Reddit mentions: The best ceramic & pottery supplies

What a nice friend you are! I am a sculptor (professional stuff and hobby stuff) and while there are lots of items you can use to make little sculptures and junk model, I'm going to suggest a few that are hard to go wrong with. These are general suggestions, the brands are things I've used but there are many others. Paperclay is an air dry clay, fun to use, versatile. It can be sanded smoother, painted, etc. Super sculpey is a clay you bake, won't dry as you work, can be sculpted a bit more precisely (but don't bake with anything that will melt in the oven.) Sculpey can be painted as well. It comes in tiny packages of different colors, but I usually have more success using the Super Sculpey "flesh" color (usually fresher than the tiny packages) and just paint it. You might pick one of the two based on your knowledge of friend's interest? I linked a tool kit with some good basics. I literally use about 3 of these tools on a regular basis, and a few others occasionally. Don't go overboard here. Made a wire suggestion, whatever you want here. Mesh is fun for modeling, it can be part of armature, it can be an external part of the model, it shapes well. Most hobby and craft stores have these items, as well as Amazon. Oh, another thought is maybe a book! There are so many, just search with key words like clay sculpture, modeling figures, etc. Any combo of items would be a lovely gift, you are a sweet friend!

Tools

[https://www.amazon.com/Sculpt-Pro-Pottery-Tool-Starter/dp/B00CTTLZOA/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=sculpting+tool+kit&qid=1573610099&sr=8-11]

Paperclay

[https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Paper-clay-Ounces-White/dp/B001V8E7MW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3K2BJF9CM3XJE&keywords=paperclay+air+dry&qid=1573610303&sprefix=Paperclay%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-3]

Wire

[https://www.amazon.com/TecUnite-Aluminum-Flexible-Armature-Thickness/dp/B07BQMMF58/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3IALD05H02KIV&keywords=sculpting+wire+for+clay&qid=1573610433&sprefix=sculpting+wire%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-13]

Wire Mesh

[https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-AMA50004D-Aluminum-Wire-Metal/dp/B00114TFAK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=sculpting+mesh&qid=1573610539&sr=8-4]

A Book I like

[https://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Figures-Ideas-Techniques-Using/dp/0914881000/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Fantastic+figures&qid=1573613535&sr=8-2]

I'm a noob but no one else has said anything:

Material:

For larger figures you'll probably want some sort of clay as opposed to epoxies like green stuff/ graystuff/ milliput. ( https://www.sculpey.com/super-sculpey/9-super-sculpey-firm ) super sculpy firm is the only polymer clay I've used (oven hardening). Unless anyone with more experience pops by I'd say just get some super sculpy and play around with it. Learn what you like about it or dont like, and branch out from there.

Tools:

https://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=wax+carving+tools&qid=1573851649&sprefix=wax+car&sr=8-3

I think this is what I have, plenty of shapes and sizes for all your detailing needs. You may also want some files for after you bake the clay:

https://www.amazon.com/10-Piece-Diamond-Needle-Total-Length/dp/B07R3R9461/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=diamond+file&qid=1573851744&sr=8-9

These work well in my experience. As far as your armature question goes I'd definitely recommend arnatures, I'd just go on amazon and search "copper wire", obviously dont get anything insulated. I think I have 24 gauge wire and it's perfect for what I do on the ~25mm scale, so a thicker gauge may be beneficial to you.

Paints:

Make a thread at /r/minipainting it's a more active sub and has some really good painters.


Again, I'm no expert. The tools/ files I can vouch for, and the clay will be a good starting point if no one else pipes up. Good luck!

Also, I like the drawings!


Edit: I should say that if you're on a budget the files and tools are not required, you can get by with whatever you have around the house. Toothpicks, silverware, hobby knives, paperclips, safety pins, etc.

I wanted to do a quick write up of a fun project I just finished today. I hope you dig it!

I needed bases for my Rogue One figures (Seriously, check out Sun and Skull studios - great stuff!) that came in, but what is this? FFG does not sell extra bases? Well, close enough just won't do, so I did what any crafty gamer does, and I got to work. Let's make some bases!

So the first thing I did was get some Smooth-On Silicone Molding material and some Smooth-On liquid plastic. I wanted to make a mold of a bunch of bases at once, so I could replicate them in batches. Once the product came in, I could start the project.

As far as making molds go, this was going to be pretty easy. The technique is referred to as a "Dump Mold" - basically, we have a fairly flat object to duplicate, and a flat surface to pour the mold onto. We don't need to have the mold wrap around to the other side of the bases, because the bottoms of them are flat.

I used Hot Glue to stick the 8 bases I wanted to replicate to a piece of Foam Core board, and then I used the same Foam Core and Hot Glue to form a box. This is what I was going to make my Silicone Mold from.

Once this was done, I mixed equal parts of the two part silicone material in disposable cups. Being sure that the pink and blue materials are thoroughly mixed together and blended into a purple material with no streaks in it. We then poured this into the box we made, and tamped it down to get any air bubbles out of the mix. This has to sit and cure overnight.

The next day, I was able to break apart my box to reveal a well formed silicone mold! A little flash on the edges was just fine here, and wont interfere with the later plastic pour.

With the mold made and cured, it was time to make our actual plastic material. We needed a LOT less of this to make the actual bases, so I was trying to be careful with my pours. We mixed equal parts of the liquid plastic material together and mixed it well. This stuff is clear out of the bottle, but sets up to make a white plastic when it is all done. I could have added coloring agents to change the white into something else, but I knew I was painting these guys regardless after the fact, so the white was fine.

Pouring the plastic was fairly easy, but I was trying to keep all of the plastic in the mold itself, without overfilling and creating a "bulbed out" look that I would need to file down after.

15 minutes later, my perfect replica bases popped out, and are ready to have some Rogue One K-2 units attached to them!

I hope you liked this little walk through. Give this technique a try, it got some great results. :)

Budget? Im sure you mean it but what you are discussing here will be about $1500 in machines and tools + space and storage

​

I'd recommend https://www.bigceramicstore.com/speedball-big-boss-formerly-creative-industries-big-boss.html as the wheel. It's a hundred and change more than a few of the cheaper models, but it will last and it will perform and she won't outgrow it unless she starts throwing pots as big as you are.

