What's a good sculptable casting material?

[helix_3]

I want to make a mold of an object, cast an intermediate object that I can remix/ cut/ sculpt, then make a mold of the remixed item.

Two questions:
1) Is there a name for this kind of procedure?
2) What's the best material for the intermediate object?

Wax seems like it'd be great, because you could easily work with it, heat and bend, etc. However I wanted to get some input before I go out any buy anything.

 

[zorg]

I've seen folk use monster clay.

It can be heated to a slurry and you can get it in 3 different hardnesses.

 

[PropReplicator2]

Monster clay for sure. Or I use sculptex medium clay from smooth on for smaller molds

 

[helix_3]

Thanks guys, I had no idea you could liquify Monster Clay! That's perfect.

 

[zorg]

Thanks guys, I had no idea you could liquify Monster Clay! That's perfect.

A lot of folk use a microwave to heat it but it's not recommended. It ends up like a mcdonalds apple pie. With the center hotter than the sun.

A crock pot or the like has the best even uniformed results.

 

[Duncanator]

I second Zorg's recommendation. Another clay that works well for the same application is Chavant Y2-Klay.

Chavant Y2-Klay Industrial Design Clay

This dark brown, hard styling clay is workable at 135°F and is hard at, or below, room temperature. TY2 Klay offers the consistency, adhesion, cohesion and surface development--characteristics found in chavant clays since 1892. Final clay forms made with Y2-Klay can be used as a plug...

www.fibreglast.com