File :-(, x, )
SEBRET
Well, looks like they spammed my thread off.

How would i go about making a mold from my half a BFG so as to make multiple units quickly?
>> Theslasher99
fiberglass it
>> Anonymous
your best bet is to make a mold with fiberglass matting and resin, then if you wanted you could make a negative with plaster poured into the fiberglass mold.
>> SEBRET
>>185108
I definitely plan on making a negative. Two things I'm worried about though,

1. Barrel and other inlets. I can't see how i could cover the whole model with plaster, including the inside of the barrel and remove it without destroying the original mold, kinda like pulling a ball and socket joint apart i guess.

2. what material should i use? It would be cool to make a solid model, but I also want it to be light. I guess plastic is out because i can't really melt a giant vat of polystyrene and pour it in, but i need it to be a material that can take a beating (it won't be hanging on a wall all day)
>> Octo
>I guess plastic is out because i can't really melt a giant vat of polystyrene and pour it in

That's fiberglass. For something that big, I would say go get some glass chopmat and fiberglass resin.

Cover your original model in aluminum foil, shinier side out, and spray non-stick cooking spray on it. If you're not concerned about keeping the paper model, glue the foil down, it will help a lot.

Mix the resin and catalyst in small batches, soak a little patch of the chop mat and lay it down on the mold. Keep going until it's all done.

The only thing about fiberglass is that it doesn't do as well on large, flat surfaces. It needs curves to act as supports, or you'll need to add some of your own. Coat hangers can work well for this, or chicken wire if you have it... Hope that helped.
>> SEBRET
>>185165
how is the matting when it comes to tight corners and small detail?
>> Octo
That all depends on your patience level.
>> Storm
>>185169

using the resin, matting, and a good brush, you can get some pretty nice level of detail here. If you wet the matting enough, and push it into place with a brush it will take on the correct shape (small round areas will be common at square corners tho.)

lol actually did this for a BOAT! its what I learned to do fiberglass on, and it was pretty sweet.
>> Anonymous
Fill it with spray foam and cut it in half
Then build a vacuform machine
>> Anonymous
>>185169

there is also fiber glass 'cloth', or there certainly is in england. look that up. the fibers are much smaller and it holds detail better, BUT, it is not as strong and can get EVERYWHERE and be a right pain, but if you want tight corners it could be your best bet. i would have recommedned the fiberglass option as well. remember though it can be toxic (most american sites bum over respirators when using it, but in england it seems to be just that you use it outside or in a well ventilated area and dont sit over it breathing in the fumes. i guess here the manufacturers arent as worried about getting sued over anything)

good luck with making your mold
>> SEBRET
Thanks for the advice guys. so when I finally get around to this, who wants a $5 life size BFG?
>> Theslasher99
>>185377
depends on detail, i probably wouldn't tho, just out of not having money >.<
>> SEBRET
>>185379
OK, for you it's free, lol
>> Octo
It would cost a little more, but you can also get carbon fiber mat, so it would have that sick gunmetal/black weave look, and be ultra tough. =p
>> SEBRET
Could I actually sell these? I mean I did work from scratch with it, and it would require some personal effort.

how is the copyright on that? I could always name it the "Bio Force 2"