apokism
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 22
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Post by apokism on May 19, 2014 0:46:34 GMT
Ok, so I recieved a raise and and have an extra $120 just itching to be spent. I have an idea of what I want. (Dungeon tiles like dwarven forge.) but I'm looking for cheaper ones. And the kicker, ones that can survive a bump off the table.
I've bought the advance set from dungeon stone and while it's beautiful, I broke a piece day one by dropping it maybe foot from thd ground.
Any links, names and general suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: I reside in the USA for the sake of shipping
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2014 1:12:29 GMT
I don't suppose getting some molds and casting them yourself is an option? I'm sure the is quite a debate to the best way to do that, but the question remains is it that much more cost effective? I have to say I think it is, and much more time consuming than just buying them.
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apokism
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 22
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Post by apokism on May 19, 2014 2:02:09 GMT
It is an idea but I'd rather not cast anything.. I suck at it, and generally don't like it... Granted I made that conclusion after trying once... So...
Honestly I have a hirst arts mold of the cavern floors and tavern decorations like bottles and the like. But assuming I did want to cast my own, who else makes these tiles? Or molds even? Outside of dwarven forge and dungeon stone.
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Post by adamantinedragon on May 19, 2014 5:21:18 GMT
There are many people who sell pre-cast Hirst blocks on eBay or on their own websites. Bruce Hirst has a licensing option for people to cast and sell blocks. Do an eBay search on "Hirst Arts Blocks" or something like that and you should see dozens of auctions for blocks.
There are other companies that sell casts from other mold makers than Hirst Arts. Many of them are targeted for the model train market, but they are useful for gaming too.
And there are people who sometimes sell off their DwarvenForge collections too, so keep an eye out for people selling them.
I understand that you don't want to cast, but I still can't help but point out that if you want the most cost effective way to create a collection of modular dungeon elements, then using molds and casting blocks from super-strong plaster (like excalibur or hydrostone) is hard to beat.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2014 22:16:32 GMT
There are many people who sell pre-cast Hirst blocks on eBay or on their own websites. Bruce Hirst has a licensing option for people to cast and sell blocks. Do an eBay search on "Hirst Arts Blocks" or something like that and you should see dozens of auctions for blocks. There are other companies that sell casts from other mold makers than Hirst Arts. Many of them are targeted for the model train market, but they are useful for gaming too. And there are people who sometimes sell off their DwarvenForge collections too, so keep an eye out for people selling them. I understand that you don't want to cast, but I still can't help but point out that if you want the most cost effective way to create a collection of modular dungeon elements, then using molds and casting blocks from super-strong plaster (like excalibur or hydrostone) is hard to beat. Another great idea. If you don't want to cast them, find them precast.
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Post by skunkape on May 21, 2014 19:47:07 GMT
I have to get off my lazy behind and cast a bunch of Hirst blocks. The tiles I make have 1 block tall walls as I really don't like to have anything taller because it restricts play! Though I did start experimenting with magnets so that I could remove wall pieces and add full 3d doors or other wall features!
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apokism
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 22
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Post by apokism on May 22, 2014 4:20:04 GMT
well you were right sire, people do sell of their Dwarven forge sets but more specifically is the man who sold his unopened kick starter x2 and stretch set x2 for exactly 100.. Saw that after the first search and I swooped in on it. Really excited.. Also picked up some more hirst arts molds(second hand seller, much cheaper.) Planning on trying my hand at casting again.. any recommendations for what I should use? Looking for the most durability for my buck.
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2014 4:35:34 GMT
This is where the Model Train guys have a wealth of knowledge to offer, so I went and drank at their internet tavern (so to speak)..
So Dental plaster is strong, resilient and lighter than plaster of paris, Hydrocal is tailored for extra strength, and I have heard that lots of model makers have secret blends where they add glue and such to the plaster to give it additional strength. Don't use cheap plaster of paris, as it will break and chip, and it is heavier than Hydrocal, also, those silicon molds are not intended for casting resins, as they will damage the mold much more rapidly than plaster casting will.
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Post by skunkape on May 22, 2014 15:44:03 GMT
Don't use cheap plaster of paris, as it will break and chip, and it is heavier than Hydrocal, also, those silicon molds are not intended for casting resins, as they will damage the mold much more rapidly than plaster casting will. Actually, if you treat your molds with a mold release agents prior to casting in resin, you can reduce the damage significantly, and Bruce Hirst has instructions for doing just that on his site. I've just never used resin for casting as it's a whole lot more complicated than dental plaster!
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2014 23:05:10 GMT
Oh cool, thanks for that link Skunkape. Yeah, a mistake made in resin is one that is not going away any time soon
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2014 23:24:43 GMT
I've had good luck with resin. You just have to be prepared and ready with all your materials at hand. You also might want a large drop cloth and gloves. it is easy once you get used to it (just like plaster) as far as casting, but I haven't done the math for cost. Secondly you have to use it before it expires. Not that it expires quickly ( I think you get a full year out of it) but if you order a large batch to save money per ounce/liter then you have to cast it all within that time, other wise it stays somewhat brittle after casting. At least that's what I've had for experience.
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Post by adamantinedragon on May 23, 2014 2:08:11 GMT
I've got over two dozen silicon molds, probably 2/3 of which are Hirst molds and the rest are custom made. I've used a LOT of different plasters, including regular PoP, Hydrocal, Hydrostone, Excalibur and a couple of art store "heavy duty" plasters.
I have settled on using Hydrostone as the most effective combination of price and strength. Excalibur is a little stronger, but I have to have it shipped to me. It might be difficult to find any of the dozens of "super plaster" products that are out there, and you won't find them at craft stores. I get my Hydrostone in 50 pound bags for about $35 at a ceramic supply store. Hard to beat those prices. I've got modular dungeon and cavern sets I made over two years ago that I still use. After casting I coat in future acrylic sealer, then prime, paint and finally seal with mod podge matte finish. The result has survived falls from chest high onto my rock patio with minor chipping on my smaller pieces. A large structure made from blocks if dropped will likely shatter. Luckily I've never dropped one of my buildings or bridges. As a result, they are still in great shape for game play.
I would not try to use any "secret blends" of plaster. Or maybe I should say I wouldn't try AGAIN. I messed around with several secret recipes and none of them worked as well as the straight Hydrostone or Excalibur with a Future Acrylic sealing. The acrylic soaks into the blocks and creates a very tough layer on the outside of the block.
Anyway, for most gaming purposes the hydrostone casting in Hirst molds is more than sturdy enough to last for years and years, and is dirt cheap compared to sets like DwarvenForge.
Not to be critical of DF, I bought some myself. Great product.
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Post by skunkape on May 23, 2014 21:31:46 GMT
I've had good luck with resin. You just have to be prepared and ready with all your materials at hand. You also might want a large drop cloth and gloves. it is easy once you get used to it (just like plaster) as far as casting, but I haven't done the math for cost. Secondly you have to use it before it expires. Not that it expires quickly ( I think you get a full year out of it) but if you order a large batch to save money per ounce/liter then you have to cast it all within that time, other wise it stays somewhat brittle after casting. At least that's what I've had for experience. Or you end up with 1 part being a solid bottle! That's what happened to me, go two part resin and didn't use it fast enough so I ended up with a big cylinder of resin in the container!
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2014 0:26:56 GMT
Ouch.
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