Watching this video is so fascinating because it feels like watching two people who have a life time of interviewing experience but have 0 chemistry so they carry the conversation with the correct things to say but it feels like such a lifeless performance.
I make these type of props for film and TV. I wanted to point out that if someone is going to add a stiffener or something to make the handle ridged like in the axe , please do NOT add metal or a chopstick as they mentioned. If you are making these types of props for stunts that is dangerous. The wood can break and then becomes a sharp one that will hurt someone. Same with adding metal. I have found that using a fiberglass rod about 1/4" thick is a great option. To keep it safe I add the little rubber end caps to protect the end of the rod from poking out and hurting someone. They will flex but will not break. Keep them about 1" from each end of the prop. Again to keep it from becoming a stabbing hazard. For a cheaper option, You can find these rods in kite kits. Even at the dollar store places. I found a great way to hold the rod in the center of the object is use thread to suspend it in the middle. Tie one at the top and one at the bottom. Run the thread across the middle of the mold and tie it. It should look like the rod it floating on the threads suspended in space. This way it will not move when the foam expands pushing it to the edge of the part. I hope this helps and keeps your stunt weapons SAFE above all.
Can you *PLEASE* Do a Video? I'm not understanding the Thread Part. (I am a Hands on and Watch Person than Read from a Book and Fail to disappointment Person).
I really second that. I understand all the processing except how to put the rod. I want to make LARP weapons, but that thing is the most hard for me. I would really apreciate.
I would like to make a cain. I was thinking about using handles from a chimney sweeper. But I think it may be too rigid. Are you suggesting something like a fishing pole?
I know this is an ancient comment but as someone who's starting to dip further into propmaking, this is genius and I will apply this idea later lol thank you
I think Norm is doing a great job. While he isn’t the best he represents a lot of viewers who may or may not be educated in these topics. Asking simple questions and explaining certain terms related to the project is extremely easy for me to follow along.
It's nice that one or two things are still made in the US. Has Craftsman gone 100% China at this point? I know a couple years ago I couldn't find open-end wrenches made in the US, which was a pain because they had to increase the thickness of the ends to make up for the inferior steel and therefore they didn't fit in foam wrench organizers
Many people are criticising the interviewer (Norm) for asking questions. Maybe you already know all about the subject matter of the videos; I would question then, why are you watching the video? My experience is that many instructional videos consist of the one person demonstrating how to do whatever it is. Though they MAY be knowledgeable at what they are doing, they too often, don't know about teaching or instructing, so they don't explain what is going on. You'll find their video comments are full of viewers asking questions about aspects that were not properly explained. Norm asks questions that are very relevant and he seems very good at identifying aspectss that need further explanation or reinforcement. This is very useful for viewers, like me, who want to learn from the videos. Instead of the comments being full of people with unanswered questions, his videos comments are from opinionated 'trolls' who have nothing better to do than mock. That behaviour should have been left behind in primary, or grade school. If you know-it-all, why not make your own videos? At least have the grace to 'keep your mouths shut'.
I love Norm's questions. He's always the same with every one and it's great. He knows what he's talking about so well that he also knows how to ask the simple questions that other interviewers wouldn't think to ask. Proof is in Frank's answers when he tries to remind Norm how simple the project can be. Norm and Adam are perfect for the show/channel. However, I'd like to see a video or two about the rest of the Tested staff.
Not sure why everyone doesn't like Norm! He just makes sure that the audience knows what is going on, explains things for us. He helped me understand some of the lingo and techniques Frank was using, because for him, its second nature just to do his own thing and not really explain much. Norm is just doing his job, which is hard, because he has to tie the conversation into his questions.
Thanks for such a clear overview that answered a lot of questions as I embark on a mold-making & casting adventure!! Sidebar Story: When covid hit, my business of 20 years went straight downhill. Ironic because I design trail maps for Ski Resorts :) So like so many other small businesses, I was essentially shut down. With more time on my hands, I had an idea one night (beers were involved) to carve tikis with a chainsaw - although I'd never used one, sell them locally and use the money to buy lunches for our amazing local Healthcare Workers, Nursing Home staff, homeless shelters, food pantries and other causes of import. My family & I started Tiki Task Force with this crazy idea and it went bananas! Very humbling. At any rate, I'd love to see about creating a mold & casting some of the carvings I've done! This seems like a perfect way to reproduce these pieces, sell them on a bit of a bigger scale and be able to contribute to more & more causes! So thanks again for the insights!
