Casting & Forging

How-To: Paper Micarta

How-To: Paper Micarta

Micarta is a genericized trademark referring to a composite material made from layers of paper or fabric impregnated with thermosetting resin. It is rigid, tough, and electrically insulating, and has many applications ranging from power distribution equipment to countertops. It is also commonly used in knife, gun, and tool handles, where its laminated construction offers decorative effects ranging from subtle wood-grain-like patterns to out-and-out gaudy riots of color.

How-To: Manual Rotocasting

How-To: Manual Rotocasting

I was under the impression, before seeing this video from intrepid propcaster James Bruton of Xrobots.co.uk, that rotocasting was only practical if you had a machine to automatically spin the mold on multiple axes, simultaneously, for several hours while the casting material sets up. Turns out that’s not the case.

DiResta: Skull Ring

DiResta: Skull Ring

Jimmy wants a ring that makes an impression. Jimmy gets out the wax, a hobby knife, and a Dremel tool and sets to work.

In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (“Dirty Money,” “Hammered,” “Against the Grain,” “Trash for Cash”) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy.

More details here: http://blog.makezine.com/2012/09/14/diresta-skull-ring/ ‎