griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
    
 | | 09/14/2005 10:53 PM |
| | recovered topic 8693 | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/14/2005 10:53 PM |
| It is not hard to get into at all and is quite easy to get started. Some plaster and a couple of molds and you are off like a shot!!
The more precise and the more time that you can spen on a project the better. Molds you can get from Hirstarts.com and the web site has casting instructions and the message board there is a great resource for any questions you might have. Although, the answer response time is not a good as here. The question will get answered...
As to the plaster. There is a section on the HA site where it explains the differences between excalibur/hydrostone/merlins magic and other dental plasters and why many people use them. I use excal and have grown quite fond of it. I am getting ready to order my third 50 lb box in roughly a year.
here is a web site that shows some of the work that I have done:
http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=4325481&a=31871608&p=72608100 You can see that there are tons of bricks and projects going on. So if you have any questions just ask!!!
Take a look around and I hope to be adding more pics as time goes by. | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 7:30 AM |
| Thank you very much for the useful information!
Where do you buy plasters?Is that everything you need to put into the molds?What about colouring the final product? | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 7:35 AM |
| The page that has the tech specs on the HA website has the ordering info. Also, in the message board of the HA site there are threads that talk about where to get other types of dental plaster/stuff to go in the molds.
As to color of the plaster I prime it and paint it. This is just me, I think that it is the best way but it may not be the best way for you. Any idea is a good one on this aspect...[:D] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 8:06 AM |
| Thank you again!
I'll check the site better then...
anyone has pictures of a complete work?(Like castles,towers...) | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 8:14 AM |
| I am hoping to get some pics up. In the link above I think there are some buildings in the background that I am working on.
Mythmere has some completed stuff. I know PatEllis15, Zeb, and a bunch of other members use HA stuff. There is anothr thread where there is a link to HADD contest. The member is YR_DM I believe. I think I might have the name wrong. The pics are great!! and he did an awesome job on the castle...[:)] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 10:31 AM |
| | I couldnt find that thread,was it in crafting section? | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 10:41 AM |
| Look around on this thread. I think that it has some other links to YRM_DM's stuff...
http://www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8197 | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 11:07 AM |
| | Are the squares DDM scaled? | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 11:12 AM |
| My god that castle looks awesome.Does it take some serious skills to do something good the half of that?
How much time does it take to make the bricks?
How many kinds of materials you can choose to use to build the bricks?
Sorry for bothering,but I'm so interested but so newbie about that ^^ | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 11:12 AM |
| Depends, I am using the 1 inch tiles for my stuff to keep in the scale of the PHB. I know that HA makes a 1.5 inch floor tile. So it gives you some options....[:D]
Hope that helps... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 11:21 AM |
| Thank you,you have been very kind and your informations useful!
I think I'm going to get some molds soon and try [:|] | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/15/2005 11:48 AM |
| Not a problem!! [:D]
In all honesty it is a great pleasure to help out....[)]
If you have any other questions don't think twice about asking.... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4463 Posts
| | 09/16/2005 3:55 PM |
| I haven't been as active with Hirst Arts as I once was, to many hobbies, and not enough time!
That said, it is NOT difficult to use Plaster of Paris, and 2-4 simple molds if all your looking to create is dungeon corridor's and rooms.
3 shades of grey paint, and you can paint it VERY easy, and assembly with some sort of square form (I use Lego's as Bruce Hirst recommends) and even assembly is easy.
As you try to create more complex items, it is going to get more difficult, and require you to buy more molds, and probably use a higher quality (Harder, and more expensive) plaster.
Start small, and when your comfortable, add on!
ENJOY!
Pat E
p.s. check out Tim Peaslee's Hirst Arts Dungeon:
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"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/16/2005 8:47 PM |
| | Ahhh the level I aspire to....just need more time and A LOT of EXCAL....[:D] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Mythmere
Sergeant
681 Posts
| | 09/16/2005 10:10 PM |
| I find myself using it less and less these days, just because it takes time to set up during play. I've been thinking about just making a bunch of doors and for the rest using the standard battlemat and wet-erase marker.