Adam is a busy guy, he can't be in every video. Enjoy the free content you're given. Love seeing Frank work and Norm asks all the right questions that give us all the information we need for the process.
when I watched this about 5 years ago, I said some negative things about the dynamic between these two. I've been through a lot since then; we've all been through a lot. I just rewatched this video, and YT showed me my comment from 5 years ago. I didn't recognize myself anymore. I didn't like what I had written then. people can change. you know what? this is a helpful tutorial, and these guys are doing their best to make this information accessible. good job Norm. good job Frank.
Well, Norm is getting better. Still stares at people like they have food on their face, waves his hands around like Ricky Bobby in an interview and occasionally makes rather pointless statements. But he's improving. Frank knows his stuff and does great demonstrations. He also doesn't break 95% of shop safety rules like Adam does. Every time I watch Adam use a lathe I wonder if the next thing I hear about him is in a headline or an obituary.
I wish Norm would actually apply some of these skills he is (hopefully) learning. It would be a huge shame for him not to learn this especially since he has access to people who have worked in the industry. That's priceless.
I have never liked this type of mold. I tried it a few times but always resorted back to standard part molds. I find that cutting into the silicone creates too much of a chance of destroying a nice mold, or worse cutting your original piece. Plus....this way takes a LOT of silicone, which is really hard for anyone working on a budget. It makes more sense to me, to use less silicone (enough to smooth undercuts and such) and back the outside up with a jacket of fibreglass or plaster. That way you use less silicone, and you can be guaranteed your silicone will not warp or bend out of shape.
Norm, The subject matter of your videos are awesome and entertaining to watch. However, your interview style really leaves much to be desired. It might be better to go with more open-ended questions (Why/What/How/Where) instead of simple yes/no questions. Allow your interviewee to form their narrative. Don't form it for them. Aside from that, thank you for these videos!
Michael Uy he's so much better in tech interviews. Norm is awesome, though. Will would forget he was doing an interview, or that another person was there, and just keep talking and talking.
OMG that axe is an Eastwing!!!!! And it looks like it's a 1950's Eastwing!!!!! And Frank just submerged it in silicone goop. I'm so pleased the leather handle wasn't affected! The handle is made of leather strips, layered together, with the tang of the axe going through the middle. The white layers at the front and back of the handle are ivory slices with ebony between them. Absolutely classical and beautiful. I would love to have this axe, to go with the matching hammer I have ;)`
Have you ever had any problems with damaging the hero props? I'm thinking of molding some cosplay props in the future, but with not having any experience damaging the hero props worries me a bit. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks and I love the videos, keep em coming.
Cool to see a different method of molding - but why would this not have been a candidate for a 2-part mold? It seems like, other than time, it would have been better to work with this horizontally and block off the lower half to pour that first layer and avoid bowing sides. Thanks!
Robert Sloan technically it’s faster since you don’t have to wait two separate times for the silicone to cure. If you’re in a rush, this kind of mold is fine but I do prefer two part molds if you have the time.
How cool is that ! Thank you for sharing this knowledge and video ! Would you use the same technique to mold and cast a piece of flat and round piece of wood carving ?
Nice vids, very informative. Kudos to the prop-maker and his excellent work, I'm a photographer and recognize a real artist. I do have a question. The foam he uses. Can it be used in a lost foam meltal casting? I can carve Styrofoam, put it in sand, fill it with molten metal which vaporizes the foam and makes the object but I have something very intricate that would be impossible to carve using s cast of a particular object. Wax is iffy but a liqquid foam might be the ticket.
I don't wanna be disrescpectful towards teh way Tested makes videos, but I feel Norm being in all these videos is a little awkward. I understand he represents the audience by asking questions, and most times I appreciate it. But sometimes I feel solo projects are good - take Adams projects, he explains what he's doing on his own as he does it. I reckon Frank should do this from time to time. Again, no hate, love the vids, just maybe some advice
Bushyman477 A lot of people furiously hate him, and I don't get it. He's not the best host, and at some times he's below average in interaction standards, but it's still watchable and sufficiently entertaining! And you can tell he's getting better! I don't understand the hate.
I actually think he is a very relatable host who is genuinely enthusiastic a bot the subjects. I don't mind the occasional awkwardness, in fact I think of it as a quality. Norm also helps the guests because it may be quite a challenge tor some people to face the camera alone
Maybe Frank has a harder time just speaking to the camera and having Norm ask questions helps him make sure he answers everything and makes things clear.
Oh Frank, from Face Off! Cool. Was very surprised to see you back for a second time but it was nice to see you again and get to know you a little better and I was so sorry to hear about your father. Anyway, cool props and terrific paint job.
