"Starting to cast, and any resin casters in SoCal?" Topic

I've just finished up with a new digital sculpt and wanted to get some hands on experience with casting my own personal sculpts, while also learning how to cut up a model to make casting it easier for full production molds.

What I have is a small mech/drone model that's being printed, I expect it to come back from the 3d printer in a week or so.

I'm starting by picking up some alumilite white from Brookhurst Hobbies, along with some silicon molding supplies. Eventually I'll place larger orders from Smooth On. Is there some other starting materials you recommend?

I'll be using a lot of online tutorials on casting, there's a lot of info out there. But would still appreciate any anecdotes or suggestions on starting casting.

I'm also looking for casters in Southern California that will be available to make small casting runs in the near future. Although I have the space to do my own personal casting, I do not have the space or equipment to cast a full production run.

They aren't in SoCal, and they are a big company (for this industry) so your small casting runs may be too small for them to agree to, but Reaper does do contract casting and they are highly recommended (or at least I've only ever heard a single bad thing about them, and even that was limited to 'things didn't work out for both of us but we parted on good terms').

Fidelis Models – one of TMP's long-time advertisers, offers small-run casting. He (Randy) is in San Diego.

If you need helpful advice, ask Bunkermeister as he's gotten good at it.

A really good setup would need a vacuum vessel to ensure bubbles come out of the silicone mold when you're pouring it and a converted pressure cooker to make sure that the resin gets into all of the niches.

Wyatt

Thank you Wyatt. If I am a good resin caster it's only because I have stood on the shoulders of previous giant resin casters.

I live in Orange County and would be happy to assist you. It's not really very difficult. Blick Art Supplies sell Smooth On products and often offer discount coupons on line. They have a store in Pasadena and one in Fullerton.

My email address is on my blog.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
Bunker Talk blog