How To Build Drop Frames

[Cate Donoghue]

I was reading this article: http://ceramicartsdaily.org/pottery-making-techniques/handbuilding-techniques/tips-for-using-soft-slabs-to-make-pottery/

 

I was wondering if anyone can clue me in to a source for building the frames? The angled ones, like the one on the top in the picture of the three frames. Are they available as molding or some kind of frame material that I can buy and just cut to size and miter the corners?

 

Thanks!

 

Cate

[Chris Campbell]

I use sheets of stiff 2 - 3 inch thick foam insulation you can buy at most home hardwares.

They are lighter than wood, easier to cut and use.

[Cate Donoghue]

Thanks! I'll grab some today

[bciskepottery]

Art supply stores, like Michaels, sells frame kits that you can use to make a mold. The wood is already mitered, you just put the four sides together. They come in different lengths, so you can make different size pieces.

[Guest HerbNorris]

I use sheets of stiff 2 - 3 inch thick foam insulation you can buy at most home hardwares.

They are lighter than wood, easier to cut and use.

 

 

Hey Chris, that's a good idea. You could also use them for the latest CAD tip on mold building :

 

 

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/clay-tools/making-clay-tools/plywood-press-molds-a-great-technique-for-enlivening-your-pottery-forms/

 

They wouldn't need as much (any?) trimming with the angle grinder either, I bet.

 

How do you cut your foam, with a saw, knife, or foam cutter?

 

[Chris Campbell]

I have cut it with those retractable cutting blades as well as with a hot wire thingy ...

That's a technical term for this heated thin blade that melts the foam to cut through it.

Don't remember where I got it but it works very quickly and smoothly.