Those stick pins that you used in your mold to secure things. I know that they're originally for sewing. you could find them in the sewing section at store but my point being is that those little stick pins with the little different colored balls can do some ridiculous damage when muzzle fed into any BB gun. Pump rifle I believe would be the best. Try it sometime.
Holy fuck... I started watching this like "How do i know Frank?" - then I realized he was on the first (and 5th) season of Face Off! So awesome seeing how far his career has come
Late ass answer, but it's faster to make a single block mold and cut it, than to make a two-part mold, since for the two-part you have to shape the clay around, pour the first half and wait for it to fully cure, then clean, spray mold release, and pour and cure the second half (why he talked about time vs. money). On a quick production cycle like theirs, getting the job done quick is a better return than stressing over raw materials cost.
How long does it really take to build a 4 sided wood molding frame? I would think building the one shown would take a bit longer. Unless you have to run to the store and purchase a drill. Time and money, I hear you.
Yes every hunk of metal was probably foam. As Adam has stated, if you see a gun in a movie or a TV show and its actually not shooting at something, its a rubber gun. Its amazing that what sells these props is half the looks and half the foley sound effects. Even though most sword experts cringe when the they hear the pretend "shwing" sound as its being drawn from a scabbard, we need to hear it so our mind thinks that a real sword and it can kill things.
Nice! Any tips for casting antler sheds? Specifically the separating of the mold and best material to cast out of. We want to paint them and attach them to a headband so they would need to be lightweight, stiff, and have a paintable skin. Maybe a link to a good website with tips? Thanks.
I'm a Vietnam Combat Marine and I purchased 4 EGA to mount on my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. They are all rigid and I need to make a mold of them that I can put against the side of the truck to cast them with the proper curves to paste to the truck. I plan to paint the truck a gloss black including the EGA. I would welcome any suggestions you might have to help me. Thanks.
How about molding and casting something like a firearm for props? How would you manage things like the silicone seeping into parts of the firearm? Do you have tips for sealing a firearm before mold making?
Everyone has commented about Norman Chan but none of you know that he won't just go if you don't like him he'll still be around because nobody but the people at Tested can make a decision on if he's fired or not and if you are annoyed by him just deal with it and grow up and enjoy the video the props and the insight to making things.
Did you coat the original tools with any kind of release agent or does the silicone not stick to it? And why not do a 2 part mold versus all the cutting and hacking that could hurt/ruin the mold? Any risk of the foam bonding itself to or getting stuck to the silicone? Would a different type of foam made a stiffer hatchet?
MY GRANDPA HAS THE SAME HATCHET!!! It's in way better condition then the one in the video though. Its all shiny and new looking and doesn't even look 20 or so years old. I was actually really wanting to make a foam coy of it too! Except I was just going to do a two part silicon mold. I was also going to use Flex Foam-It 10 because I prefer 10 more. Fun video to watch!
It's just odd that they present this as a DIY thing, which generally means "cheap and easy". Now using expensive tools isn't that big a deal because they just speed up the process, but gallons of silicone and mixtures of foam and even the plaster braces are way more expensive than getting a pack of puzzle mats and cutting them to size like a lot of their projects...
but a lot of that cost came from using a block for those handles. like he said, it's time vs money. if you took the time to make a mould that was closer in size to the object, you'd use half (if that) the silicone. modelmakers spend $100 on paints quite easily, as well. so that's not particularly outrageous.
James Dreger In my opinion DIY doesn't mean it has to be cheap. They use stuff that you and me could buy if we really wanted to make a mold out of something. It's not some crazy 5 axis CNC DIY that you need years of experience and a lot of money.
It doesn't have to be "cheap" exactly, but usually the purpose of "DIY" is to save money by doing something yourself. This video is a fine example of "how to cast foam props" but not of the DIY idea. Which I realize isn't part of the title, but it *is* how it's presented.
when I made molds for small object I used a pvc pipe, split up, kept together with ducktape, its very simple and once I use the mold the pvc pipe is good to keep it intact.
would this be a good way of making boffer weapons for a LARP? from the looks of it all you would have to do is include a core and use a nice squishy foam
Damn, I'd be rich if there was money in counting haters. What's with all the negativity towards Norm? I'm not saying he's a godsend when it comes to this type of informative video, and I know if I were to try my hand at it I probably wouldn't do any better, but even if I were the best at gleaning information from someone like Frank, I still do not feel as if Norm is as bad as so many people here seem to think he is. Especially if you attempt to consider what it would be like if they somehow rose Huell Howser from the dead to take Norm's place. Talk about a nightmare ... eesh! But even when Huell was alive and doing his California's Gold shows on PBS, I learned a helluva lot from that guy and even visited a couple places he covered on California's Gold (NIKE missile sight near San Francisco and also Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, CA). It seems to me whoever edited this video did a much poorer job. And if that was Norm, then yes, he does suck. I am saying this in reference to them not showing Frank fully cutting the objects out of the molds and then showing the molds themselves in much greater detail. To me that is what is missing from this "Not as informative as it could have been" video.