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Pics of minis I've painted ** My Trade References Thread
[url=http://mythmere.tripod.com/sgp.pdf]Rules for Sorcery Guns & Plunder]
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/17/2005 8:22 AM |
| Myth, I thought of this system as a friend of mine had the same complaint about the DF stuff as well. The system that I use with the HA stuff is setting all the parts up ahead of time on a piece of flat wood (2'x2'). I have a bunch of these "boards" so I set up complete dungeons/cities. Then as the combat moves the only time that it takes to set up is going to the next room to place the old board and grab the new board.
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Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Mythmere
Sergeant
681 Posts
| | 09/18/2005 11:04 AM |
| | Griffrat - I'd use it a lot more if we gamed at my house, but two of my players are married to each other - we game at their house so they don't need to get a babysitter. So I have to set it all up at their house, not to mention load it into the car. | |
Pics of minis I've painted ** My Trade References Thread
[url=http://mythmere.tripod.com/sgp.pdf]Rules for Sorcery Guns & Plunder]
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/18/2005 11:28 AM |
| | Totally understand. I don't know if it would be worthit to get there ahead of time or not to set up. But at least you are getting your game on!![:)] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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VolrathSteel
Sneak
138 Posts
| | 09/18/2005 7:58 PM |
| Does anyone also makes minis with molds? (premade or custom)
Just wondering. | |
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YRM_DM
Sergeant
905 Posts
| | 09/20/2005 9:57 AM |
| If you go to www.voidgamers.com you can check out the "Hirst Arts" menu and go to the HADD sections. I take it you already saw my castle.
There are lots of great entries from many of the recent HADDs in the Large and Medium Categories, and some nice things in the other categories too.
I have stuff in HADD5 & 6. I recommend checking out Bossman's entries. Geboom's entries. Catgunner, Gamer, MLINDERT, Todd Goss, etc.
You'll want to read Bruce's www.hirstarts.com site carefully. Pick your molds carefully, read the painting tips, casting tips, etc.
This isn't a hobby that works best if you just dive in without reading any tips. Once you get the hang of it, you can build whatever you want with as much plaster as you want.
I recommend Merlin's Magic, DieStone, DieKeen or Excalibur.
Ask for a link to Cindy at Clint Sales. She sells good plasters and has good customer service.
Making big models like my stronghold is very hard to start out with. Try your hand at small and medium stuff first. That's what I did anyway.
Good luck. | |
Completed good trades with Demagogue, PigSnot, DoB, and Alepulp.
I know you can hear MY thoughts... Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow... | |
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dj-chuckles
Underboss
2455 Posts
The State that invented Spam!
| | 09/20/2005 11:41 AM |
| http://happyhikers.ca/OtherStuff/PictureUploads/Photo%20123.jpg
http://happyhikers.ca/OtherStuff/PictureUploads/Photo%20124.jpg
http://happyhikers.ca/OtherStuff/PictureUploads/Photo%20125.jpg
Thanks for the Uploading Site!
This is my first molding ever! | |
Posted By WakeXX on 09/25/2006 4:49 AM OMG DJ!This has to be the spammiest spam thread ever! 
Member of Team Game-Rocket.netScry into Blood War | My Trade Thread | My Reference Thread| Vindicated Champion of the Dragon Rider & Dracolich | New Champion of Cadderly | | |
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Ardus
Sergeant
364 Posts
Wisconsin
| | 09/21/2005 10:00 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by VolrathSteel
Does anyone also makes minis with molds? (premade or custom)
Just wondering.
I'm just starting to get into the HA stuff. It is a lot of fun. The utility that you get out of a couple of molds is amazing, you can make so many different things.
I've toyed around with molding minis for years. Have about ten molds for making metal minis from The Dunken Company.
http://www.dunken.com/index.html
Created pretty extensive Dwarven and Goblin armies. The other nice thing is you don't feel guilty about cutting a crossbow or sword off of a mini to put it onto another to make a wider variety of figs, you just melt him back down and make more.
