First pull from the mold
Hello. Before I get started. I want to give you some background. If you don't know me, my name is Dan, and I live in the Los Angeles area. I am in the restaurant/nightclub business. I have a Masters of Arts Degree in Ceramic Sculpture and Painting. Work has always been in the way of life. I started my ESB a few years ago, and was going strong for a good year. Lately with the economy and hard times, I have had no time for anything except work. I like to ride motorcycles when I can. A few months ago, I was on the freeway, far left lane, in a double yellow line protected car pool lane (bikes can use this lane). A guy to my right was struck by another car and forced him into my lane. We collided at 65mph, and I flew up into the air and went sliding down the busy freeway, luckily I was not hit by any other cars, but I was in bad shape. I always wear a helmet, armored leather jacket and gloves, so my upper body was ok but I broke my collar bone. My legs were shreaded. Anyway, I survived and have a new chance at life. It made me realize I could spend my life doing whatever it is I do, so why not do the things I love. The first month I couldn't really move, but I could move my good left arm (I'm left handed) so I did some painting. Now I am getting better, and am not going to let things I want just sit waiting.
I have had the Pulce for a while now, and almost sold it here when I needed some money, but luckily I was able to keep it. I have one of Mojo's copies as well. He did an amazing job with the machined parts and the body cast is awesome. But it's so nice I wanted to make myself a more durable version. I don't like handing Mojo's version to people because I am afraid they will break it, and I don't want to damage the real Pulce either. I want a version that I could hand to a child and not be so worried about it. I have not made any molds for a few years so I did a few small practice pieces to get re-familiar with the process. I then decided to make my first mold in one piece. The mold came out great, not an air bubble anywhere on the molding surface. I have a semi-rigid resin that is firm, but has a slight give to it. Here is a link to my thread where I started the process:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f32/whats-box-pulce-40-a-39927/
At this point in time I am still experimenting with some materials. I am going to try some cold cast aluminum that will be stiffer (not as durable, but not the really brittle stuff) It will look like aluminum, so it may save on painting. But I want to try just painting it as well to see which way will give it a more real metal look.
I would appreciate feedback if anyone has ideas. Again, my intention is to keep it more durable, and less expensive. I am shooting for a price around $100, but that is not set yet. Materials can vary in price. I have seen similar products range from $100-$200 a gallon, so the final material can affect price a bit. My goal is too keep the cost down. If it is over $200, then I may just recomend Mojo's version, as he did an incredible job. This will be for the more budget concerned Fett as there just isn't a good, inexpensive, accurate sidearm available.
OK, I have talked too much...I am going to try some painting today if I have time. Let the discussion begin
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