Watch Adam and Bill Doran make Ringwraith gauntlets out of foam! ua-cam.com/video/F48rk7h-GDo/v-deo.html
Watching this video is so fascinating because it feels like watching two people who have a life time of interviewing experience but have 0 chemistry so they carry the conversation with the correct things to say but it feels like such a lifeless performance.
Lmao
I make these type of props for film and TV. I wanted to point out that if someone is going to add a stiffener or something to make the handle ridged like in the axe , please do NOT add metal or a chopstick as they mentioned. If you are making these types of props for stunts that is dangerous. The wood can break and then becomes a sharp one that will hurt someone. Same with adding metal. I have found that using a fiberglass rod about 1/4" thick is a great option. To keep it safe I add the little rubber end caps to protect the end of the rod from poking out and hurting someone. They will flex but will not break. Keep them about 1" from each end of the prop. Again to keep it from becoming a stabbing hazard. For a cheaper option, You can find these rods in kite kits. Even at the dollar store places. I found a great way to hold the rod in the center of the object is use thread to suspend it in the middle. Tie one at the top and one at the bottom. Run the thread across the middle of the mold and tie it. It should look like the rod it floating on the threads suspended in space. This way it will not move when the foam expands pushing it to the edge of the part.
I hope this helps and keeps your stunt weapons SAFE above all.
Can you *PLEASE* Do a Video?
I'm not understanding the Thread Part.
(I am a Hands on and Watch Person than Read from a Book and Fail to disappointment Person).
I really second that. I understand all the processing except how to put the rod. I want to make LARP weapons, but that thing is the most hard for me. I would really apreciate.
Great advice!
Hi. Thanks for the advice… but isn’t fibreglass just as dangerous? I’m really struggling in finding a safe reinforcement
I would like to make a cain. I was thinking about using handles from a chimney sweeper. But I think it may be too rigid. Are you suggesting something like a fishing pole?
To get a volume for the pour of silicone, just fill the empty mould with rice grains and then tip them out into a measuring cylinder.
I know this is an ancient comment but as someone who's starting to dip further into propmaking, this is genius and I will apply this idea later lol thank you
But some if the rice but not come out and your mold will be messed up
You just changed my life
I think Norm is doing a great job. While he isn’t the best he represents a lot of viewers who may or may not be educated in these topics. Asking simple questions and explaining certain terms related to the project is extremely easy for me to follow along.
Respect the Estwing axe, quality american steel and workmanship and thats coming from a roofer who is in the UK.
Only Gränsfors for me thanks!
I'm a big fan of Estwing's hammers. They make good tools.
Never seen one of their hammers break, only the handles with extreme use and the leather with heat and age. Quality tools.
Those iconic handles
It's nice that one or two things are still made in the US.
Has Craftsman gone 100% China at this point? I know a couple years ago I couldn't find open-end wrenches made in the US, which was a pain because they had to increase the thickness of the ends to make up for the inferior steel and therefore they didn't fit in foam wrench organizers
Many people are criticising the interviewer (Norm) for asking questions. Maybe you already know all about the subject matter of the videos; I would question then, why are you watching the video?
My experience is that many instructional videos consist of the one person demonstrating how to do whatever it is. Though they MAY be knowledgeable at what they are doing, they too often, don't know about teaching or instructing, so they don't explain what is going on. You'll find their video comments are full of viewers asking questions about aspects that were not properly explained.
Norm asks questions that are very relevant and he seems very good at identifying aspectss that need further explanation or reinforcement. This is very useful for viewers, like me, who want to learn from the videos. Instead of the comments being full of people with unanswered questions, his videos comments are from opinionated 'trolls' who have nothing better to do than mock. That behaviour should have been left behind in primary, or grade school. If you know-it-all, why not make your own videos? At least have the grace to 'keep your mouths shut'.
I love Norm's questions. He's always the same with every one and it's great. He knows what he's talking about so well that he also knows how to ask the simple questions that other interviewers wouldn't think to ask. Proof is in Frank's answers when he tries to remind Norm how simple the project can be. Norm and Adam are perfect for the show/channel. However, I'd like to see a video or two about the rest of the Tested staff.