As for tools there's literally thousands of different tools all specialty and all with variations. To begin with, I would get a set like https://www.amazon.ca/Blisstime-Sculpting-Wooden-Pottery-Carving/dp/B07N64DQ9J/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=pottery+tools&qid=1566218688&s=gateway&sr=8-20 which will have variety. Even if the individual tools are cheaper it will give her an idea of what she likes.

I would also get a set of metal ribs, like https://www.amazon.ca/COMIART-Sculpture-Pottery-Molding-Ceramics/dp/B078C7KT4J/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=pottery+tools&qid=1566218688&s=gateway&sr=8-17 which are used for shaping curves and having metal ones with some give can be WAY better than even the nicest wood ones for some situations.

For space, I'd say 5x5 minimum work clearance for the wheel area. She will need to have a large bucket or bag of clay, the wheel, a large bowl or bucket of water, potentially a second chair and a large mirror where she can see both the work and her posture.

In addition she will need some sort of sturdy work table, because clay needs to be prepped like bread dough. Something with a resilient surface (Im a big fan of ikea butcherblock counterop) It doesn't have to be HUGE but smaller than about 2x2 and uncomfortable to work standing would be incorrect in my opinion.

If she does any hand building, which is coming back into fashion, she'll want closer to 2' by 6' so she can roll out slabs and still have work area.

Lastly, there are three stages of pottery before it's finished.

Leather, bone, and bisque.

She will need racks to hold anything going through those stages. I recommend something sturdy and on wheels, so that they can be pushed against a wall when full. Something like these https://www.amazon.ca/SortWise-Adjsutable-Shelving-SystemSort-Lockable/dp/B071ZDHJ1S/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=metal+shelving+wheel&qid=1566219480&s=gateway&sr=8-4 which can hold heavy pots but wont be tippy if they need to be moved.

Lastly, she'll need a kiln. This is where the magic happens. I can't really suggest one kiln in particular, as it's really dependent on how much she wants to do. You will probably want an electric kiln that uses a 240 standard oven plug. You'll likely need wiring for it.https://www.bigceramicstore.com/kilns/kiln-types/electric-ceramic/small-electric-ceramic-kilns.html?filter_kiln_cone=288&lm_manufacturer=13

The good news is used electric kilns are -everywhere- online for about half the price as new or less.check local kijiji or craigs ads, there will be some.

ALTERNATIVELY, depending on your area, you may have a local guild. There for a registration fee and mandatory classes (Locally mine was 3 courses ~6 weeks and $200 each for hand building, wheel throwing, and kiln use + a $200/year membership fee) She could have access to a full studio/wheels/kiln/tools/peers.

Personally I would go with a decent quartz banger. Those glass nails, like the one that comes with your piece, are prone to break - but it is still very usable.

With the piece you linked, you'll need a 14mm female. Here is a very basic article on glass joint sizes and male/female genders - edit: looking for a better reference.

The general rule of thumb for male and female joints is if it inserts INTO a glass joint it is a male - Think penis. If it slides OVER a glass joint it is a female - Think vagina.

For example, the glass dome (and the bowl) on the piece you linked is a female joint because it slides over the male joint (not pictured) on the downstem.

While Ti nails are perfectly fine, I prefer quartz. I think the flavor is better, but this is just my opinion. There are a lot of options out there for nails, try them out and find what suits your tastes.

You can get along just fine with a banger by itself but, to get the most out of it you should learn how to use a carb cap. There is a learning curve with everything but through trial and error you'll eventually get to MLG360no-dome globfather status in no time.

As far as domed vs domeless, the piece you linked comes with a glass dome, which you would need if you used just a regular nail insert such as the glass one that comes with your piece. Here is an example of a domeless Ti nail, and here is one similar to yours with a dome and Ti nail insert.

Notice how the domeless nail has a an opening, or channel, in the middle for the vapor to flow through as you inhale. You don't need a dome to capture the vapor with a domeless nail. This is really the difference between the two types as the standard nail insert is basically a solid dish with no airways on the surface.

There are many styles of domeless nails but hopefully this will give you a general idea about the differences between the two.

I should add that with a domeless nail, you won't need a dome, but you will want to learn how to use a carb cap. Also, as /u/snobord mentioned, the carb caps are going to be different depending on what type of nail you decide to use. If they don't match up or properly restrict airflow, the caps will not work as intended. So be sure to do your research before deciding to pull the trigger.

You'll also need a dabber or dab tool to apply your concentrates to your nail. Personally, I use a Ti dabber with a ball point tip because it makes it easier for me to collect my rosin after I press it. There are a lot of options for dabbers as well and really I think it comes down to personal preference.

edit:

>/u/snobord

>The type of your concentrate is going to affect the kind of dabber you want to use. The ball point wouldn't be ideal for crumble, for example. I personally bought a stainless steel wax carver set from Amazon so I'd have all the bases covered.

Finally, you're going to need some sort of storage container for your concentrates like a wax wallet or something similar. A quick google search should point you in the right direction.

edit:

>/u/snobord

>As for the silicone containers, bought 10ish (don't remember exactly) of them last year, used them one or twice and basically haven't touched them since. The main reason is I pick up from dispensaries and it comes prepackaged in half/one gram packs and the process of transferring it over isn't even worth the effort. This is definitely a matter of opinion though so my point is just that op should try it out before buying a bunch.

Several edits later: If I missed the mark on anything let me know. Op, hopefully if I wasn't able to answer your questions someone more experienced can chime in and get you on the right path.

Good luck, and happy dabbing!

> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polymer-Creations-Modelling-Nontoxic-Accessories/dp/B07HB6LTVZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=polymer+clay&qid=1566162374&s=gateway&sprefix=polymer+clay&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQTNXSFlHVUpUNkhKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI2Nzk3SE1CSko4U0FaOEJGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjI4MjY0U0E3S003QzNHMUEmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Those are mostly "no-name" brands of polymer clay, and are generally low-quality polymer clays --often "too soft" for doing certain things well/easily and sometimes even sticky.

As for which you might keep working with, that would depend on the texture and characteristics you want, the temp where you are and the heat of your hands, what you like to make and how much of it would be fine-detail, how much strength you need in the final piece or parts, etc.

