11 replies to this topic

[zlez93]

Since I've heard hydrostone expands I'm not sure what to use as a mold. I lack a lot of materials and tools so I was thinking of cutting up a cardboard box and using that. <-- has anyone tried that?

[Kevin]

Silicone is good for molds, and if you just want a box use some 2x4s or other lumber that suits your dimension. It will mostly expand up because of the wood's resistance, and you can sand down or lathe the brick after.

[zlez93]

Silicone is good for molds, and if you just want a box use some 2x4s or other lumber that suits your dimension. It will mostly expand up because of the wood's resistance, and you can sand down or lathe the brick after.

 

Silicone is out of the question really as I don't have any and don't know where to get some. As for timber, wouldn't it still crack if it wasn't expanding horizontally?

If that isn't the case I might just sacrifice a container and split it in two and use that. I was really hoping cardboard would work

[theAboriginal]

you still might be able to use the card bored as your mold just have to pack enough weight around the sides and tops like maybe you have bricks or something I would plastic wrap the card board so it doesn't stick lol just know the shape you end up with might not be...

[zlez93]

I'd probably glue the cardboard together wouldn't bother putting weights around it.

[Jelly]

If you use cardboard it will flex due to the weight of the hydro stone. That's going to warp your formicarium.

[zlez93]

If you use cardboard it will flex due to the weight of the hydro stone. That's going to warp your formicarium.

 

Ah. Well that's out of the question then. Do you know if hydrostone will crack if I used a hard mold like plastic container or timber?

[zlez93]

bump

[Kevin]

If you screw 2x4's together in the form of a box and a plank on the bottom, the hydrostone will rise a few mm upwards. It doesn't expand much at all, and you will not have an issue with thick wood.

[PTAntFan]

I just did this with 1x4s. Best use of my time in a while. I made 4 L-shaped pieces and use clamps to create an adjustable mold like this: http://www.makeyouro...just-a-mold-box

I love it.

[dspdrew]

Generally with casting, you should use soft flexible molds for anything that cures hard, and vice versa. Why can't you buy casting silicone? The proper materials will always give the best results.

[zlez93]

Generally with casting, you should use soft flexible molds for anything that cures hard, and vice versa. Why can't you buy casting silicone? The proper materials will always give the best results.

 

It costs upwards of £15 here, and I can't justify spending that much just to make a box when I can purchase a nest for cheaper. 

 

Would a flexible plastic food container work?

Edited by zlez93, May 10 2017 - 10:07 AM.