Not sure why everyone doesn't like Norm! He just makes sure that the audience knows what is going on, explains things for us. He helped me understand some of the lingo and techniques Frank was using, because for him, its second nature just to do his own thing and not really explain much. Norm is just doing his job, which is hard, because he has to tie the conversation into his questions.
Thanks for such a clear overview that answered a lot of questions as I embark on a mold-making & casting adventure!! Sidebar Story: When covid hit, my business of 20 years went straight downhill. Ironic because I design trail maps for Ski Resorts :) So like so many other small businesses, I was essentially shut down. With more time on my hands, I had an idea one night (beers were involved) to carve tikis with a chainsaw - although I'd never used one, sell them locally and use the money to buy lunches for our amazing local Healthcare Workers, Nursing Home staff, homeless shelters, food pantries and other causes of import. My family & I started Tiki Task Force with this crazy idea and it went bananas! Very humbling. At any rate, I'd love to see about creating a mold & casting some of the carvings I've done! This seems like a perfect way to reproduce these pieces, sell them on a bit of a bigger scale and be able to contribute to more & more causes! So thanks again for the insights!
Adam is a busy guy, he can't be in every video. Enjoy the free content you're given. Love seeing Frank work and Norm asks all the right questions that give us all the information we need for the process.
This.
when I watched this about 5 years ago, I said some negative things about the dynamic between these two. I've been through a lot since then; we've all been through a lot. I just rewatched this video, and YT showed me my comment from 5 years ago. I didn't recognize myself anymore. I didn't like what I had written then. people can change.
you know what? this is a helpful tutorial, and these guys are doing their best to make this information accessible. good job Norm. good job Frank.
Frank is definitely my favorite tested member
"Who are you?"
"I am you, but floppier"
Limp axe. -2 compensation bonus.
This doesn't work as a pick up line. I tried.
Rex Talon why didn't it work
Because I'm not rich enough
THIS is the kind of content that keeps me subscribed to Tested. Thanks, guys!
Do more things with Adam, he's the only reason I watch this channel!
I feel like if they sent Adam for this episode he would have died from excitement or refused to leave and moved in.
Well, Norm is getting better. Still stares at people like they have food on their face, waves his hands around like Ricky Bobby in an interview and occasionally makes rather pointless statements. But he's improving. Frank knows his stuff and does great demonstrations. He also doesn't break 95% of shop safety rules like Adam does. Every time I watch Adam use a lathe I wonder if the next thing I hear about him is in a headline or an obituary.
Nick Sushkevich Norm is so cringey I bet his mom paid them so he can film with them
My number 1 problem with Tested is Norm
I wish Norm would actually apply some of these skills he is (hopefully) learning. It would be a huge shame for him not to learn this especially since he has access to people who have worked in the industry. That's priceless.
I like what CGI and Green Screen offer, but THIS is the kind of thing that makes me want to make films! Thanks for the very informative video guys!
I have never liked this type of mold. I tried it a few times but always resorted back to standard part molds. I find that cutting into the silicone creates too much of a chance of destroying a nice mold, or worse cutting your original piece.
Plus....this way takes a LOT of silicone, which is really hard for anyone working on a budget. It makes more sense to me, to use less silicone (enough to smooth undercuts and such) and back the outside up with a jacket of fibreglass or plaster. That way you use less silicone, and you can be guaranteed your silicone will not warp or bend out of shape.
The axe's handle isn't wrapped, it's actually a stack of leather discs. You can see how this is done if you look up "How It's Made Axes".
M. J. B. Stfu with how it's made? Tyty
M. J. B. I remember seeing that episode with my dad!
Very cool. Only downside is the cost of using pourable rubber and these foams for this for hobbyists. The finished hammer turned out great.
Norm,
The subject matter of your videos are awesome and entertaining to watch.
However, your interview style really leaves much to be desired. It might be better to go with more open-ended questions (Why/What/How/Where) instead of simple yes/no questions. Allow your interviewee to form their narrative. Don't form it for them.
Aside from that, thank you for these videos!
Michael Uy he's so much better in tech interviews. Norm is awesome, though. Will would forget he was doing an interview, or that another person was there, and just keep talking and talking.
i normally dont catch onto his shitty questions, but this episode was a kick in the nuts to me.
I'm glad I'm not the only one it bothered.
I agree, Norm is pretty much the least interesting part of Tested.
