Post by: CrankyCat on Thu, 05 May 2016, 08:39:29
I've been interested in mechanical keyboards and keycaps for a little while now, and I have recently attempted to make my own artisans. I have finished some clay models and would like to share them with you :)
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Leech
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Lurker
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Chameleon
Thanks for taking a look, any and all feedback would be welcomed :)
(P.s. I have additional photos of the models above if you would like to see more at different angles etc, as well as photos from some test resin and silicone casting of blank keys.)
Post by: FLFisherman on Thu, 05 May 2016, 08:46:00
I'm really liking the leech, although I think they are all really cool. I'd be very interested in seeing all available photos, if you're willing to share them. :thumb:
Post by: CrankyCat on Thu, 05 May 2016, 08:56:02
Post by: FLFisherman on Thu, 05 May 2016, 08:56:31
Thank you, I'm glad you like them! Currently working on a cat design and I'll be sure to upload some more photos today :)
Looking forward to it!
Post by: xondat on Thu, 05 May 2016, 09:00:06
Post by: dgneo on Thu, 05 May 2016, 09:03:42
Ideas are cool but I think they're too big.
To expand on this, they look too tall IMO.
The sculpts are great, but a lot of people prefer caps that are close to or at cap profile, rather than very tall caps.
Post by: FLFisherman on Thu, 05 May 2016, 09:05:11
Ideas are cool but I think they're too big.
To expand on this, they look too tall IMO.
The sculpts are great, but a lot of people prefer caps that are close to or at cap profile, rather than very tall caps.
I think the tall caps are good for those with SA keysets (and judging by how well they do on Massdrop, that's a lot of people).
Post by: dgneo on Thu, 05 May 2016, 09:07:00
Ideas are cool but I think they're too big.
To expand on this, they look too tall IMO.
The sculpts are great, but a lot of people prefer caps that are close to or at cap profile, rather than very tall caps.
I think the tall caps are good for those with SA keysets (and judging by how well they do on Massdrop, that's a lot of people).
Agreed, but to a point. They shouldn't be much taller than SA caps, but IMO that's almost too tall.
Everyone's different though, so people will prefer what they prefer
Post by: CrankyCat on Thu, 05 May 2016, 11:15:18
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Slight defect on the top, working on a new tester now.
Post by: biocalves on Thu, 05 May 2016, 12:00:17
Post by: CrankyCat on Fri, 06 May 2016, 03:14:05
Post by: audax989 on Fri, 06 May 2016, 03:34:47
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 06 May 2016, 09:35:20
Post by: juahenza on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:12:47
Post by: daftendire on Fri, 06 May 2016, 11:10:23
Post by: CrankyCat on Fri, 06 May 2016, 12:04:16
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Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 06 May 2016, 12:09:34
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Fri, 06 May 2016, 12:09:57
Post by: CrankyCat on Fri, 06 May 2016, 12:21:08
Really creative designs. I like the leech idea a lot. What type of clay are you working with? You definitely seem like you have some sculpting skills that will help as you come up with more designs.
Thank you :) I'm working with some standard modelling clay from my local crafts shop, I haven't had many problems with it so far. Its quite easy to work with when both wet and dry.
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Post by: CrankyCat on Tue, 10 May 2016, 12:33:34
Post by: Lohup on Wed, 11 May 2016, 04:33:31
Post by: UTEster750 on Wed, 11 May 2016, 04:35:25
Post by: CrankyCat on Wed, 11 May 2016, 08:50:46
Thanks for sharing your process. You've got a lot of potential as an artisan keycap maker. I've seen other artisans made through moulding a keycap and then extending it with the design. Any ideas on how the crafting clay approach will compare in terms of durability? Is there any risk the artisan extension slip or crumble?
Thank you for your feedback :) In terms of the clay durability, I've had no issues so far with the finished model, as I generally work with the clay at different hardnesses. The process I use firstly is to use the clay after dipping it in water to generate the overall form I want the artisan to have. From there I let it dry for 10 minutes or so and begin to work in basic details as this is at the point where the clay wont crumble or move as much. After heating thoughtfully with a hair dryer, I'll begin to sand away and engrave details and then add or take away more clay if I feel its needed.
So in short, no issues of slip or crumble as I work with the clay at various stages to best avoid these.
I once experienced an issue with crumbling with an early prototype while casting it in silicone; however from there I learned to ensure that the clay has been heat treated and hardened thoroughly before casting. I also take an extra bit of precaution and apply a clear gloss to the finished model to ensure it does not get damaged in silicone as the current product I use has a 24 cure time.
I hope this answers your question, any more you may have I'll be happy to answer.