any tips on Casting Figures and weapons

[Hacksaw]

Over the years i have spent alot of money buying various silicons and different types of resins to make figures and weapons but i do find i don't get the results i would really like..there not to bad but i want perfection really and i do throw alot away as things like arms end up alot of the time missing off thumbs and fingers. I have tried multiple types of molding from 2 sided moulds to all in 1 moulds and when it comes to very small parts i get problems.

below is a pic of some of the parts i have made that have come out ok but i would like better so was hoping those of you who do cast wouldn't mind sharing any tips ?

the weechee figure body and parts was made from your usual cheap resin with pigment added which wasn't a bad result but fragile and if dropped on solid floor likely to smash.
the other parts have been made from easyflow, smoothon which are not so fragile and iv just started to use DWR plastic resins which im finding best results but if left in sunlight they turn dark yellow.


do those of you who mould use a vacuum chamber or any additional equipment ? Thanks for any advice

[SteveD]

I just use two part silicone moulds and resin, and let gravity be my friend in terms of flow. But like you say - they can be fragile, and you do struggle to get it to all parts like thumbs etc.

[Hacksaw]

what type of silicon hardness do you get normally ? as been wondering if that would make a difference to moulding smaller parts