He's always been like this. He's gotten better, though. Still, Norm really needs to talk less and listen more. Still does a better job than I would!
I actually really like the dynamic between norm and frank :)
OMG that axe is an Eastwing!!!!!
And it looks like it's a 1950's Eastwing!!!!!
And Frank just submerged it in silicone goop.
I'm so pleased the leather handle wasn't affected!
The handle is made of leather strips, layered together, with the tang of the axe going through the middle. The white layers at the front and back of the handle are ivory slices with ebony between them.
Absolutely classical and beautiful.
I would love to have this axe, to go with the matching hammer I have ;)`
MORE ONE DAY BUILDS 👍
Ibbo Beast they had to wait overnight lmao
still woulda been under 24 hours tho
Ryb
Ellion
Bandar.ghg Almutairi iii
This is amazing. Looking up how to make some props for Halloween and this is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you!!
So happy to see more content like this again on tested!
Yes! These are the kind of videos that first got me into tested. Keep it up, and keep em coming guys!
Have you ever had any problems with damaging the hero props?
I'm thinking of molding some cosplay props in the future, but with not having any experience damaging the hero props worries me a bit.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks and I love the videos, keep em coming.
great video. i really enjoyed that you asked detail questions and pointed out things that were getting glossed over. thank you
They came out awesome! Great work guys!
When you make a video like this show us the de-molding and the open mold.
20:16
i think he hacked that mold! that why he didnt show it. what a bozo! and the plaster tape? what the?
I don't think he gives a shit what you scrubs think. Make better videos then we'll talk.
@@user-ce2br4wn7f For me, I'm watching this video to learn how to do it, and im a bit confused, so I'd like more detail.
did you need a release spray for either the actual objects being molded or before casting?
What kind of paint would you use to paint the foam, and is there a way to dye polyfoam if you wanted one full color?
Cool to see a different method of molding - but why would this not have been a candidate for a 2-part mold? It seems like, other than time, it would have been better to work with this horizontally and block off the lower half to pour that first layer and avoid bowing sides. Thanks!
Robert Sloan technically it’s faster since you don’t have to wait two separate times for the silicone to cure. If you’re in a rush, this kind of mold is fine but I do prefer two part molds if you have the time.
Dont know why but i feel so relaxed watching these videos
How cool is that ! Thank you for sharing this knowledge and video ! Would you use the same technique to mold and cast a piece of flat and round piece of wood carving ?
Missed these projects with Frank
The only way could tell the difference between the real and prop hammer was how the weight of the head balanced the rest of it xD it was so good!!
How do you keep the paint from flaking or coming apart with use, or is that not an issue?
9:16 "I made a little bit less than I needed, just in case.." Interesting phrase xD
Great to see building of anything again , this is what drew me to the site in the first place,
I think Norm is honestly getting better at hosting these videos!
No ads! Thumbs up just for that!!
Nice vids, very informative. Kudos to the prop-maker and his excellent work, I'm a photographer and recognize a real artist. I do have a question. The foam he uses. Can it be used in a lost foam meltal casting? I can carve Styrofoam, put it in sand, fill it with molten metal which vaporizes the foam and makes the object but I have something very intricate that would be impossible to carve using s cast of a particular object. Wax is iffy but a liqquid foam might be the ticket.
Frank's T-shirt is the best. Paying homage to the greats.
This was so good. Loved it. Thanks for the awesome video tested team.
If this was King Of Random this would have been two weeks worth of content :D
Question: what kind of paint was used for this project? Also were they sealed?
Looks like regular water based acrylic paint to me.
I don't wanna be disrescpectful towards teh way Tested makes videos, but I feel Norm being in all these videos is a little awkward. I understand he represents the audience by asking questions, and most times I appreciate it. But sometimes I feel solo projects are good - take Adams projects, he explains what he's doing on his own as he does it. I reckon Frank should do this from time to time. Again, no hate, love the vids, just maybe some advice
Bushyman477 A lot of people furiously hate him, and I don't get it. He's not the best host, and at some times he's below average in interaction standards, but it's still watchable and sufficiently entertaining! And you can tell he's getting better! I don't understand the hate.
Yeah. It's been like four years and he still asks rather...slow...presumptuous questions.
Look up Brick In The Yard Mold Supply, his videos are really good imo
I actually think he is a very relatable host who is genuinely enthusiastic a bot the subjects. I don't mind the occasional awkwardness, in fact I think of it as a quality.
Norm also helps the guests because it may be quite a challenge tor some people to face the camera alone
Maybe Frank has a harder time just speaking to the camera and having Norm ask questions helps him make sure he answers everything and makes things clear.
