Could someone explain the cradle method on antler reproduction?I have information on reverse moulding and brush on methods from "smooth on".I have the materials for the brush on method and was fixing to have a go at it but just read in the arhives about the cradle method. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks , James
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dont know if I can explain it because pics would be a big help. The method is detailed in issue 38 Breakthrough. Basicly you are building a mother mold of bondo fibre strand (already has long strands of glass fibres) Mold is built around the outer side of the mold. Keep the mold from going to far around the beams that it cant be lifted off the flexible mold. You cut the original mold so the seams are held together by the glass mold & use electrical tape to hold everythiong together. Start by cuttung 2 boards to go over skull plate & bolt together the glass mold is built in 2 parts each side attached to one of the center boards. At statregic points along the beam glass in some boards so that you can bolt a longer board to them & reach axcross the spread to bolt together both sides & maintain correct spread. Contact me if this makes no sense. Im sure I could explain better over the phone 315-493-1405 8-6 eastern.
Having the two pieces of the mother mold is really nice when it comes time to pour the casting resins. They are mostly like water when you first mix them, and will leak out of the mold really easy.
If you cannot hold the two sides of the cut on the rubber mold, all of the resin will just pour out on the floor.
If it was a replica of mine, it will have both sides of the mold to hold it all together. I waste less time putting the two halves together without worrying about if the resin will leak and waste money.
This is just my opinon, you are totally welcome ot form your own.
The cradle method However, is a fairly quick, easier way to do it & is a good way to go if you only want a couple of pulls. I make the molds out of latex & superglue the seams. No leaks but the seam wears out quickly from the force neccesary to get through the super glue seal. This ia also a very cheap way to get a couple of sets of repros. James called & he may do it your way as he wants to get quite a few pulls.