Mangalore Rifle Progress. AWESOME new pic.

[MattMunson]

Like Han Solo says, sometimes I even impress myself.

Though not as often as he.

But tonight was special!!!! After a couple of hours huddled around a 10 pound kit of 1630 and the studio molds for the mangalore rifle, I popped out this:

Man oh man was I stoked. It came out better than I could have possibly imagined. The big round resin piece on top is just placed there to show what it will look like. Other than that, that's it! Now I just need to pour up the other half and get them joined together.

I can't wait to get this bad boy finished!!!

As usual, full write up can be found online:

http://mattmunson1.blogspot.com

 

[Got Maul]

great job on the cast, but your technique is interesting. You know 1630 might delaminate or become brittle if not combined with a fiberglass/fiberglass resin ? The only time I have ever seen 1630 used in its own right is when used singularily in a one piece mold. Additionally, this would also solve your two halve problem if you went with the fiberglassing since you could then join your halves together to let dry.

 

[silverskyes402]

That looks great, your casting technique is incredible, cant wait to see it finished!!!

 

[wolverine solo]

Matt always does some of the coolest stuff, this will a great piece when its finished.:thumbsup

 

[MattMunson]

GM,

I wrote up a little explanation on my unorthodox choices in my blog. Long story short, I was low on glass AND I was not sure that the mold would survive a clamshell operation. the mold for the small circular detail piece literally tore in half on my second pull, which got me thinking that the rubber had gotten very fragile over the years. I didn't want to see the large body mold tear in half upon extraction.

Also, I personally have had good luck doing multiple coats of 1630. I just get them down while it's still wet. It probably is the case that if you wait a half an hour between coats, you'll enter de-lamination hell. I suppose time will tell if I'm right or wrong

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and encouragement! Looks like the rest of my weekend is filling up fast, so I may not have time for much more. But I'll get back on it early next week for sure.

 

[Got Maul]

that's a really interesting method and being that 1630 is a high impact resin could really be a lifesaver than having to go the toxic fiberglass route for certain applications.

 

[MattMunson]

yeah, the fumes from the polyester stuff are just awful. I'm working in my garage at night, which typically means the door is closed. The idea of being cooped up in there with nothing but a rifle and some fumes is not good.

I'll post more info when I start cleaning it up.

 

[Entropy]

So Matt...are you gonna use this pull to make fresh molds? Hmmm?

 

[MattMunson]

So Matt...are you gonna use this pull to make fresh molds? Hmmm?

Nopers. I personally don't have the time or interest to do it. It would take 500 bucks in rubber, a ton of fiberglass, and way too much of my time Besides, I doubt there are any folks who'd be willing to pay enough to defer the cost.

The good news is that I've pulled the other side of the mold.

Just like the other half, it came out beautifully. I'm really quite impressed with this mold.

Full write up, gory details,and even a rant about powdering molds can be found on the blog linked in my first post.

As always, thanks for reading, the encouragement, and the feedback.

 

[OdiWan72]

Looking great Matt...I really dig big guns

May I ask what kind of resin you´re using?
Is it easy to work with/ has a 1:1 mix ratio?

Markus

 

[Kadajiroth]

:eek Very well done, Matt. Looks fantastic!