Oh Frank, from Face Off! Cool. Was very surprised to see you back for a second time but it was nice to see you again and get to know you a little better and I was so sorry to hear about your father. Anyway, cool props and terrific paint job.
Impressive!!! They look very real.
& no one gets hurts on set!!!
Those stick pins that you used in your mold to secure things. I know that they're originally for sewing. you could find them in the sewing section at store but my point being is that those little stick pins with the little different colored balls can do some ridiculous damage when muzzle fed into any BB gun. Pump rifle I believe would be the best. Try it sometime.
Caution: It will go Through Skull!!
Hit norm with the hero copy!
These came out so cool! I didn't expect them to be so floppy! =)
Holy fuck... I started watching this like "How do i know Frank?" - then I realized he was on the first (and 5th) season of Face Off! So awesome seeing how far his career has come
I love how the silicone looks when it ripples down into the mold
“You have an actor swinging around an Axe make a rubber one”, that’s a lot of effort and work making a rubber actor.
Damn, the sound of foam core being torn off of silicone is a satisfying thing to hear. :D
Morgan Weber I actually like the sound of the cracking plaster bandages. Kinda want to crack them myself.
That pin trick is brilliant!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!
It looks pretty amazing for a foam copy. The vast majority of people would be totally fooled by either of those but particularly the hammer.
Thank you. I'm making a movie about killer eggs and need rubber egg molds and this really helped me. This is a 100% serious comment
Nice vid. Also, great Jack Burton t-shirt!
Also, is there a benefit to doing a solid mold and cutting the piece out instead of a two part mold using clay when making the first half??
Since the props are not heavily detailed and in simple shapes, it's easier and faster to just do a solid, I think.
Late ass answer, but it's faster to make a single block mold and cut it, than to make a two-part mold, since for the two-part you have to shape the clay around, pour the first half and wait for it to fully cure, then clean, spray mold release, and pour and cure the second half (why he talked about time vs. money). On a quick production cycle like theirs, getting the job done quick is a better return than stressing over raw materials cost.
Mad props to these guys.
That Estwing hatchet's handle isn't wrapped but made of a number of stacked disks of thick leather.
Very good show, clear mastery (on both sides of the camera).
Thanks for the video! Please never stop doing this!
Yessss thanks for doing this. Working on a few cosplays at the moment and this will help me out a ton.
Which paint did you use to paint this foam?
How long does it really take to build a 4 sided wood molding frame? I would think building the one shown would take a bit longer. Unless you have to run to the store and purchase a drill. Time and money, I hear you.
Franks shirts in this video are the best.
Limp Hatchet. That will be the name of my new band. Obviously, we will do mashup covers of Limp Bizkit and Molly Hatchet songs.
Imagine that everything, EVERYTHING you saw in Lord of The Rings had to be done like this...
Imagine that everything, EVERYTHING were as floppy as the hatchet...
Yes every hunk of metal was probably foam. As Adam has stated, if you see a gun in a movie or a TV show and its actually not shooting at something, its a rubber gun. Its amazing that what sells these props is half the looks and half the foley sound effects.
Even though most sword experts cringe when the they hear the pretend "shwing" sound as its being drawn from a scabbard, we need to hear it so our mind thinks that a real sword and it can kill things.
I thought a lot of the weapons in LOTR were crappy metal props that had to get replaced all the time?
Wartooth91 I would assume any close ups of edged weapons would be metal.
i wonder how did the actors breathed when their moulds were being taken
When he is vacuuming out the pink slime it looks like I should be calling the Ghostbusters and getting Dana Barret out of her apartment.
I think that the blocks of cured rubber looked like BIG blocks of BAZOOKA JOE BUBBLE GUM. Lots of chewing for these pieces!
Nice! Any tips for casting antler sheds? Specifically the separating of the mold and best material to cast out of. We want to paint them and attach them to a headband so they would need to be lightweight, stiff, and have a paintable skin. Maybe a link to a good website with tips? Thanks.
I'm a Vietnam Combat Marine and I purchased 4 EGA to mount on my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. They are all rigid and I need to make a mold of them that I can put against the side of the truck to cast them with the proper curves to paste to the truck. I plan to paint the truck a gloss black including the EGA. I would welcome any suggestions you might have to help me. Thanks.
WOW THAT HAMMER LOOKS REAL GREAT JOB ! SO I SUBSCRIBED 👍👍👍
How about molding and casting something like a firearm for props? How would you manage things like the silicone seeping into parts of the firearm? Do you have tips for sealing a firearm before mold making?