One of my favorites is the catapult (http://www.dunken.com/fantasy/g13.JPG) which I am know arranging around my HA castle to make a siege type diorama.
So much to do, so little time (and room in the house)
Ardus | |
Completed Trades (47): See |Trade Reference Thread |
Pending Trades: None | Bad Trades: Dred Lord,Charlottetown PE Canada, pexterblue1 Simpsonville, SC
Champion of the Ramadeen | |
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RedneckDM
Warrior
237 Posts
| | 09/23/2005 4:21 PM |
| I've been checking out the HA site now for about 3 days. I've decided that I would like to get started. There's just one problem, money. I mean $50 for 2 basic molds and that's not counting shipping, plaster, paint, etc.. ?
So tell me, does anyone have some molds they'd like to get rid of? Maybe for around 1/2 the price? I think 2 good "beginner" molds, for me anyway, would be a small basic block and any floor tile mold (so long as it's 1"). I would also be interested in custom molds as well. If anyone can help just shoot me an E-mail and we'll talk business.
I would really like to get started on some modular dungeon pieces and hopefully one day I can build my gaming table.
Anyway,I know this was a silly question or 3 but I just thought that I would ask. I'll probably have to break down and buy the molds or figure what to use as a template for my own custom molds. I have the floor tiles figure out but the walls are a different story. I would also like to figure out how to do some cavern walls. For now I'll be happy if I can get started. | |
Completed Sets 10/13
Completed Trades: 124
Pending:
Bad:1-Zandar81 (WotC) Took mail fraud charges to get minis he owed me. | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 09/23/2005 7:08 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by RedneckDM
I've been checking out the HA site now for about 3 days. I've decided that I would like to get started. There's just one problem, money. I mean $50 for 2 basic molds and that's not counting shipping, plaster, paint, etc.. ?
So tell me, does anyone have some molds they'd like to get rid of? Maybe for around 1/2 the price? I think 2 good "beginner" molds, for me anyway, would be a small basic block and any floor tile mold (so long as it's 1"). I would also be interested in custom molds as well. If anyone can help just shoot me an E-mail and we'll talk business.
I would really like to get started on some modular dungeon pieces and hopefully one day I can build my gaming table.
Anyway,I know this was a silly question or 3 but I just thought that I would ask. I'll probably have to break down and buy the molds or figure what to use as a template for my own custom molds. I have the floor tiles figure out but the walls are a different story. I would also like to figure out how to do some cavern walls. For now I'll be happy if I can get started.
The inital cost may seem high at first, heck I thought the same thing. But the amount of stuff you get out of say, $150 is crazy. The only thing that is a true drawback is the time issue. But that is an issue for anyone that has a hobby and somewhat of a life. [:p]
Extra molds...well not me [:D]. I find new uses for the "old" molds that I have. The stuff that you can do is really intense and without limits.
As to the third question of "cavern walls". That is the million dollar question. It is almost as timeless as it is needed. The HA message board has a thread on it. The cavern walls thread is a hot topic. I think that Bruce (Hirst arts guy) has come out and said that until he can get it "right" that it isn't going to be from him. High quality guy, I admire that.
I would suggest just getting a couple molds and starting. But that is how I got addicted to it as well.....[)] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 10/06/2005 6:02 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Mythmere
I find myself using it less and less these days, just because it takes time to set up during play. I've been thinking about just making a bunch of doors and for the rest using the standard battlemat and wet-erase marker.
