevi on Wed, 20 April 2016, 23:59:36

Ha ha! The pupils definitely make it better.

Agreed! I was on the fence about them until I had them on there, then popped them off for a hot second.

Mattc777 · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 13:09:53 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Wed, 20 April 2016, 22:58:25

Little sanding and finishing touches on the goomba tonight. Went for the pupils.

Show Image

Show Image

Casting supplies should be in tomorrow, so new things to start working on.

Man he keeps getting better and better! Nice updates!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 14:00:15 »

Quote from: Mattc777 on Thu, 21 April 2016, 13:09:53

Man he keeps getting better and better! Nice updates!

be prepared for massively bad things to show up for a while.

On another note, anyone have any other ides for Super Mario themed caps? I've got a few, but would be interested to know what everyone else thinks.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 19:40:20 »

Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 12:48:54

Quote from: romevi on Wed, 20 April 2016, 08:21:24
Quote from: JT_Sea on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:54:11
Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?
Casting supplies should be here tomorrow, just in time for all sorts of new learning.

Quote from: theoriginal123123 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:37:18
I think it looks very promising so far! It'd be interesting to see the goomba in different colourways!
I'm excited to make a large bowl of rejects! Then maybe after that I'll have something worth showing

Quote from: Diokhan on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:40:37
Quote from: iLLucionist on Wed, 20 April 2016, 04:05:10
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:42:36
Updates

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Needs some smoothing up, but overall I'm currently happy with it.

Looks really cool. Is that the final state or are you also going to paint it?

I think those will be used to make molds.

Yes sir.

Quote from: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 April 2016, 07:23:11
Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 20 April 2016, 00:11:28
Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:51:54
I've been working on making this cap a little smaller. Here are the updates.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Still tracking down a taster oven that is not total trash.

Show Image

That's.... odd.
Was that from the super mario movie? I'm wondering if its supposed to be the piranha plant.

Isn't it Little Shop of Horrors?
Yes Little Shop of Horrors. Fun fact I recently saw a interview with Rick Moranis saying it took 52 puppeteers for the giant plant. Great cult movie.

This picture makes me want to watch Little Shop of Horrors and Strange Brew <3 A few dozen times is not enough!

I like what you have going on here. I noticed that the new goomba seems to be a completely different style when compared to the original goomba. What is that about?

JT_Sea · « **Reply #37 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:22:14 »

Quote from: csmertx on Thu, 21 April 2016, 19:40:20

I like what you have going on here. I noticed that the new goomba seems to be a completely different style when compared to the original goomba. What is that about?

I had to do some re-jiggering of the shape of the goomba. The first one was really fat, so i was able to taper it under at towards the base and that added a lot of nice shape. I also used a different super sculpey for the littler one.

Thanks for looking so closely at my work!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #38 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:29:36 »

So I got a package from UPS today!

I wanted to get the little goomba into a mold right away, and as you can tell I don't have a dedicated working space. Well, lets just say I didn't want to mix up chemicals under my infant sons bedroom. So I just did a quick and dirty mixup outside on the recycling bin.

This is the oomoo 30, so its has a long cure time. I won't know whats happening with it until the morning. So until then enjoy my janky first mix.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #39 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:30:10 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:22:14

Quote from: csmertx on Thu, 21 April 2016, 19:40:20
I like what you have going on here. I noticed that the new goomba seems to be a completely different style when compared to the original goomba. What is that about?

I had to do some re-jiggering of the shape of the goomba. The first one was really fat, so i was able to taper it under at towards the base and that added a lot of nice shape. I also used a different super sculpey for the littler one.

Thanks for looking so closely at my work!

Haha, don't stop sculpting.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #40 on:** Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:48:29 »

Quote from: csmertx on Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:30:10

Quote from: JT_Sea on Thu, 21 April 2016, 22:22:14
Quote from: csmertx on Thu, 21 April 2016, 19:40:20
I like what you have going on here. I noticed that the new goomba seems to be a completely different style when compared to the original goomba. What is that about?

I had to do some re-jiggering of the shape of the goomba. The first one was really fat, so i was able to taper it under at towards the base and that added a lot of nice shape. I also used a different super sculpey for the littler one.

Thanks for looking so closely at my work!

Haha, don't stop sculpting.

Thanks! I'll keep it up.

cozmonort · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 22 April 2016, 09:13:40 »

Great work man! Love to see your progress, can't get enough Mario themed stuff

JT_Sea · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 23 April 2016, 21:38:36 »

Quote from: cozmonort on Fri, 22 April 2016, 09:13:40

Great work man! Love to see your progress, can't get enough Mario themed stuff

Thanks brother! I'm very glad to hear the 'can't get enough Mario themed" line, as I may or may not have a few more ideas planned out.

JT_Sea · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 23 April 2016, 21:49:02 »

Okay update time!

First off, I totally messed up the the 2nd part of the first mold. I completely forgot to grab the petroleum jelly, and make sprus. so.. yeah that was 12 hours of waiting for curing down the drain.

However I was able to remember those vital steps the next time around!

and here is the 2nd mold next to the first one. I had to cut that one up to get the goomba out.. Also notice my excellent consistency in the mixture amounts.

Spru!

And now the more exciting part.

Darth goomba is a little wobbly on the stem, and naturally has a few bubbles but I'm super stoked on it! I'm casting a yellow one right this moment, and I may have photos before I go to bed.

alexjd99 · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 23 April 2016, 21:52:34 »

Quote from: JT_Sea on Sat, 23 April 2016, 21:49:02

Okay update time!

First off, I totally messed up the the 2nd part of the first mold. I completely forgot to grab the petroleum jelly, and make sprus. so.. yeah that was 12 hours of waiting for curing down the drain.

However I was able to remember those vital steps the next time around!
Show Image

Show Image

and here is the 2nd mold next to the first one. I had to cut that one up to get the goomba out.. Also notice my excellent consistency in the mixture amounts.
Show Image

Spru!
Show Image

And now the more exciting part.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Darth goomba is a little wobbly on the stem, and naturally has a few bubbles but I'm super stoked on it! I'm casting a yellow one right this moment, and I may have photos before I go to bed.

Looks great so far! MX stems are pretty hard to work with at first but definitely better than most of my first successes!

JT_Sea · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 23 April 2016, 22:18:13 »

Quote from: alexjd99 on Sat, 23 April 2016, 21:52:34

Looks great so far! MX stems are pretty hard to work with at first but definitely better than most of my first successes!

Thanks man! I'm super excited about it, and not upset about the stem at all right now. In fact I think this fits better than my admiral clackbar.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 23 April 2016, 23:03:45 »

Very cool looking

Mattc777 · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 24 April 2016, 15:57:45 »

Great progress!! Awesome for a first cast.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #48 on:** Sun, 24 April 2016, 18:09:56 »

It almost looks like cola in one of those pictures

JT_Sea · « **Reply #49 on:** Mon, 25 April 2016, 10:25:40 »

Quote from: Mattc777 on Sun, 24 April 2016, 15:57:45

Great progress!! Awesome for a first cast.

I was very happy with it for the first cast

Quote from: csmertx on Sun, 24 April 2016, 18:09:56

It almost looks like cola in one of those pictures

You know I think you've got the right idea on it. Cola Goomba


120/100g linear Zealio R1 GMK Hyperfuse 'Split everything' perfection	MX Clear SA Hack'd by Geeks EasyAVR mod

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Author Topic: Starting keycap crafting (Read 128352 times)