Mike Tharme, Continuing the Snowball.

Until recently, my only knowledge on mould making was basic, rules such as not having undercuts to allow easy removal of a casting and using mold release. I also only had material experience with plaster and silicone, I was aware of fibreglass mould's, but I had never used it on any job or hobby project to date. I have recently discovered a material that the industry also use whilst I was employed at Telegael in Ireland, which is called Aluminium Resin (I refer to it as Alucast for short). It's stronger than plaster, but just as light as polyresin, it's virtually odorless, it can be sanded with a file or a belt sander, each casting cures in about 30-60 minutes and it can be used for silicone and foam latex casting. If you're working at home making your own stop-motion film, you can make your mold's in whatever fashion and material feels comfortable for you; However, if you are looking to work in the industry, they expect a level of skill that demonstrates...

Behind every stop-m otion/ model making student there will need to be a good toolbox (or at least there should be) and here I want to give you all the best tips and must have tools to include into your kit. You will certainly need these in your future in stop-motion and model making careers. With each product I shall embedded links into the item name that will take you to Amazon, this is to help you make quick and easy purchases or to help you find a cheaper equivalent online or in your regional shops. It is best to get these items whilst you have access to a student loan. Most of the tools you purchase at the start of your studies will last you well beyond your 3 or 4 years of study. DISCLAIMER: Not everything featured in this list is necessarily needed for all kits, it is entirely your decision whether to purchase any of these items. HOWEVER, SAFETY GEAR IS A MUST, NO EXCEPTIONS! Safety  Gear Your own protection must always come first. You might be thinking ...