Materials for prototype

[Joelh831]

Hey guys just wanted to see, what's the easiest material to work with when marking a prototype swimbait to make a silicon mold out of. To make open pour swimbaits baits. Do most people hand carve out of wood or other soft materials I want to make it look nice and smoth. With no imperfections and what's the best method of doing this with minimal tools. 

 

Thanks 

[Vodkaman]

I do not limit myself to a single material, I imagine the shape and choose materials that suit what I am trying to achieve as simply as possible.

Here are pics of a prototype idea master that I made several years ago. The body is carved softwood, similar to balsa and very easy to carve. The paddle and web are made of shaped polycarbonate sheet. The whole thing is glued together with CA glue and coated with D2T epoxy and rotated for a smooth finish, strength and integrity.

The thin tail section could have been made from dowel, and the separate parts could have been filled with filler for smooth transitions, but that was not necessary with this 2” swim-bait.

The final master was strong enough to withstand molding in a one piece silicone pipe-mold, which was split with a razor for access.

Dave

[robalo01]

I use molder's clay. Before you mold put a light coat of Vaseline on it with your finger, hit it with a hair drier until it is shiny, then put it in the fridge for 8-10 min before molding.

[Joelh831]

Thank you for the tip I'll make sure to try that. On another note would you happen to know what's causing a ton of indentations / dimples all around my Baits 

 

thanks 

[Anglinarcher]

Looks like air mixed into the plastic.  I would need to know more about your procedure, etc., of course, but.......