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Second edition
noW WitH More tHan 90 iMages!
by Bruner F. Barrie
Tools and Materials
Second edition
by Bruner F. Barrie
Dexter.. Florida • Princeton. Barrie. Florida Mega Color Corporation. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author or his legal representatives. Florida Photographs by: Granite Digital Imaging. the author and publisher assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. MI A.Inside Back Cover Pommel Horse Athlete by Joe Menna Bernini's Ecorché by David Klass Wildlife Big Horn by Kent Ullberg All air-dried sculpture by Sandra K. Inc.F. LLC.S. Deerfield Beach.Second edition Copyright © 2006 Bruner F.A Sculptor'S Guide to Tools and Materials . Wellington. Inc. New Jersey . New York and New Jersey David Klass. Publishing Palm City. Florida Sculpture House. Little All pottery pieces by Beatrice Landolt Printed in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Thomson-Shore. or for damages arising out of the use of the information contained herein. First Printing. Kent Ullberg and Beatrice Landolt Sculpture Credits . Every effort has been made by the author to make this book as accurate as possible.B. Layout & Design and Copy Editing by HyBar Consulting Group. November 2006 Library of Congress Control Number 2006936739 ISBN 0-9631867-2-8 Trademarks .All terms mentioned in this book that are known by the author to be trademarks or service marks have been capitalized... All rights reserved.
This book is dedicated to my wife. Nancy and to all sculptors. professional and amateur alike .
Bruner F. Barrie was born in Abington, Pennsylvania in September 1947. He is a member of the Board of Directors as well as a patron member of The National Sculpture Society in New York and is a member of the International Sculpture Center in Hamilton, New Jersey. He is also certified as a professional Lifecasting Artist. Mr. Barrie joined Sculpture House, Inc. shortly after his discharge from the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, in 1971. He became and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer. He is also the author of Mold Making, Casting & Patina for the student sculptor, a book for those who want to make basic molds and casts. This 116-page publication with over 200 photos and line drawings is ideal for the beginner. Mr. Barrie resides in Palm City, Florida.
Bruner F. Barrie
introduction .................................................................................................................. How to Use this Guide - Key Word Technique........................................................... PART 1 • MODELING Chapter 1 • plastilina ................................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... chapter 2 • direct Modeling Materials - air-dried, non-Firing Materials ......... Clays ............................................................................................................................ Liquid Metal ................................................................................................................ Plaster .......................................................................................................................... Polymer Clay (Plastic) .................................................................................................. Paverpol ....................................................................................................................... Other Clays.................................................................................................................. Waxes........................................................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... chapter 3 • Modeling tools - Modeling accessories ............................................. Wire End Modeling Tools ............................................................................................. Wood and Plastic Modeling Tools ................................................................................. Tool Handles ................................................................................................................ Modeling Tool Kits ....................................................................................................... Plaster Tools ................................................................................................................. Wax Tools..................................................................................................................... Steel Tools .................................................................................................................... Stainless Steel Tools...................................................................................................... 1 2 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 v vi
Modeling Accessories ................................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... chapter 4 • arMatures .................................................................................................. Types of Armatures ...................................................................................................... Building Your Own Armature ...................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... chapter 5 • Modeling stands ..................................................................................... Heavy Duty Stands ...................................................................................................... Studio and Classroom Stands ....................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... PART 2 • MOLD MAKING & CASTING Chapter 6 • Mold Making & casting....................................................................... Mold Making Materials ............................................................................................... Casting Materials.......................................................................................................... Casting Techniques ...................................................................................................... Tips for Coloring and Strengthening Plaster Casts........................................................ Plaster Casts & Anatomical Figures .............................................................................. Enlarging & Reducing Sculpture .................................................................................. Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... PART 3 • WOOD CARVING & STONE CARVING Chapter 7 • Wood carving .......................................................................................... Types of Wood Carving Tools ....................................................................................... Other Wood Carving Tools ........................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... Chapter 8 • stone carving........................................................................................... Stone ............................................................................................................................ Stone Carving Tools ..................................................................................................... Carving Sets ................................................................................................................. Pneumatic Handpieces and Tools ................................................................................. Electric Tools ................................................................................................................ Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................................... Chapter 9 • rasps & riFFlers - Wood, stone & plaster ............................................ Troubleshooting/Questions ..........................................................................................