Premo is the one I recommend to all newbies since it's medium-firmness, comes in lots of great colors and special colors, and can do any technique in the polymer clay world very well.

As for "Fimo," you still haven't mentioned the specific line of Fimo you're using...I'm guessing it's probably Fimo Soft though?
.....Fimo Soft is liked by some polymer clayers, but not by me and many other clayers for the reasons mentioned above.
.....Fimo Professional is excellent, but is very firm (before conditioning) and firmer than Premo and definitely firmer than Fimo Soft (although the Fimo Professional Doll Art colors will be a bit softer than regular Fimo Professional colors).

So I'd recommend Premo, and I'd recommend Fimo Professional next.
If Fimo Professional is too firm for you though (after conditioning), I'd recommend Cernit or even Fimo Soft.

Btw, all brands/lines and colors of polymer clay can be mixed together. The characteristics you'll get will be the same proportion as the proportions of the clays you'd used for the new mix and their characteristics.

And new colors of polymer clay can be mixed too, and whole palettes of color can even be mixed from 3 basic colors plus black and lots of white:
in other words, a very true red + blue + yellow, or some clayers use turquoise + fuschia + lemon yellow.
Any "red, blue and yellow" can be used though, even using gold as a "yellow"; it's just that the final palette will be different. So you don't have to settle only for colors you buy!
This page at my site has recipes for mixing up various individual colors, and also mixing up whole palettes of color, if you're interested:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/color.htm

Special thanks to u/Morgan-3D and u/Lps2 for the STLS! I modified the Poseidon/Mod holder to fit my Joytech infinite....had an error when printing and it ended up being a perfect fit for the reverse banger and grommet. Coil holder and second Poseidon stand are awesome, thanks again to everyone here for providing so many tips. Happy Sunday y'all!

Details:

Joytech Espion Infinite & Sai TAF (Awesome Mod, but no Arctic Fox compatibility. The TCR mode is great so I don't feel like I'm missing out too much; I have a backup VooPoo I'll get around to flashing soon).

Usually running Triple Black Ceramic, TCR 366 / 27 Watts / 360 - 430 / Locked @ 0.29 with the Reverse Banger on a halfway decent rig. I get very solid clouds and throaty strong rips all day. I have some ti & quartz buckets to try but I'm so happy with the Triple Black I haven't got around to it yet.

Favorite items are obviously the 3D Prints and Reverse Banger. Loving this wax Carver kit (you can't beat this price anywhere) : SE DD312 12-Piece Stainless Steel Wax Carvers Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CMOQCb61J6RYC

Also, this ultrasonic cleaner and portable case with ice packs is a must for me (all recommendations from waxpen & r/saionara):

Ultrasonic: Yesker Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner with Digital Timer for Eyeglasses, Rings, Coins https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DKDAVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zNOQCbYCNV3EB

goldwheat Portable Insulin Cooler Bag Diabetic Organizer Medical Travel Cooler Pack + 2 Ice Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E3MS782/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7NOQCb3RB56GX

Never would have got this dialed in without these subs & HVT! I am barely even using flower anymore.

Update:

> Dried at 50% humidity and 70 degrees F for 6 days. A little too dry tbh.

> I didn't defoliate enough and therefore had a LOT of airy buds. Roughly 350 grams worth. Then another pound of quality trim. Didn't count any of that in the 850g total. Started shooting it today, hoping for some quality shatter.

> * Overall extremely happy with this grow. It was my first hydroponic grow. My first grow with these lights. My first grow with this strain. And it went terrific. Had alot of fun.

Grow Journal:

Date| Day| pH| ppm| Temp (°F) | RH (%)| Lighting | Watering Schedule | Lighting Schedule | Notes |
---|---|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
6/04/18| V3| 6.0| 453| 66.7| 60 | 2 x 200W-Roleadro |3hr Intervals | 24/0 | n/a |
6/11/18|V11|5.8|468|69.6|57|157W x 4 Vero29| 4hr Intervals | 24/0 | Stem/Stretch Problems, PH problems.
6/18/18|V18|5.5|880|71|62|170W x 8 Vero29|4hr Intervals | 24/0 | pH Problems in Remediation, Necrosis on Plant 2
6/25/18|V25|6.1|950|70|62|180W x 8 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 24/0 | pH/Necrosis problems resolved. Topped. Nute burn.
7/07/18|V37|6.4|850|73|66|320W x 12 Vero29|3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Skipped week due to vacation. Transplanted. Vigorously LST-ing to keep up with growth.
7/20/18|V51|6.4|820|70|62|500W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Work trip means going forward I only see my girls 2 days a week. Continuing to top and LST and trim leaves. Flip imminent.
7/30/18|V60|5.8|860|74|55|640W x 12 Vero29|3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Pre-Flip Looking very healthy.
8/05/18|F06|5.7|750|76|54|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Post-Flip Extremely fast growth. Ran at 1000PPM past week - too hot. Dropping to 750ppm.
8/11/18|F11|5.8|850|74.5|61|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Stretch!!!
8/19/18|F19|5.8|750|77|65|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Holy Mother of Stretch
8/27/18|F27|5.9|650|75|70|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | New lights, lots of pistils
9/03/18|F34|6.1|740|78|52|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Starting to chunk
9/13/18|F44|5.9|810|76|50|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Very rapid growth. Some foxtailing on seed #2 - seems to be genetic.
9/22/18|F53|5.8|610|72|52|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Lowered nute concentration to finish up.
9/29/18|F53|5.8|100|70|54|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Harvest! 850 grams of quality buds for .85 g/W

Medium:

> Germination: Starter Plugs
> Veg: 1/2 Gal Nursery Pots > 1 Gal Nursery Pots > 5 Gal Fabric Pits
> * Hydroton

Environment:

> Tent: 5 x 5
> AC inside, Venting Outside with 450CFM fan

Nutrient List:

>
> Flora Trio
> Diamond Nectar
> Armor Si
> Floralicious Plus
> Mammoth P
> Hydroguard
> Great White Mycorrhizae
> FloraNectar

Other:

> [DIY LED Album] (https://imgur.com/a/QZYXtt1)
> [DIY Flood Table Details] (https://www.reddit.com/r/microgrowery/comments/8myjvg/finished_my_first_flood_table/)
>* Past Grows: 1 & 2

Always looking for feedback! :)

Welcome, hope this /r/ will help you get started off well.

