Question about mold making for a lightsaber

[p0sitr0nic]

Ok, i dont post here as often as i once did. But this is the only place i know to ask.

I have a custom saber built by a member here, and i want to get a silicone mold made of it. I know nothing about the process. Is anyone in the seattle area who knows this stuff? And on average, what does it cost to do up a mold?

 

[tk1055]

Is that member ok with you recasting his/her work?

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Yes, its my design. This was a custom design lightsaber for me personally. I want to make stunt versions.

 

[thd9791]

I'd be curious too. There's a youtube video about this process, but they just "have" all the materials on hand at their disposal. I'd like to have someone discuss prices and materials here too! Websites can be confusing without so much detail.

 

[division 6]

Smooth-On has supplies, videos, and charts on how to figure out how much you need.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Thank you, ill give that a look

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Smooth-On has supplies, videos, and charts on how to figure out how much you need.

There's also a materials calculator so you can figure out how much is needed and how much to buy

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Whelp. This is definitely something above my skill and tool range, seeing as i have no tools like this. Maybe i should just ask how much it would be to get someone to make a mold for me. >.<

 

[MCM]

http://youtu.be/DEVi0mEaJJQ

The look on the host's face when the dude sprays clearcoat on the saber is priceless. He's like "uhhh, umm, yeah, that's not mine, but okay".

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Whelp. This is definitely something above my skill and tool range, seeing as i have no tools like this. Maybe i should just ask how much it would be to get someone to make a mold for me. >.<

What tools?

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Any really. Compared to most people here im a neophyte when it comes to building props. I mostly just like looking.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

My point is, you don't need any tools for mold making. You can make a simple box using foam core, a box cutter, and hot glue. Then you just need the silicone and clay. If you don't want to mess with using clay, you can use another simple product called alginate

 

[mortifactor]

It is easier than it looks, it is just like poisonous baking.

 

[bookface]

I've made a couple of lightsaber moulds, it usually costs about £60 ($100) in materials, with the tools being nothing more than some foamcore, a sharp knife, a ruler and a hot glue gun. Silicone and some mould release are the only materials needed. Materials are probably slightly cheaper in the US though.

The guy in the video had some extra stuff like compressed air, vacuum pumps etc, and those are useful but not necessary.