I have been thinking of ways to make the set up time "faster" so to speak. I have come up with using a 1'x1' foam board with the tiles already glued down and painted up. A few of these boards and you should be set. I will snap some pics when I get done.... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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RedneckDM
Warrior
237 Posts
| | 10/06/2005 10:55 PM |
| | I just ordered my first HA mold yesterday. I'm looking for it early next week. I can't wait to get started! I'll post pics of my attempts to build with it once I have enough blocks. It's going to take some time as it's the Dragon's Inn Mold and from the looks of it there's only one floor tile, 1"x1" anyway. For a 10"x10" floor plan I'm looking at 100 casts. Although, I found an Alumnite (spelling?) molding kit at my local Hobby Lobby. I'll probably end up making a floor tile mold or 2. Wish me luck! | |
Completed Sets 10/13
Completed Trades: 124
Pending:
Bad:1-Zandar81 (WotC) Took mail fraud charges to get minis he owed me. | |
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Iconomancer
bassman2972
Underboss
1675 Posts
The ville IN. AKA Hell on earth
| | 10/06/2005 11:06 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by RedneckDM
I just ordered my first HA mold yesterday. I'm looking for it early next week. I can't wait to get started! I'll post pics of my attempts to build with it once I have enough blocks. It's going to take some time as it's the Dragon's Inn Mold and from the looks of it there's only one floor tile, 1"x1" anyway. For a 10"x10" floor plan I'm looking at 100 casts. Although, I found an Alumnite (spelling?) molding kit at my local Hobby Lobby. I'll probably end up making a floor tile mold or 2. Wish me luck!
I belive it's Alumilite. I toss the boxes so quick I never read them. I just look for the black box.[:p]
Here's a tip for your floor tiles. At Hobby Lobby, go to the wood craft section. They have a bag of various sized wood squares. I glued two 1" x 1" squares together. I did this twelve times and in 4 of them I carved cracks in them. I but them in my box made of Legos and poured the quick set silicone over them. A couple hours later, You have a mold for 12 tiles [)]
I did the same for multi block sections. I took a 1/2" square Dow and cut a few 1 1/2", 2" and 3" sections. I carved into them every 1" to make a "block" appearance and molded them too. It cut down on wall making time this way. I'll be posting pics soon to show the results of the home made molds.
EDIT: FYI, Pringle cans lids make excellent molds for 3"x3" Magic Circles[)] | |
183 Completed trades with the best people on the net! | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 10/07/2005 7:48 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by bassman2972
EDIT: FYI, Pringle cans lids make excellent molds for 3"x3" Magic Circles[)]
Thanks for that tip!!! I have been looking for circles but couldn't remember where I had seen them!!!! [:I] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Iconomancer
bassman2972
Underboss
1675 Posts
The ville IN. AKA Hell on earth
| | 10/07/2005 7:47 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by griffrat
quote:
Originally posted by bassman2972
EDIT: FYI, Pringle cans lids make excellent molds for 3"x3" Magic Circles[)]
Thanks for that tip!!! I have been looking for circles but couldn't remember where I had seen them!!!! [:I]
Be sure to trim the little lip inside the lid that locks it on the can or it won't be easy to release it.
Here's another tip.
If you want smooth, narrow columns, Straws work great for that. I fill them with the plaster, let it dry, then lightly cut the straw from end to end. I use a small fine blade hand saw to cut the plaster to the length of column I want.
To fill the straw with plaster, I use a mechanics vacuum pump to suck the plasterinto the straw then tap the straw to knock out air bubbles.
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183 Completed trades with the best people on the net! | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4463 Posts
| | 10/12/2005 10:21 AM |
| WOOT!
Bruce has just about figured out how to do a set of molds for Cavernous passageways and rooms! I've been hoping for somehting like this since I was introduced to the product line!
Looks like we won't see them for another year or so, but I can't wait!
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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Mythmere
Sergeant
681 Posts
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 10/12/2005 10:52 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
WOOT!
Bruce has just about figured out how to do a set of molds for Cavernous passageways and rooms! I've been hoping for somehting like this since I was introduced to the product line!
Looks like we won't see them for another year or so, but I can't wait!
Pat E
The sketches of how it will look (the "greens" if you will) are in the message boards. If the sketches look anything like the final product; it will be AWESOME. I am looking forward to them even if the molds are a year or two off is fine by me. I would much rather have Bruce take his time and get things out that are going to contiue with the quality of his product line. But the simple fact that cavernous type molds are being thought of is an awesome thing!!! | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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