How to make molded handle scales

V

Vulcanite

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Jan 16, 2009
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I am trying to figure out some way to mold handle scales. That way I can make multiple contoured handles w/o having to shape each one w/ files or whatever. Some sort of polymer, epoxy or resin. Was thinking I might could make a silicone or plaster mold???

I want something that will set up & be impervious to humidity. Something that will set up hard w/ checkering, or maybe some sort of soft tacky but durable material.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
 
make a fiber glass mold you will have some touch up after but yes way faster. kellyw
 
Look up "casting" @ McMaster-Carr

I used to use urethanes from there a lot when I was a moldmaker.

They have some good 2 part compounds.

Making your mold is another issue entirely though....
 
hellgap said:
make a fiber glass mold you will have some touch up after but yes way faster. kellyw
Click to expand...

Do you mean make a mold of fiberglass or make a mold for molding fiberglass composits?

G10 is a fiberglass composit right?

BTW, if you cut into a fiberglass reinforced scale to cotnour won't that expose sharp strands of glass in the handle?
 
So the Urathanes on McMaster I looked at are basically two part epoxies that you mix & mold?

I see there are ones listed as solid & others listed as flexible?

Are the flexible ones slip resistant?

I was going to make contoured scales out of Micarta (w/ checkering if I use a solid compound) & then make some sort of mold out of I don't know what & then use something like those urethanes I guess. I'd probably choose a tougher solid compound so I dont' have to worry about wear or the scale coming loose under the fastener.

I gather you have to put some sort of grease in the mold before you pour in the compound so that way you can get it out.

I guess a silicone mold would be best fro molding something that is rounded?
 
Maybe I can use Resiprene C like Busse family handles? Is that cottage industry friendly or does it take serious equipment to execute? Anyone know where to get it. I googled it but no dice.
 
Flexible is a relative term.
Get a high shore value, and they are solid as hell.

As far as slip resistance is concerned, that depends on how you texture it
These compounds are just real firm urethane.

There are a huge amount of variables as to what type of mold you make, and how you assure adhesion to your tang.
Anything from plaster of paris to wax to epoxy to fiberglass to metal puttys to harder eurethanes.
Mold release compund is a must for all of them.

There are a lot of issues to deal with here, and only the surface of them has been touched.
That's why I haven't tried it yet.
I apprenticed as a moldmaker, and spent years making my living at it.

A challenging proposition to do at home, though it is doable.
 
Silicone rubber molds will work. You can use casting epoxy dyed any color for handles.
The silicone rubber is flexible enough that it will peel away from the handles easily. Do a search for pewter casting, as the silicone rubber is what is used for that.
 
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