TarheelRick Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 I am going to try my hand at doing some carving to possibly make a resin mold for my personal use. However I am not sure what material is available for some intricate carving. I remember seeing someone mention a product, but I cannot remember the name, seems I remember it beginning with "ren". Any help will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobthehobbyguy Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 Product name is renshape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarheelRick Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 Great, thanks, Now where is it available - Hobby Lobby, Michael's or some other source? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 I've never seen it available at any hobby or craft store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 One of the best sources for advanced modeling materials: https://www.freemansupply.com/products/machinable-media/renshape-modeling-and-styling-boards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 That's where I have gotten casting materials in the past. I've got a "sample pack" of Renshape material, not sure if I got it there though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDO Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 (edited) Try eBay. Edited October 27, 2019 by LDO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rider Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Man that stuff is stupid expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredRPG Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 A decent substitute is the fake wood trim from Home Depot or similar place. I think there are different kind of composites but the stuff they have in 1x4 in the moulding section carves and sands easy. I've been successful glueing several together for larger/thicker pieces. I seem to remember someone mentioning the composite fencing end caps being nice big blocks to work from as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 On 10/29/2019 at 6:16 PM, Rider said: Man that stuff is stupid expensive. Yup, that is true but you might try a local pattern making shop. They may have some scrap they would sell you cheap or even give them too you if you are nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuces Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 We have a pattern shop in our building that uses wren stock... But there's a sign on the door that sez "pattern shop employees only ..... ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyc Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 Might try a sign shop and see if they have any "sign foam" scraps. Scraps would likely work. It is high density Urethane (HDU). It is very "carveable". Comes in sheets form but can be glued up to make whatever thickness you need. Very tight cell structure, sands nicely and can be painted with most anything to completely smooth for mold or final painting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Van Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 Look at Balsa foam too. At one time Dick Blick carried it, It is manufactured near me but unless I buy a truck load they will not sell it there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phirewriter Posted November 1, 2019 Share Posted November 1, 2019 Balsa foam isn't a cheap date either. I worked with a guy who was carving vac formed masters for slot and R/C car bodies and he used expanding foams from both Smooth-On and Alumilite. Basically pored into a box approximately the starting size he needed and carved away once cured. Not too expensive compared to some of the other ready to use products. Otherwise the suggestion of sign foam is good, shouldn't be too hard to find a shop to give/sell you some cut offs, just look for a shop that offers 3d signs and chances are they're working with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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