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Casting moulds and material

Dalboy

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Posts
7,679
Location
Kent
First Name
Derek
Ok there are going to be a few questions from me about casting. This one is about Moulds and the material that they are made from.
So what do you use for making the blank moulds, I have heard people using silicone. And also pieces of plastic pipe. What are your thoughts on these.
Also how big do you make them most that I have seen appear to be for making about 4 blanks after they have set and been cut.
 

brody2123

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Feb 13, 2014
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redditch
First Name
Brody
You can use silicone, but it will take ages to cure and probably won't last very long. I use hdpe sheet from ebay or loads of places on google. Cheap, stable, easy to cut and screw together and lasts for ever. Pvc pipe can be used but would use a release agent with them just to be on the safe side. Size wise, especially with the hdpe, you can do what you like really. All depends on how many you want to make of one cast. Just add a bit extra for trimming and Bob's you uncle.:thumbs:
 

George Watkins

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Jan 13, 2015
Posts
319
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United Kingdom
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George
I use rtv silicon, some people try and make them from the silicon you get in tubes for bathrooms etc but that isn't really suitable. RTV is a two part silicon which cures overnight and can be used the next day but its best to let it rest for a few days before use. I make a wooden forma then pour the silicon in, you can de-gas before pouring but i never find it necessary. the trick is to make your wooden forma as smooth as possible as any dents etc will be transferred into the silicon mold.

polythene sheet materials like hdpe and white chopping boards are handy for certain resins but wont last forever before the resin wont release and sticks solid, I get about a year from mine but I do cast a lot.
 

Chilprufe

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Jan 2, 2015
Posts
246
Location
Balmuchy, Scotland
First Name
David
I use rtv silicon, some people try and make them from the silicon you get in tubes for bathrooms etc but that isn't really suitable. RTV is a two part silicon which cures overnight and can be used the next day but its best to let it rest for a few days before use. I make a wooden forma then pour the silicon in, you can de-gas before pouring but i never find it necessary. the trick is to make your wooden forma as smooth as possible as any dents etc will be transferred into the silicon mold.

polythene sheet materials like hdpe and white chopping boards are handy for certain resins but wont last forever before the resin wont release and sticks solid, I get about a year from mine but I do cast a lot.

RTV silicone is my choice ... I've been using mine for 3 years now with no sign of ware on them
 

Chilprufe

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Jan 2, 2015
Posts
246
Location
Balmuchy, Scotland
First Name
David
Drill a blank, glue a tube in, bung the tube leaving a little space at the end And use that blank as the original to make the silicone mold ... I'm sure there will be a video on youtube somewhere
 
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