Tin vs Aluminum casting?

[Sandman0077]

I am planning on recasting my Vash the Stampede (Trigun) gun kit in either aluminum or tin. I know that tin is a lot easier to melt and use silicone molds, but does it come out cleaner and more detailed than sand casting aluminum? Would regular OOMOO 25 withstand the 450 degree tin? What are the pros and cons of both? I've never done either. Any help would be appreciated

 

[CustomPropSculptorGuy]

OOMOO no, Rebound25 yes. I think all you'd need is a trial kit and you'd be golden.

 

[Sandman0077]

Isn't rebound25 brush on? I'm looking for a pourable rubber.

 

[Beaker]

Mold Star 15... as easy to process as OOMOO but much stronger and can withstand 450F

 

[Sandman0077]

Good call Beaker. Thanks!

 

[Firefoxm31]

I would check with Vash first and make sure he's ok with it...
Will

 

[Sandman0077]

I would check with Vash first and make sure he's ok with it...

Sarcasm?

 

[modelnutz]

Check Smooth-on's site...I believe they just introduced a new high temp silicone.....not sure of the name tho..

 

[Sandman0077]

Check Smooth-on's site...I believe they just introduced a new high temp silicone.....not sure of the name tho..

I remember reading about it a couple weeks ago, but google pulled up nothing. I will email Smooth-on today. Thanks.

 

[Nwerke]

Sarcasm?

I guess Will means your post reads as if you're planning to recast a VashDstampede (RPF member) kit of the Trigun gun, as opposed to recasting your own kit of the gun wielded by Vash the Stampede (anime character)?

 

[Sandman0077]

I guess Will means your post reads as if you're planning to recast a VashDstampede (RPF member) kit of the Trigun gun, as opposed to recasting your own kit of the gun wielded by Vash the Stampede (anime character)?

Anime character. Sorry for not clarifying. It's a Poseidon kit.

 

[Sith_241]

Also, you need to keep in mind that Tin emits poisonous vapors when melted, so you MUST have good ventilation.

You might be able to achieve better detail with the Al as it is harder than tin, and it wont be as soft afterwards.

 

[Sandman0077]

I would really like to do it all in aluminum, but I live in an apartment, and don't have a forge or anything set up. I figure a propane torch with a steel coffee can will work just fine out on the balcony. I think I would die if I tried to melt it in the stove haha.

I suppose I could use my drill press and cut/shape the aluminum, but that would take forever don't you think?

 

[Firefoxm31]

sorry bout that i was talking about the RPF member my bad...errr carry on


Will

 

[Sith_241]

I would really like to do it all in aluminum, but I live in an apartment, and don't have a forge or anything set up. I figure a propane torch with a steel coffee can will work just fine out on the balcony. I think I would die if I tried to melt it in the stove haha.

I suppose I could use my drill press and cut/shape the aluminum, but that would take forever don't you think?

Without heavy machine tools it will take forever yes.

Also, if you have an apartment oven capable of 700F please advise me of brand and model hehe as id like one.

Blow torch will work if you insulate the can enough to keep the metal hot enough long enough to actually pour.

Also, fire extinguisher!

 

[Sandman0077]

Also, if you have an apartment oven capable of 700F please advise me of brand and model hehe as id like one.

Lol I was under the impression that most tin melts at 450F, which my oven indeed does go up that high.

 

[Sith_241]

Lol I was under the impression that most tin melts at 450F, which my oven indeed does go up that high.

Oh, i was thinking you meant to try Al in there.

Tin does melt at somewhere around 450 depending on what its alloyed with (if anything)

You could probably do it, but better control with the torch.

 

[Sandman0077]

I was thinking just buying some tin bars of the web.

 

[Sith_241]

I was thinking just buying some tin bars of the web.

Depending on how much you need in your final shape, you might consider wire. Wire is MUCH easier to melt than a bar.

If you need tons, lots of wire still may be less of a hassle. Melting a bar, and keeping it molten while doing so is pretty tough.

 

[Sandman0077]

Do you mean pewter? I've never seen just straight tin wire before.