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Post by fabian on Oct 12, 2019 9:07:36 GMT -5
I've just finished building a Mini Mill and want to cut figures into a material so I can get a rubber mould of that figure and mount it onto a framed board or plaque. Well thats the general idea I have at the moment.
But I was wondering what would be a suitable material to get a mould from. Wood, Plastic, Aluminum or some other type of material. All these can be cut on my mill, but Aluminum is a bit expensive and I'm trying to keep costs down to a minimum after the expence of building the Mini Mill which emptied my wallet, well nearly.
So basicly I'm looking for other sources of stock to mill other than Aluminum to get a good impression with the rubber mould (Finest detail as possible). If anyone has an idea I'd like to hear it please.
Thanks a Lot.
Fabian.
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Post by Brian on Oct 12, 2019 18:20:26 GMT -5
Your pretty much on the right track as far as molds are considered. If using wood, be sure and use a sealer like what is used to protect wood decks, after you have milled it. Plastic works absolutely fine as well for milling.....you may have to lightly sand any areas that are not smooth enough to your liking after milling. Other materials to consider if your not milling would be Alumilites RTV silicone rubber or Alumilites Remelt or modeling clay.
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Post by fabian on Oct 13, 2019 8:37:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Brian
I'll take a look at the different mediums you have suggested. Another one was 'Machineable Wax' which up until today I was unaware it even existed. I can't see myself milling that, the router would cut it to shreds, but I've been assured that it holds up very well with all types of routers and bits.
I'll have to give it ago and something else that was interesting, you can make your own wax and machine it using the off-cuts of one job to add to your next batch of wax production.
Never dreamed milling was so interesting.
Thanks again for your help.
Fabian.
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