Jump to content

Trying to make a mold of a complex vessel


Recommended Posts

Hello :-)

Last week I started making plaster molds to help a relative. I'm already able to make single and double pieced molds but I'm having trouble with a relatively complex vessel. I attached a 2D representation of the sliced vessel.

1 - How can I mold that inner border at the top?
2 - Can someone recommend a tutorial/book/video on how to cast molds with more than two pieces?
3 - For how long should I keep the mold drying before trying to cast?
4 - I tried to use mineral oil to keep the plaster pieces from merging while making the double pieced mold, but sometimes they merge either way. Is that the correct oil to use?
5 - Do I need to apply mineral oil on the plaster before casting the slip?

Thanks!

mold.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/14/2018 at 4:32 PM, alanhoff said:

Hello :-)

Last week I started making plaster molds to help a relative. I'm already able to make single and double pieced molds but I'm having trouble with a relatively complex vessel. I attached a 2D representation of the sliced vessel.

1 - How can I mold that inner border at the top?
2 - Can someone recommend a tutorial/book/video on how to cast molds with more than two pieces?
3 - For how long should I keep the mold drying before trying to cast?
4 - I tried to use mineral oil to keep the plaster pieces from merging while making the double pieced mold, but sometimes they merge either way. Is that the correct oil to use?
5 - Do I need to apply mineral oil on the plaster before casting the slip?

Thanks!

 

1.  I'll go dig out a mould I have for making a large bonsai pot, that has (I think) a level rim like that.  Might be a while, it's torrential rain, and the studio is down the garden!!

2.  Yes, Lark, Slip-casting and mould-making.  https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781600590771?gC=5a105e8b&gclid=CjwKCAjwwdTbBRAIEiwAYQf_Ew9BbshqmHK9lWH57NeTQvPzoqCOxD_VUSwBhT42kSj2vLi0ouiPVRoCiZwQAvD_BwE

3.  It depends,  Time of year, humidity, heat.  Could be 3-4 weeks, maybe more, maybe less.  Feel it with your cheek to see how cold (damp) it is.  If you cast when it is still damp, you will not get as thick a casting and it will take longer to set-up.

4.  I use soapy release from Potterycrafts.  (UK).  Not sure what mineral oil translates to, but I don't think it's the right stuff to use.

5. NO.  Definitely NOT.  Don't use anything on your dry plaster.  The clean, dry plaster will absorb the water in the slip, leaving a coat of clay.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is a two piece mould, bottom forms the base and the top forms the lip.

Bonsai Mould 1

(Please ignore the plywood, top half of mould broke in half, so used plywood to help glue it together.)

The hole in the top half is 16mm smaller in both directions than the hole in the bottom half.  This forms an 8mm lip all round.  To get a bigger lip, make the hole in the top smaller.

Bonsai Dish 1      Bonsai Dish 2

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.