Mass Effect 3 - M-358 Talon Pistol - WIP

[Nwerke]

That looks pretty sharp. Nice! :thumbsup

 

[Sorenzo]

and we're back

MDF is lovely to work with, but its a pain in the ass to get smooth, especially when there are curves and bevels, but persistance pays off.

I had a few major issues with another mold, I rushed in without thinking, so this one was meticulously planned out. I decided on a 2 part mold, brush-on silicone and a hard outer.


I split the piece down the centre with a foamcore platform, using strips of foamcore to elevate the piece evenly and keep it secure, then another piece placed on top with the outline, 5% bigger cut out.

The gap between the piece and the platform would be bridged with clay. I lined the outline with clay prior to positioning the piece so Icould push fit the master.

Before I fitted it i filled the barrels with silicone, this way I could attach the barrels to one half of the mold.

Push fitted then the arduous task of smoothing out the clay. I keep saying clay, but i actually used plasticine. clay is quicker to type

I used hot glue to create 2 rounds of registration keys, and ring more clay to create a dam for the silicone, also added in the pour spout, a funnel sliced in half works rather well.

Silicone, silicone and more silicone, the silicone reg keys.
I ground up some old redundant molds using a meat grinder and added them into the later silicone mixes, this acts as filler, reduced the amount of silicone you need, saving you $$$

Removed the clay dam then applied a good thick layer of plasti paste

Once the other had cured I flip her over, removed the foamcore platform and all the clay. looking good so far.

Placed another clay dam, to match that on the first side, then it was all the same again.

De-Molded, looks fricken awesome.

 

[Sorenzo]

And it all paid off.

Casts are coming out amazingly.

 

[SKS Props]

Very nice - enjoyed the walkthrough too!!

 

[Nwerke]

Ahh hell with it. Mine goes in the bin, I'll be in for your run.

 

[Itsanonsense]

And it all paid off.

Casts are coming out amazingly.

That cast is amazingly clean.

 

[RearAdmiralLuca]

Thank you so very very very much for the walk through!!! You have just demystified the whole process for me!

I have never done something like this so could you suggest what types/brands of foam and silicone and such you used to make the molds and then the material you poured into the finished mold? Also, could you estimate how much of each you used for this project?


Luca

 

[Sorenzo]

Ahh hell with it. Mine goes in the bin, I'll be in for your run.

That is an amazing compliment, though I cannot help feel guilty :confused

That cast is amazingly clean.

I know, i was rather shocked with the results myself. The very first cast was rubbish, but i've done 3 or 4 now all to this level.

 

[Sorenzo]

Thank you so very very very much for the walk through!!! You have just demystified the whole process for me!

I have never done something like this so could you suggest what types/brands of foam and silicone and such you used to make the molds and then the material you poured into the finished mold? Also, could you estimate how much of each you used for this project?


Luca

I use Smooth On products. The silicone i use is Rebound 25, the hard outer is made from plasti - paste and the cast is made from Smooth Cast 65D which is special developed for slush casting. There are other products available, from other suppliers that will do the same job, maybe even better, but these product have worked well for me.

 

[Nwerke]

That is an amazing compliment, though I cannot help feel guilty :confused

Credit where it's due; it's good work. And god alone knows when I'll have time to finish mine anyway. I'm working in HD foam, but have only one thickness; I need a bandsaw to cut down some thinner sheets for the side panels etc.

I just want to paint one of these and have it done, heheh!

 

[Sorenzo]

My apologies, foul weather and illness has slowed progress over the last week. Working to catch up, expect finishing and painting updates next week. oh, and info about a run of casts too.

 

[Yonih]

Amazing work buddy
Would you say that the second method of casting is better and produces better results? I'm miles away from casting but very interested in it.

 

[darkev2]

Hello Sorenzo

Very Nice!!!! Persistence pays off to a Great Final Product!!

DarKev2

 

[Sorenzo]

Amazing work buddy
Would you say that the second method of casting is better and produces better results? I'm miles away from casting but very interested in it.

Not sure what you mean by 'second method'? you mean for the top piece and for the main body? Each method is dependent on the piece being moulded. There are numerous methods, each have there pros and cons. The methods I used here were what I had the previous knowledge of and the materials to complete. there are other types of moulds that i could have used, matrix mould for example, but i've yet to experiment with it yet, perhaps in the future.

Hello Sorenzo

Very Nice!!!! Persistence pays off to a Great Final Product!!

DarKev2

Than k you very much :$

 

[Weaselhammer]

Very nice work Sorenzo, as always ! I am currently building the M-12 Locust and I hope it turns out good.

 

[samura indy]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see these in the junkyard. As much as I don't need it I think might pick one up anyway.

 

[Sorenzo]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see these in the junkyard. As much as I don't need it I think might pick one up anyway.

Thank you so much. JY tread coming by the end of the week. want to get the paint job nailed first.

 

[N7Calibrations]

Great looking gun and a nice overview of your process.

Thanks for documenting it all so well!

 

[TI6815]

woow ! great build and good nice tutorial :thumbsup

 

[Shatterpoint25]

Really clean cast!! Its a great looking gun, well done! Can't wait to see one painted