I have a couple of questions about sculpting antlers. first what could i use for a base that would be cheap and aesy I thought about using a european head as the base but they are 30 bucks. next could i use any kind of wire for the frame. what material could I use that would be the cheapest since I am going to need to practice on the first couple and what makes the best looking antlers. if apoxy sculpt or that smooth on stuff is the best stuff how much would I need to buy for a nice 10pt with a droptine and maybe a kicker or two. thanks for all the help.
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The adventure that you are about to partake in is not cheap. I know because the first set of antlers that I set out to reproduce cost me 90 bucks the first batch of rubber. I had to just throw it away.
Don't think cheap. Think quality. The better the materials, the better the result are going to be.
If you use apoxie sculpt, plan on 40 bucks worth, depending on the size of antler. The molding supplies will run you 120 to 170 depending on what you use.
My suggestion. Start with a small, 1/4th scale, replica. Learn on a small scale. As you said, you will practice a couple of time. Practice small. Make a mold and do some casting. You will be amased what you will learn. Then, once you have techniques down, start on a full scale run.
Doug
http://www.smooth-on.com/txidrm.htm
had an article with a "Maned Wolf" on the cover, it was called the mirror image and tells you how to sculpt an antler to match a shed. You'll find all your answers there. I did an antler this way and it took a lot of time, but not too much $$. I used threaded rod and wire for the armature, some bondo for some of the antler and apoxie sculpt for the outer layer. Good luck.