[LubeckTech]

I notice on EBAY there are quite a few people who are selling plastic grips that they cast from moulds which they make from original grips. Anyone know where to find information and materials for getting started at this?? I've checked a local craft mega mart (Michaels) and a few web searches but thurned up nada. I would like to duplicate and maybe refine some Jay scott grips I have. How hard can it be??? I've got no idea what I'm doing but that never stopped me before!!

[Plink]

It's actually pretty easy. I bought a "how to" CD from one of the guys there who sells them. It lists sources, etc. I haven't made any grips, but I use it to make jigs to hold receivers in a vise.

If you'll remind me after the weekend, I'll round it up and post some info on the process and sources for the mold compound and resin. I'm about to take off now, and I have a gunshow to set up for and attend this weekend, so it'll be monday before I can get on it.

[icy]

As Plink said "It's actually pretty easy". Such castings are making in RTV molds (Room Temperature Vulcanizing rubber molds). Firstly look at this two links to get general info:
http://www.protocam.com/html/urethane.html (U can download animated video there!!! :) )
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=61

If you are not shure yet, go to the public library and look in model magazines. ModelRailroader magazine has a tons of articles how to make molds and castings even with low-temperature-melting-metals. You will have to search a little.

Hope this will help

[Plink]

Here's some info on the process of molding grips, and sources for the mold compound and polymer.

Making the molds is easy. You can use just about anything to hold the silicone. You mix the silicone, pour it in the container and set your grips in it until it cures. Now you have a mold.

If you want to make those fancy grips with ornaments on them, you can use modelling clay to create the ornament. Just put some on the grip you will make your mold from and carve it into what you want, or use it to affix anything (a coin, etc) to the grip. All you need to do is smooth the clay out onto the grip the way you want your finished product to look. When it looks right to you, use it to make a silicone mold from.

Once you have your mold, all you need to do is mix the polymer and pour it in. You can dye the polymer any color you want. Make sure your mold is level so that the grips wont be too thick in one area and too thin in another or you will need to do a bit of trimming and fitting to get the grips to fit the gun like the originals.

As you can see, the casting process itself is very simple really. You'll find that you can cast a bunch of interesting things, from fishing lures, to chess pieces, to you name it!

I got my supplies from www.jgreeer.com but there are several other sources such as www.hobbycast.net.