Dr_Von_Spaceman covered the basic tools well enough, so here's a couple of suggestions (from an aircraft guy) for kits that would be good to begin with. Hobby Lobby typically carries Tamiya kits and both the 1/48 scale A6M2 Zero and 1/48 F4U-1D Corsair are extremely well designed and relatively inexpensive (don't go to HL without a coupon!!) . The Zero would be especially good for a first kit as it isn't very complicated, goes together almost flawlessly, has a basic paintjob, and still has a few small challenges to keep it interesting.

One thing I'll add to the supplies list would be a chunk of modeling clay (the stainless clay is good). This stuff is incredibly useful for myriad modeling tasks. You can use it to hold parts on sprues or toothpicks while painting or assembling. Make a small indentation in a lump of clay and put a few drops of superglue in it, then dip a toothpick or cut sewing needle in for application. It also makes a good, quick mask for certain painting situations. Just get the clay, you'll keep finding uses.

I'm using some metal sculpting tools, Here's the set I'm using, a lot of sculpting comes down to experience and practice, life-drawing lessons always helped but besides that I've picked up some tips and tricks here and there. note some of these tips only relate to Sculpting with Super sculpy.

• 
  For the love of god make a sturdy armature
  
• 
  Thin pieces of sculpy can be cooked in boiling water anything below 8mm for about 15 minutes
  
  
• 
  when sculpting the eyes/eyelids It's much easier to use solid eyes. I usually roll 2 balls, throw them in some boiling water and then once they've hardened jam them into the eye sockets. It's much more forgiving when the you're trying to tuck in the eyelids around the eyeball and it doesn't give way to your tool
  
  
• 
  You can use lighter fluid to smooth out Sculpy, get a small sturdy paint brush and dipping it into lighter fluid you can use it to manipulate the Sculpy to get some nice flowing lines and soft edges.
  
  thats the most I can think of off the top of my head.
  
  

Hey, a metal implement is a metal implement, though I wouldn't use aluminum for dabs.

I got mine as an ear cleaner, then took a job packaging cannabis concentrates and sometimes even weed, before making vapes for awhile. Presently looking for a better employer that appreciates all I bring to the table, but I can move sugars, crumbles, sauces, rosin or whatever goop at a ridiculous rate with a standard dab tool set (also called sculpting tools) and one of those ear cleaners, as well as a very special silver spoon I found on Ebay (for the crumble only). With those tools, I was doing 1100-1200 half-gram jars a shift, clean and proper as can be.

When I started there, they handed me a bowl of sugar and a plastic spoon. After a week of that shit, I was looking for proper tools. Had some hits and some misses, but my goop-moving toolkit is awesome. A plastic spoon netted about 300 jars a day...and for only the fastest among us.

BUT ALL THAT ASIDE-- my ears are sooo happy. Try it. Takes a little practice to get the hang of the inside of your own ear, but when you do....

Also, I should say I still prefer flower over dabs, myself. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Easy.

And I can do more than 1200 vapes a day, easy. :)

• Capsule machine - any size depending on what you want the cap size to be.
  
• Mortar and pestle - used to pulverize MDMA
  
• Micro funnel - cut the tip of the spout off with scissors and leave about 1/4" spout.
  
• Milligram scale - calibrate and weigh out MDMA amount per cap
  
• Small metal spatulas - really useful for scooping MDMA
  
  
  These are just the tools that I use, you don't have to use them but it makes the job easier.
  
  Process:
  
  

1. Fill capsule machine with empty caps. This one holds 50 shells. Put the tops in a bowl or glass to keep them from getting misplaced.
   
2. Place the shortened funnel in the first cap that you want to fill
   
3. Pulverize MDMA. It doesn't have to be perfectly smooth, but the less chunky the easier it is to weigh out.
   
4. Put a plate under the pestle, scale, and capsule machine to catch any accidental spills that might occur.
   
5. Using the spatulas, transfer a small amount of MDMA that has been pulverized to the scale. Add or remove MDMA as necessary till you get the weight that you want each cap.
   
6. Transfer the weighed amount of MDMA and pour it into the funnel, hopefully filling the cap with MDMA. The funnel spout sometimes clogs,just use the spatula to clear the clog.
   
7. Repeat these steps until you've filled all the caps you need to make.
   
8. After you have filled all the caps you are going to make, use the shell halves to seal the caps.
   
   With this setup, I can cap over 100 caps an hour, each one weighed out to the same weight. Using #1 caps each ends up about 1/2 full, filled with .1-.15g of MDMA.

I love short work weeks. I love RAoA and its people even more! A giftcard to but towards a kettle or wok would be awesome, but I know some people don't like gifting those as much so if not some purple fimo would be equally awesome! =)

This sounds FANTASTIC! A few questions on it.

1. This is what I found on Amazon. Is this the product you mentioned above?
   Amazon.com: Reusable Clay Mold Making Only Use Hot Water. Eco package (Clear White, 8pcs)
   https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Making-Water-package-Clear/dp/B07M9XS3FX/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Blue+Stuff+mold&qid=1566159397&s=gateway&sr=8-1
   
2. I also found Blue Stuff on this site:
   REUSABLE Blue Stuff plastic moulding for all levels.
   http://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/reusable-blue-stuff/8-blue-stuff-mold-8-bars.html
   Am I correct in assuming both products are pretty much the same stuff and work identically? Any advantages/disadvantages for one over the other?
   
3. Once you have a mold, any recommendations for the best and most affordable material I can use to create the items once I have the mold set?
   
4. I occasionally see topics here on r/ActionFigures talking about customs, but not as much as I'd like. Any suggestions for other subs where I can learn more and talk to experienced crafts-people? They don't even need to be action figure related subs--straight up crafts is fine as long as I can apply the how-to's to figure customs.
   
   I also found what looks like a helpful DIY video on YouTube:
   
   (14) Blue Stuff/Oyumaru - How to cheaply cast miniatures or plastic models - new version - YouTube
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZLXLaidjQ

Welcome welcome


I would recommend a few things depending on what you're looking to do.