Kenneth Kniffin I cast a Luger over the weekend and used some oil-based modeling clay to plug as many holes as I could find
That zigzag-cut strategy is so genius.
I've been waiting for this video for SO LONG. THANK YOU TESTED!!!
Everyone has commented about Norman Chan but none of you know that he won't just go if you don't like him he'll still be around because nobody but the people at Tested can make a decision on if he's fired or not and if you are annoyed by him just deal with it and grow up and enjoy the video the props and the insight to making things.
Seems like a box with adjustable corkscrew sides would really help with the bowing on different sized projects.
Just what I needed! I want to make some foam 45# plates for the gym!
Very cool! I like the Pork-Chop Express shirt!
Did you coat the original tools with any kind of release agent or does the silicone not stick to it?
And why not do a 2 part mold versus all the cutting and hacking that could hurt/ruin the mold?
Any risk of the foam bonding itself to or getting stuck to the silicone?
Would a different type of foam made a stiffer hatchet?
MY GRANDPA HAS THE SAME HATCHET!!! It's in way better condition then the one in the video though. Its all shiny and new looking and doesn't even look 20 or so years old. I was actually really wanting to make a foam coy of it too! Except I was just going to do a two part silicon mold. I was also going to use Flex Foam-It 10 because I prefer 10 more. Fun video to watch!
I am a fan of Frank. Frank is awesome.
I would love to do this kind of thing, but I can't afford the nearly $200 of silicone they used to make 2 small molds!
Anything you want to do a one-off from will be expensive. Idea of molds is so you can use it repeatedly and make multiple castings.
It's just odd that they present this as a DIY thing, which generally means "cheap and easy". Now using expensive tools isn't that big a deal because they just speed up the process, but gallons of silicone and mixtures of foam and even the plaster braces are way more expensive than getting a pack of puzzle mats and cutting them to size like a lot of their projects...
but a lot of that cost came from using a block for those handles. like he said, it's time vs money. if you took the time to make a mould that was closer in size to the object, you'd use half (if that) the silicone.
modelmakers spend $100 on paints quite easily, as well. so that's not particularly outrageous.
James Dreger In my opinion DIY doesn't mean it has to be cheap. They use stuff that you and me could buy if we really wanted to make a mold out of something. It's not some crazy 5 axis CNC DIY that you need years of experience and a lot of money.
It doesn't have to be "cheap" exactly, but usually the purpose of "DIY" is to save money by doing something yourself. This video is a fine example of "how to cast foam props" but not of the DIY idea. Which I realize isn't part of the title, but it *is* how it's presented.
when I made molds for small object I used a pvc pipe, split up, kept together with ducktape, its very simple and once I use the mold the pvc pipe is good to keep it intact.
I don't ever plan on making a prop but damn are these videos entertaining and informative!
Dont know why but Frank really looks like such a nice guy!
thanks for mentioning the type of silicone. was wondering about all the materials and stuff
I love his t shirt, the pork chop express. From the classic movie ( big trouble in little China)
These are my favorite videos.
would this be a good way of making boffer weapons for a LARP? from the looks of it all you would have to do is include a core and use a nice squishy foam
If anyone needs really fine molds, I would mix the silicone by hand, using a motorized tool tends to create a lot of air bubbles in the silicone.
Wooooo! I'm glad they painted old floppy there. It's hilarious.
Nathan Trone lol 😂
Tearing off the foam is like opening presents on Christmas day
The 18.5 unit would be Density. Specific Gravity is the density of a fluid divided by the density of water (or some other standard.)
Damn, I'd be rich if there was money in counting haters.
What's with all the negativity towards Norm? I'm not saying he's a godsend when it comes to this type of informative video, and I know if I were to try my hand at it I probably wouldn't do any better, but even if I were the best at gleaning information from someone like Frank, I still do not feel as if Norm is as bad as so many people here seem to think he is. Especially if you attempt to consider what it would be like if they somehow rose Huell Howser from the dead to take Norm's place. Talk about a nightmare ... eesh! But even when Huell was alive and doing his California's Gold shows on PBS, I learned a helluva lot from that guy and even visited a couple places he covered on California's Gold (NIKE missile sight near San Francisco and also Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, CA). It seems to me whoever edited this video did a much poorer job. And if that was Norm, then yes, he does suck. I am saying this in reference to them not showing Frank fully cutting the objects out of the molds and then showing the molds themselves in much greater detail. To me that is what is missing from this "Not as informative as it could have been" video.