"Best Material for Casting Sabot Bases" Topic

I was thinking of making some sabot base masters, then making RTV molds for them. What would be the best material for the final product, would resin be too brittle. What other material might work? I am thinking of a size of 4mm thick and 50mm x 160mm.

Thanks – Allen

I can think of a couple of variables that have to be considered. Does the sabot base have any detail work or is it just flat? If detailed I would probably go with a high strength resin although it will probably be rough on your molds. If flat you might consider dental plaster or Excalibur but at almost 6 inches in length you might be running into some problems with it holding together.

If a flat surface is desired I would look at 2mm plasticard or balsa and cut the holes out with a hole punch, again assuming circular bases. If you are using square bases you can use strip balsa or plastic to form the top frame.

Drystone may be a good option too and probably obtainable within a drive from where you are at. I love dental plaster but the costs are high. Drystone is almost as hard and quite a bit cheaper. Made by U.S. Gypsum and available at many ceramic shops.

Thanks for the input, I found a local dental supply house that will sell me some dental stone. I think that I will give that a try. My first original is done, now I just have to create the mold and give it a try. I will post some pics if successful.

Thanks – Allen