For helping smooth out the print I regularly use XTC-3D by smoothon- You basically coat your print with the epoxy and it dries smooth. You really need to put it on really thin or else you will lose the details of your print. Once its dried you can sand it further or paint.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopV6He4cqE

I also regularly use a dremel to remove excess pieces or grind away parts I cant tear off.

I also picked up these needle files that are awsome for sanding down detailed areas.

http://www.harborfreight.com/needle-file-set-10-pc-69876.html



I also use sculpting tools to help remove stubborn support materials.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY?keywords=sculpting%20tools&qid=1451425886&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

Specifically the forth tool from the left

Other than that I just use sanding paper when needed.

Hope that helps and hope you are enjoying the witbox

Depends on what you're using it for.

What are you making? How long do you expect it to last? Will it be handled frequently? Or are you just practicing?

Salt dough is cheap, can be molded and baked just like clay. It lasts a long time, but only if it's handled rarely. My mom has salt dough ornaments that my 33-year-old brother made as a child and they're in fine condition, because they're only decorative and otherwise gently packed away.

If you're really interested in clay sculpting and you care about the result of your work, you'll probably want to spring for the real thing. 3/4lb of Sculpey is less than $8. You can easily earn that by selling something on craigslist or Etsy or eBay.

Also consider making miniatures since they require less material.

I haven't used the Bondo spot putty, but there are several brands of putty used on plastic models that work pretty well -- Squadron, Tamiya, and Testors all have very smooth putties that are only a couple bucks a tube. They dry pretty fast, so be sure to work in small areas and have a plan. Using the back side of a spoon-shaped sculpting tool (like the one at the top here) helps get it packed into tight areas too. A cheap substitute is a low-end stainless steel crab fork, it will have a spoon on one end like that.

It's a little blurry, but it looks like you need to mesh the greenstuff onto the cloak a little better. It looks like there is a gap between the two?

Having the gap on the shoulders is fine, since it is sitting on top of them, but you want it to blend into the cloak itself, since it is supposed to be part of it.

Do you have a sculpting tool? They help a lot when dealing with greenstuff, especially for keeping your fingerprints off of it.

This is what I use;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I started 3 years ago again with a tax refund. I already had a wheel in storage so that helped. I bought a beat up used kiln with good brick for 225.00 cut a hole in the bottom and top. I used a 1 lb coffee can to measure. You can see my Kilns here. I bought an electric to gas conversion kit and fire in my drive with two 20lb propane canisters. If you don't want to bother with the kit go buy a weed burner and shoot it into the kiln. I have been firing like this for the last two years and have sold pots all over the world. You can get a high pressure gas regulator from Mr. Heater for 25.00 Buy your clay and glaze off amazon prime to save on shipping charges. You can also save money by hand mixing your own glazes. Now at least you can hand build! After that look for a use wheel someplace. I do all of this from my small basement. If you got question let me know.

Edit: Be sure to follow good safety practices as glaze mixing and clay dust can be harmful. Also see you state and local regulations for outside firings depending on where you live. Never trust gas.

Let it cure a bit for hard edge sculpting. Use an old razor to slice off little equal chunks. It's pretty sticky and will ruin a nice blade. Cut off very small amounts at once until you get a handle on your skills, think a few grains of rice. When you pas the sculpt time, just smash the blobs onto bases and make mud or sandstone. When it's to far gone, it will just fall off, so rocks can easily be glued back done. Balancing stickyness and hardness is really key.

Go out and grab a huge pile of dental tools for cheap. The little paddle and shovle kind, not the wire picks. I own several real deal sculpting knifes but I go back to that one dental tool I like the best. Amazon has lots, but they are really common.

A good first project is layered sandstone for bases and other base elements to get a feel for moving it around. Then try out gap filling then furtrim and chain mail.

I'm totally a novice and a software developer by trade, so take what I'm about to say with caution. That said, here goes:

​

I started with a propane forge because it was easier to make, or trying many things to build one. The best thing that I've managed to find as far as instructions or help is this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS7wumQt0s8&t=123s - I used these bricks from Amazon and so far they're doing an ok job: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VEOIVA. If I had to give one word of advice it'd be to save your money and not buy the cheap firebricks you'll find at home improvement stores. They kind of work, but ultimately you'll lose a ton of heat and I ended up spending the extra cash to just buy good firebrick because I felt unsafe(I hit my burner with a laser thermometer and it was astronomically hot b/c heat was seeping up into it).

​

Last and certainly not least, I am planning on building a coal forge because I'm having a tough time getting the heat I need to forge weld. So the comment I saw that said to get both ... totally on point. I can see myself using propane when I'm looking to just do something quickly on a weeknight, and when I have a ton of hammer work or forge welding to do I'd switch to coal.

​

Edit: Assuming you're just starting... I have taken one beginning blacksmith class and I'm planning on several more in the following year. Find a blacksmithing association near you and attend the meetings. It's totally worth the time to link up with the pros.

Edit 2: If you're in the US, check this out: https://abana.org/

They are soft refractory bricks. They go by a dozen different names, Kiln bricks, fire bricks, insulating bricks, etc... These are the ones i have but I didn't buy them on amazon. I found a local pottery supply store( If you are in the Mass area I can suggest one) that sold them for $4 a brick.

I think O1 treating process is similar. I heat the steel to 1500F, You can test by seeing if it is non-magnetic (You can see my cheap telescoping magnet on the ground in pic 1) 1084 is non-magnetic at about 1450F or so. Then lower it edge first into the vegetable oil.

This is a great video on the forgeand process but with O1.

One last tip on the forge, don't be cheap on the torch... I had bought the cheap benzo propane torch at first and it didn't get hot enough at all. After trying whatever i could, I finally just bought the benzo ts8000(about $50) and it works wonderfully.

Thanks!! Yes, i have Fimo and it is easy to work. So, do you think i keep working with fimo/premo? Because I have been looking and amazon does not have single blocks from other brands, they have a lot of stuff like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polymer-Creations-Modelling-Nontoxic-Accessories/dp/B07HB6LTVZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=polymer+clay&qid=1566162374&s=gateway&sprefix=polymer+clay&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQTNXSFlHVUpUNkhKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI2Nzk3SE1CSko4U0FaOEJGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjI4MjY0U0E3S003QzNHMUEmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

And i can't choose the colors. So, maybe, i will just keep buying Fimo.

