Starting from step one.

[malachi1975]

Hey all,

I just recently stumbled on this site after doing much web browsing. I've been wanting to get into moulding and casting my own figures for some time now, but needless to say I am as green as it gets.

What I wanted to start with was working with some existing figures I have. While I see most of the figures here are fantasy or historic army, I am sure some if not many of you have heard of Battletech miniatures. I've been painting my own figures for well over a decade, but due to license issues between the now extinct FASA and Harmony Gold some of the figures were discontinued. Unfortunately, these are some of my favourite figures.

I wanted to make some custom moulds ( or have them made ) of the last few unassembled and unpainted masters I have left of these discontinued figures so they wouldn't fade off into my memory.

So a few questions to start off with:

1- Casting. I've seen all the talks going on here regarding the metal types used in many castings. Mostly I have seen 10/90 tin/lead mixes and model metal referred to. I've not seen much mentioned about Pewter itself. Is Pewter not a good metal used to make these figures? Or is pewter just being referred to under a different name and like an uneducated fool am I just missing it? Also, what would be a good melting unit to use? Is there a decent one out there that would allow for a good level of temperature control? I was looking at the Palmer Hot-Pot 2 but it seems it's just an on/off unit.

2- Custom moulds. I've wored with some silicon rubber moulding before. My fiance does prostetic make-up work. So I have a LITTLE experience there. Needless to say though I don't really know if I have the experience or skill needed to make rubber moulds of my master figures myself. I've read the "how to" about 2 dozen times and I understand it for the most part but I am still a little lost here and there on the materials. This leaves me wondering if I should try to make my own moulds to use or just have them made by a professional. PA here is the ONLY service I have found offering to do so, but I am in Las Vegas USA. So I would be mailing some very old, out of print masters off quite a ways to get moulds made.

Starting from sqaure one as I am what suggestions does everyone have for me?

Thanks in advance for any info, suggestions, or ideas you all share with me. I'm really looking forward to getting into moulding and casting as a heavy hobby. Miniatures have been a passion of mine for so long as I said. This would add a whole new world of depth to them for me.

[Prince August]

Re. Casting Metal:
Pewter is generally not a good casting metal. Model metal is far superior and easier to use. The temperature of the casting metal is crusial. I cannot recommend a melting source as what is available in the US is different. Generally if you can get a single plate cooker with thermostatic control, this is the best solution. Use the plate on high setting.
Custom Moulds:
You need a bit of experience. I recommend that you let our toolmakers make a mould for you. Then you make one yourselves. If it is good you have solved your problem. Otherwise come back to us.
Best of luck with your new hobby!

[General Davout]

As a person starting off, could you try some of the existing metal and moulds availabel and the move on to customised moulds. I've experimented with various metals, but I still revert back to model metal as the finish and quality is great.

[carl]

Welcome to the world of do it yourself if you want it the way you want it. As for making your own moulds, I'd rather order them from PA or the Dunken Company in Texas. There are way to many moulds to choose from to bother making your own. however if you have the time, why not try.
As to the metal to use. I'm really a poor person to recommend a type of metal. I know from reading many of the post here and discussions with the Dunken Company that some metals are so much easier to work with and make great figures. For me though I use what I call junk lead. I don't know what it really is anymore. Some of it has been remelted virtually hundreds of times and mixed with what ever is available. I use lead from gun shooting ranges, car batteries, fishing weights, tire balancing weights. And recently acquired many pounds of lead sheathing from phone cables. It all works good enough for me. I make all types of lead soldiers and cannons and give to people. No complaints yet.