Pre-made registry keys for figure body parts

ParkerLuck

New Member

• Jul 3, 2017

• #1

Hey All,

I've been sculpting for awhile but I am relatively new to casting. I've been working on a Teto from Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaa" in Monster Clay and I'm realizing there is no way I can mold this thing. Ears, tails, legs, everything is sticking out everywhere. I currently mold with typical armature, but I've seen people making registration keys for the separate parts of a model (i.e. keys for the neck, shoulders, wrists etc)

I was wondering if these come as premade options? I'm working in hot and humid Tokyo and my Monster Clay isn't always stable or reliable enough to keep key shape or hold parts in while I sculpt. I know I could create my own but I'm busy/lazy and was wondering if there are pre-made options in different sizes available?

 

rbeach84

Sr Member

• Jul 4, 2017

• #2

For your keys, you could use blocks and pins (cylinders) using more stable materials such plastic or wood stocks. It would be best if you had both matching male and female shapes to embed in your work. You could also use plastic sheet at the joints to make a more uniform mating surface. Probably best if pre-engineered but can also incorporate post-sculpt, just requires some minor repairs. Do you have an armature? Working with the clay chilled?

Ah, just don't know of any premade connector keys, which would ideally come in a wide range of sizes and angular offsets with holes to hold armature wire. A new product opportunity, perhaps?

I like your scupting, btw. You've captured the look very well.

Regards, Robert

 

ParkerLuck

New Member

• Jul 5, 2017

• #3

Thanks, rbeach84. I would love it if there WERE a premade option, but I'm slowly coming to understand I will need to create my own. My main problem is that the more steps there are to completing a project, the less likely I am to actually finish it, haha. ADD and a propensity towards procrastination are my two greatest weaknesses.

 

3Dsf

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jul 6, 2017

• #4

3D design a custom armature, and then print the joint keys as separate parts?

 

ParkerLuck

New Member

• Jul 6, 2017

• #5

I wish I could 3D print anything! lol. I bet someone could design armature keys though. Heck I could do the design work if someone could print/mold them.

 

3Dsf

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jul 6, 2017

• #6

I don't have a 3D printer either, so I send my files to a printing bureau. It's kind of fun, though admittedly time-consuming (you have a long feedback loop waiting for test prints to come back) and really expensive! But it is pretty cool nonetheless.

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe adapt something premade for other applications?

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/ball-joints-sockets/rc-car-categories/9970/998100

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/04/keizus-quadropod-review/

 

division 6

Master Member

• Jul 6, 2017

• #7

I've seen over on the Club House forum some folks will cast resin onto clay impressions, install them in one side then press them into the other part.

Usually the original sculpt is in sculpy or epoxy.

 

ParkerLuck

New Member

• Jul 7, 2017

• #8

I'd love for them to be plastic, with a neodymium magnet connection for a good hold, but a quick release too. That way I'm not always thumbing the details out of my clay. They'd be totally reusable once you had a good mold/cast and were finished with the original sculpt.