I need doll-modding supplies!

Like clay or tools or acetone pens or embellishments or brushes.

With practice, I hope to be able to work with some very talented doll artists in my community, as well as crafting custom dolls for people over the Internet.

Deosnt have to be kaowool. https://www.amazon.com/ceramafiber-Ceramic-Fiber-Blanket-Insulation/dp/B01HLM8PII?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01HLM8PII

One option. You can buy smaller quantities from resellers. If you are just starting out go to iforgeiron.com and read up until your heart is content. I think they even sell by the foot there if you want. Just checked and they sell at 8.50 per 12x24 section. Some areas on the forum you cant get to without signing up. but worth the time. Great resource.

Did a path in my parents backyard with something like this years ago. Just make sure that you dig in to the ground and then set them in sand/dirt after. We did not dig very far in to the ground, so when you brought the mower in to the backyard it would turn them over since the path was not 100% even.

It was pretty easy but I like I said make sure that you do it properly otherwise it will end up more of a headache.

I use Aves Apoxie Sculpt; the regular is a grey color. Tutorial hereSame two-part compound idea, but it will thin (and clean) with water before hardening and is a finer grain than green stuff (so it files/sands nicer (smoother). Very easy to manipulate & shape with wax shaping tools

I use these tools and they're awesome. I've seen plenty of other people with the same set. 5 good tools for $9 is pretty tough to beat.

After trying just about every method of using concentrates, I find that my prefered method is a nectar collector, This one is a great starter kit. This guy makes awesome stands with a 3D printer and sells them super cheap. An enail is outrageously expensive and more for the party session style. Pens just don't get hot enough and it's not an on-the-go kind of set up. Get a professional grade butane torch like this one, and borocite dish like a mini-ramekin. Oh, I almost forgot, I would upgrade to a quartz tip as opposed to the titanium one it comes with. Sorry, I'm at work and keep remembering things to add- essentially, of all the methods, I prefer the nectar collector or honey straw method simply because it give the most control when hitting. Another handy thing to pick up is a set of wax sculpting tools
.


As far as my "recipe", I usually get diamonds or crystals and then top them off with some distillate sauce. This is mostly because I draw really hard and can't help it, so sauce prevents the crystals from shooting straight through the straw.

Overall, I hate to say it, but when learning how to use concentrates, just be flat out prepared for losses and accept the trial and error process. Eventually, you'll find your groove with it. I promise.

If it's hot enough to melt a little bit and your insulation is good enough, then you can melt a lot.

I was going to combine this with this for the bucket build, and have holes through the lid for these. Make a stopper for the sight hole and a lip on the lid to minimize oxygen introduction. Should work out pretty OK.

I ended up getting this one. I found about 3-4 of the tools useful (still learning how to use them though), but i really like my exacto knife. The thin blade helps a lot and I end up using it about 80% of the time.

If you're willing to put in some trial-and-error, you should look into casting. I've done a lot of it to recreate the one bit I need more of, and once you're used to it, it can really extend your money.

This is the base of what you need. Put it in some boiling water, wait for it to get soft, then push that one piece you need into it. Then let it cool (I put it in the freezer to speed this up). Once the bottom half of the mold sets, heat up another piece, and put it on top. You'll need to apply some pressure to get it into every crevice, then put it in the freezer to set again.

Once it sets, you can remove the original from the center, and fill the mold with GreenStuff (or better yet, a 50-50 mix of GreenStuff and Milliput), and leave it for 5-6 hours with a weight on top of it (to push out the extra). Then pop it out, remove the flash, and you have another piece!

Normal Tools:

I've found my square tool with a lip on it: This one to be invaluable. I use it every time I craft to make a 90 degree cut.

X-Acto knives are a must when cutting foam (buy a box of 100 blades, foam dulls them QUICK). A box cutter for things like corkboard or cardboard.

A cheap clay set such as this can be useful when working with foam to add different types of impressions. The metal tool with prongs is good for making a wood grain effect.

Tiny hand drill such as This is useful for making small holes for wood posts, jail bars, etc.. I use this hand drill with a 3mm bit I bought elsewhere to put tiny magnets into my work to hold pieces together that are modular or detachable.

Paints:

I like to get house paints from Home Depot for major colors that I use a lot (grey for stone, brown for wood). I get the sample size containers that are really cheap for the amount of paint you get, and the paint is thick enough so you only have to use one coat most of the time. I use dental plaster bricks from Hirst Arts quite often and it takes several coats of cheap paint or just one coat of house paint to get the job done. I mix the house paint with cheap craft white paint for dry brushing highlights. For all the other colors I use the cheap($.50 - $1.00 / bottle) craft store paint. I wouldn't use that paint for miniatures, but works fine for terrain.

Brushes:

Get the cheap ones in a wide variety of sizes. You will be dragging and jamming those brushes into all sorts of places so they will get damaged. I also use the brushes for applying glue to terrain, or latex to wire armatures and they do not survive that process well. I never use any of the ones with the sponge tips.

Thanks for all the replies! So let make sure I'm getting this info correct, it's fine to dab with Stainless Steel? I would not be endangering my health by dabbing with these? http://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=acc_glance_sg_ai_ps_t_2

These things are great.

I picked up a set very similar to this and, though I haven't used every tool in it, it was a worthwhile investment.

Milliput and green stuff both work well for gap filling and smoothing over rough areas. Liquid green stuff is garbage. I find that milliput is more fragile than green stuff, so if you're putting it in areas that are likely to be touched a lot (or you're fabricating detail) I'd use green stuff. But I like it a little more for seam filling just because of how easy it is to sand and carve.

Get yourself a cheap set of tools and remember to smooth it over with watered tools/fingers.

