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Post by sgtslag on Dec 18, 2013 17:01:22 GMT
I needed some wire to make some armatures for Treants, as posted previously here. I knew I needed bare wire, stiff enough to form, but thin enough (small enough gauge) that I would not need pliers to form it. Off to Mills Fleet Farm, a DIY/farm supply store near me. They had 17 GA aluminum wire, 250 Feet on a spool, for $4.49. Its intended purpose was for use making an electric fence, found in the equine supply area -- faster to just ask, I was wandering, looking to see what I could find, to re-purpose for my crafting needs. Since it is pure aluminum, it will never rust, even if you soak it in salt water. Aluminum won't react with most chemicals, so it is a safe material to use for making armatures -- use crumpled aluminum foil for larger armatures. I did discover that it is better to use two small pairs of needle-nose pliers to manipulate it into shape, as it is still pretty stiff. If you bend it too sharply, or too much, it will break. The solution is to secure the broken part with some Hot Glue, into position. Then, after that holds the pieces in place, finish by applying your modelling material (clay, or in my case, more Hot Glue) to sculpt your figure. Cheers!
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robagd
Paint Manipulator
Posts: 137
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Post by robagd on Dec 18, 2013 17:51:29 GMT
I have been using some different sized solder It will tarnish a bit. I have been using it for lashings on a bridge I am building. Now something I was thinking about is using plasti dip to "paint" something like your treants it should stay flexible so you can move the "arms" -R
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Post by sgtslag on Dec 18, 2013 19:13:05 GMT
I've used Plasti-Dip on tool handles -- it doesn't flex a whole lot, before it breaks loose on solid steel tool handles, but wire may be different. If I had any, I would sure give it a try.
I'm using Hot Glue to cover the wire armatures with. I was able to pose the Ent's differently, one standing still, the other walking, and so far I like how it is going. The Hot Glue is somewhat flexible, but I would not attempt too much flexing of it for fear it would fail -- that and I know that the final coating of craft paint will not be very flexible, either, before it flakes off. Colored Hot Glue sticks might work out better for flexing models. Still thinking about ordering some in different colors. Cheers!
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Post by adamantinedragon on Dec 18, 2013 19:43:44 GMT
I haven't found that any of the wire I've used to make armatures or trees with has had any real problem with corrosion, rust or otherwise losing structural integrity. I've used copper, aluminum, steel and other alloys I've found laying around. I do tend to prefer aluminum over the other materials due to its light weight, ease of shaping and lower cost.
There are people who sell trees made of wire as fine art on places like Etsy or Ebay.
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LandWhale
Cardboard Collector
Kharloar
Posts: 43
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Post by LandWhale on Dec 24, 2013 5:07:15 GMT
Now something I was thinking about is using plasti dip to "paint" something like your treants it should stay flexible so you can move the "arms" I've never heard of Plasti-dip before this. Thanks. It seems like it could be useful
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robagd
Paint Manipulator
Posts: 137
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Post by robagd on Dec 24, 2013 6:35:19 GMT
It can be, the interesting development is they now make it in a spray, and there is a mixable component to it as well.
Lots of guys on my car forum have been using it to do wheels and hoods and stuff before doing actual paintwork.
-R
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LandWhale
Cardboard Collector
Kharloar
Posts: 43
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Post by LandWhale on Dec 24, 2013 6:40:52 GMT
I have an idea for a kind of portable dice-rolling table for the 4E solo game I'm going to start for myself after the holidays. I may just coat the wood in this stuff instead of measuring, cutting and gluing a sheet of felt to the surface like I originally planned
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Post by sgtslag on Dec 24, 2013 14:45:08 GMT
An alternative to felt (more durable, easier to glue in place) is foam sheets. They come in a variety of colors, and they take craft paint superbly. I plan on making a dice tower, within the next few weeks, and the foam sheets are what I will use to cover the boards the dice will impact, on their way through the tower. Cheers!
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