I get amaco 38 stoneware clay off amazon, 50lbs for $21 and free shipping if you order enough. They have it with grog and sedona red clay as well:

amazon link

I used this

http://www.amazon.com/A-M-Leonard-Random-Cobblestone-Mold/dp/B001FA86LY

as a walkway to my pool deck and branching off to my shed. I used regular Quickrete concrete and painted on a thinned out version of the concrete stain on top when it was still drying. I then came back once it was dry with another brushing. Once that was done I took portland cement and brushed it in the cracks and made a border so make it a little more solid.
I am extremely pleased with the results. My path gets heavy traffic during pool season and i even drive my riding lawn mower over it.

I purchased 2 and once I got into a rhythm was able to fill and go.

I can send you pics if you want to see the finished result.

FYI...my local Lowes has them a few dollars cheaper than Amazons listed price.

Only need 2 bricks. and the burner is very affordable, albeit a little unsuitable. its the cheapest way to accomplish what he's trying to do. its like the definition of hobbyist tools.

• Here's some cheap bulk dab tools that i got and work great
  
• Cheap cool recycler rig or any other glass on DHGate is pretty dope
  
• Concentrate slicks can be found on amazon for cheap or unbleached parchment paper works perfect IMO
  
• Theres tons of torches online. I wouldn't skimp too much when it comes to a torch because there's nothing more disappointing than a torch breaking mid dab sesh
  
• Domeless Ti nails and carb caps and such can be found online but be careful of the grade or quality you are purchasing.
  
  Anything I missed?

Do yourself a favor and just get one of these. Stainless and ti dabbers work better; wax tends to cling more to glass than metal.

I plan to grow larger variant tomatoes such as beefsteak and want to make sure this kind of layout and these components will be good enough for that purpose.

Here is the list of components I'm planning to use:

1. Buckets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DPJ4896
   
2. Lids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072C3G5CJ
   
3. Hydroton https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KYYZ9DE
   
4. Nutrients https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017H73708
   
5. pH Control https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BNKWZY
   
6. pH/TDS Tester https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKMH86J
   
7. Water Pump https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9IO9BY
   
8. Water tubing https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DL0Y9O
   
9. Air Pump https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YF4FI
   
10. Air Stone https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M9DL67H
    
11. Air Line https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002563MW
    
12. Growlight (Already own) Galaxyhydro 300w LED Grow Light Full Spectrum
    
    ​
    
    The remaining plumbing components I need I'll pick up from my local Home Depot.

Definitely MDMA or speed if you're in the college scene. 20g amphetamine paste (So around 15g dried) for $60 and you can sell that for around $100 a gram as powder or $10-$15 for 80mg in a cap.

• $27 Capsule machine and 1000 caps
  
  
• $24 Gemini 20 milligram scale
  
  
• $5 powder scoop
  
  
• $9 weighing paper
  
  So $65 for the tools to make good capsules. From here you can either spend $60 on 20g of speed paste or buy some ecstasy. If you do the 20g of paste you'll likely wind up with 15g of powder, enough to make 187 80mg speed capsules. If you sell for $10 each, that's $1,870. Minus the initial investment of around $140, you're left with at least $1,730.
  
  
  

$20 anvil: https://www.harborfreight.com/15-lb-rugged-cast-iron-anvil-69425.html

$4 ea pliers: https://www.harborfreight.com/11-inch-long-reach-needlenose-pliers-with-straight-jaws-39538.html

$1.25 magnet: https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-magnetic-welding-holders-93898.html

Your choice of a $9 hammer: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-lb-hardwood-cross-pein-hammer-69049.html or a $6 hammer: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-lb-hardwood-engineers-hammer-69226.html

$38 torch head: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS99T-Trigger-Start-Swivel-Torch-Head-TS99T/203694961

$19 fire brick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VEOIVA/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_lUJwCbX49QQN5

$2.30 ea hose clamp: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-7-in-Stainless-Steel-Clamp-6799595/202309383

And maybe $5 in metal corner guard.

Less than $100 in materials. Maybe $30 in shipping? That leaves almost $150 in profit for someone. And it's all poor materials. The only thing that's useful out of all of that for a beginning smith is the hammer. Definitely steer clear.

Do you not worry about the grass underneath catching from the heat of the bowl? I wonder if putting a couple of these under it would help? Maybe you don't have to worry about grass fires in the UK? I am in Oregon and grass fires are a huge worry here.

I did some more research today and i was planning on using kaowool and ITC 100 or something similar, instead of the sand and plaster. I'm just having a hard time finding where to buy both. I also don't know if ITC 100 is the best option.

Edit: Im looking at this for kaowool, and this for the cement.

For the life of me I cannot locate that exact tool.

Here's some great ones though: SE DD312 12-Piece Stainless Steel Wax Carvers by SE http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_vAj1tb03SC6N4

I got it at a local Flea Market / Swap Meet

The ideal kit for resin scraping, in my opinion, can be found on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003KE3ZFK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0NYKVM69MZ4ANCM4RX26

This is a good cheap set you can get from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Double-Sided/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1483070428&sr=8-6&keywords=sculpting+tools

Also, the small sphere in this set helps.

https://www.amazon.com/COMI-Pottery-Ceramics-Sculpting-Modeling/dp/B01JED95XG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483070440&sr=8-1&keywords=sculpting+tools+round

Amazon has buckets of it:
https://www.amazon.com/Insulation-Morgan-Ceramics-CM-Ceramics-Instructions/dp/B015GD0QCW/ref=sxts_k2p_hero1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2668835602&pf_rd_r=G7JY4AYZ0B9CXTVCRQ28&pd_rd_wg=XUUs9&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_w=WtzGd&pf_rd_i=Kaowool&pd_rd_r=AGKF6EF750PA2ASYJBN1&ie=UTF8&qid=1478267175&sr=1

Its pretty cheap to get it shipped around the USA.

I used something very similar to this. This is not the exact same product, but I bought one that's basically the same at a local store. There are lots of good tutorials on YouTube on how to use these things.

Seconding the Kemper recommendation.

These are cheap and cheerful too, depending on the scale you're working at. https://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/

Nice. My smoke shop tends to pull 7-10 dollar bullshit.

Yup, I'm a fan of my dentist pick. Another good deal, though not currently in stock:
http://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382473690&sr=8-1&keywords=dabbers

If you are molding by hand I would suggest a set of carving tools.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best kit ever for dabs it has a flat scraper what I would do get you an airtight glass container scrap up everything in the middle transfer it to silicon. Fold what's left put it in the ziplock bag, put that in your glass container seal toss it and your scrapper in your freezer for 5-10minutes longer if needed but keep an eye on it. It will scrap off so easily and you will get every last bit you can. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C7X7D3E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Btw In regards to miniature casting, whats a good resin to use with https://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Silicone-Smooth-Cast-Plastic-Compound/dp/B01D9BUSI0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

How big are the biggest ones? If they’re around marble size, try checking out hydroton , little balls of expanded clay often used in terrariums, aquariums, and hydroponics. They’re lightweight and and also float, like your mystery balls here. Only difference is they’re not purple.

Pick up some dental picks/tools or clay working thingums. These for example.

They'll help with smoothing of green stuff and shaping without leaving fingerprints.

I don't know what to tell you with specifics for Spain, but I can give you some general info that may or may not be helpful to you.

First off, there's this link in the sidebar. It'll give you a bunch of options.

Your hobby knife and mouldline remover will be the same thing. The handles all function the same way. However, I'd recommend picking up some kind of hobby knife set so you get a variety of blade shapes to try and multiple handles to use. #11 blades are the standard, and I prefer X-acto brand, but your mileage may vary. Some larger blade sizes won't fit into smaller handles. Buy in bulk to save money. You can remove mouldlines with the back of a blade, rather than a separate tool.

Any kind of cheap and well-reviewed wax tool / clay tool / dental tool set will work for scupting. Same deal with needle file sets. And with your pin vise. The drill bits will break (for any set), though, and bits can be problematic to replace if you're not sure of exact sizing.

I like these

Wax carvers like these.

http://www.nutec.com/ceramic-fiber-blanket

$100 on amazon for a 1"x2'x25' roll. https://www.amazon.com/Ceramic-Fiber-Blanket-Insulation-Degrees/dp/B01HLM8PII

Edit: The amazon link doesn't list manufacturer but it's Nutec HPS 8 pound.

These are the only craft related thing on my Amazon list. I'm a jeweler by trade and would use these in wax carving for models.

Lunar Supplies

These guys

So, $8.82 for a wax carving set:
http://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370102302&sr=8-1&keywords=wax+carving+kit

Ya I was looking at these actually:
https://www.amazon.ca/SE-DD301-Stainless-Steel-Spatula/dp/B001G0VCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522971536&sr=8-1&keywords=chemistry+spatula

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wbCYAbCYNG33G

SE DD312 12-Piece Stainless Steel Wax Carvers Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GAPFDbPW0RSP7

Apoxie Sculpt 1 lb. White, 2 Part Modeling Compound (A & B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013UDWXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9APFDb4BZREHF

Sand Detailer Finishing Kit, Finer Grits, 24 piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039ZCQAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BCPFDbBV5SSGW

SERONLINE 24pcs Ball Stylus Dotting Tools, Polymer Modeling Clay Sculpting Tools Set Rock Painting Kit for Sculpture Pottery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776SN7Y5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JDPFDbTH56VM0

Monster Clay Premium Grade Modeling Clay (5lb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722NKKYF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dEPFDb1WPY7K2

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Stand-off-Construction-21-Degree/dp/B017ODDPNO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499887364&sr=8-3&keywords=flush+cut+pliers

And these: https://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Double-Sided/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499887406&sr=8-2&keywords=wax+carving

They are clay/wax sculpting tools

http://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1418578480&sr=8-6&keywords=clay+sculpting+tools&pebp=1418578503800

Like these?

https://www.amazon.com/HTS-154S5-Stainless-Spatula-Sculpting/dp/B01C7X7D3E

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C7X7D3E/

http://amzn.com/B000SVRSRY

I just bought These. Now I'm not sure what I would do without them.

4th tool from the left http://www.amazon.com/SE-DD312-12-Piece-Stainless-Carvers/dp/B000SVRSRY/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1415246554&sr=8-16&keywords=pottery+tools is my favorite for keeping seams down and keeping my fingers out of harms way!

I'm kind of new to posting on reddit. Wondering if commenting on a 10 day old post is a waste of time; if so maybe send me a message or advise in a reply to this comment.

Anyhow, I noticed that a lot of my Hydroton brand pebbles floated while I was rinsing them last winter. Most were sinking pretty soon though. I just bought a cheaper brand from Amazon and lots of folks on Amazon's site complained about floating. So filled a glass jug halfway with pebbles and the rest water. At first two or three sunk. After 24 hours nine sunk. 48 hours - 11. Seven days - still only eleven.

But the way I use them it doesn't matter. They can all float as long as they just barely float. The water level should be an inch or two below the level the pebbles and as long as the pebbles fill the space all the way to the bottom it works just fine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Was actually $6.99 when I bought it, my bad. I guess the price went up on it :( but still, $8.95 for 12 of these aint that bad.

I follow this cap maker on Twitter and they did a killer BMO a while ago, you should definitely go for it: https://twitter.com/tinymakesthings/status/983197768431710210


What are you using for tools? I got this for 9 bucks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh yeah, I bought this set of wax carving picks about a year ago and get tons of use out of all the tools: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVRSRY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Not many better deals for less than 10 bucks if you ask me. Not to mention buying the one's labelled for uses other than vaping/smoking are always a hell of a lot cheaper than the one's you get in a smoke shop.

You can build a naturally aspirated propane burner like this for pretty cheap. "Naturally aspirated" means the burner pulls in all the air it needs by itself, so you don't need a blower or anything. You won't be able to melt iron with one of these, but it's all you need for aluminum and copper alloys

Next you'll need a body for the furnace. A lot of guys use old rusted-out 20lb propane cylinders. If you do this, you need to take the valve off the top and fill the cylinder with water before you start cutting it up, otherwise you risk having the little bit of residual gas inside blow up and kill you dead. Don't fuck around with this

Now you'll need something to insulate your furnace. You'll see a lot of recipes for homebrew refractories which you should ignore. None of them work as well as kaowool. Line your furnace with 2" of this stuff, and then coat the interior with some ITC-100 or similar. Don't skip that step. You need to have the kaowool coated because it's similar to asbestos and it's extremely bad to breathe the little particles that break off during operation