12 14 15 15 16 16 19 20 21 22
25 25 27 31 34 34 35 36
41 41 43 45 47 47 48 51 51 53 54 55 57
............... Modeling Materials ...................Wood carving and stone carving ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Plastilina.................................... Appendix B • sources ........ Firing ....................................................... Potter's Tools and Accessories ....................................................... 119 index .......................................... 115 Appendix G • equivalency chart ................................................................................... Inside Covers Tools...................................... Appendix C • hoW sculptors' tools..................................... Carving Stones ......................... oil-Base & ceraMic clays are Made ........................................... Modeling Tools ....................... Stone Carving and Steel Plaster Tools ... Appendix E • tool Weights & diMensions ....... Air-Dried Materials........................................................................................................................................................... 145 color iMages .................................................................................... Appendix D • Books ..........................................Inside Covers iii ........................................................................... 59 59 60 61 62 67 68 69 70 71 71 72 73 75 81 83 83 84 86 86 89 93 Appendix F • Material requireMents usage chart ............................................ Types of Moist Clay ...................................................................................... Other Clays................. Firing Ranges/Temperatures .....................clays... Other Accessories................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Troubleshooting/Questions .......................................................................specialty iteMs .. equipMent & accessories....................................... PART 4 • POTTERY & CERAMICS Chapter 11 • pottery & ceraMics ........................................................................................................................................................................Chapter 10 • accessories ............................................................... The Equipment ............................................................. Ceramic Clays.............................................................. 117 glossary oF terMs .............................................. Sharpening Stones & Special Oils............................................... Safety Devices ................................................................................................................................... Wood Carving Tools ................................................................................................................ Finishing Materials .................................. Appendix A • general questions ....................................................................
With over thirty-five years of experience in the manufacture and sale of sculpture tools. My observations have not changed over the last ten years. This is not uncommon. stone carving. I can also identify the sources for those items that may be somewhat outside the field of sculpture. enlarging. the stone carver should not be expected to know all that a ceramist would know about model- v . and the various hardnesses and colors of stone. still may not know all aspects of sculpture. as well as teachers of sculpture. wood carving.INTRODUCTION W WHEN I FIRST WROTE THIS BOOK IN 1996. While this book was originally intended for the sales staff of Sculpture House (so they could answer your questions and provide And I stated that most art students have a good overall understanding of their specific fields of study. wood carving. casting. for example. a stone carving instructor may very well know everything there is to know about carving stone. wax work. mold making. mold making and casting. and vice versa. where it originates. still vary greatly. The same would hold true for wood carvers. Most of us even have some knowledge of the art field and the materials used by artists. Its major categories. ing clay and firing. but might not know at what temperature to bisque fire a stoneware clay. That is why I wrote the first edition of this book in 1996 and why I have chosen to update it now in 2006. And students. too. painting. and having been given formal instruction in all areas of sculpture (stone carving. or sculpture. such as ceramics. would have limited or no knowledge of mold making and casting bronze. and pottery) I have acquired hands-on experience enabling me to answer questions in all sculpting categories. still constitutes only about three percent of the entire art field. whether it be pen and ink. I NOTED THAT all of us have had some experience with art. abstract drawing. they. Sculpture. one of the disciplines within the art field. materials and accessories.
or function. I still believe the information herein will be of assistance to you. How to Use this Guide Key Word Technique When using this guide. or Index for more information on that key word. and overall lengths are given for each. or animal. • To determine the size and weight of a specific tool supplied by Sculpture House.wall tile is the topic. figure. • If you are looking for the correct amount of material required to sculpt a head/bust. tool. Microcrystalline wax. All tools are listed by item number. choose a key word used in either the topic. or the tool or accessory you want to use.product information to those purchasing our materials) and for the sales staff at art stores who sell sculpture materials and supplies.. or a wood carving tool. • If you have a specific question. after you read this book. contact us and my staff will try their hardest to answer them. the last ten years has shown me that there is a wider audience for this reference guide. functional ends. refer to Appendix E: Tool Weights and Dimensions. and clay is the medium in which you want to work. refer to the Glossary or Index using these as key words. Then refer to the Table of Contents. Let's continue to keep sculpture alive! • For information on a general topic. For example: Suppose you want to make a wall tile using clay . and troubleshooting tips. Second. answers to the most frequently asked questions. If. such as plastilina. This guide incorporates general product information as well as tool weights and dimensions. refer to the Table of Contents to find where the information will be found in the manual. • If you are looking for information on a medium. medium. Next. such as "How do I make a mold of a clay figure?". or accessory. Glossary. the function you want to perform. vi . Inc. refer to Appendix F: Material Requirements Usage Chart. define the medium in which you want to work. you still have any unanswered questions. such as "How much latex would be required to make a head mold?" or "How much plaster should be used to make a mother mold of an 18-inch figure?". determine what you want to do. and look up the key word in the Glossary to find the appropriate page(s). first identify the general topic you are exploring. or the medium in which you want to work. weight.
PART 1 Modeling .
000 pounds or more. the oil may seep out and evaporate. a small amount at a time. does not contain sulfur and tends to be stiffer and harder to model with the fingers. and plasticine. but basically all are wax and oil-base modeling materials. Placing the plastilina near a 60-watt light The professional grade commonly contains sulfur. There are basically three groups of plastilina: professional grade. School grade material comes in a variety of striking colors and is used in the claymation field of movie production and advertising. and then cooled and extruded into the shape that will eventually be available for sale in art supply stores. and industrial grade. After a long period of time. to make the smoother. oil. All plastilina is produced hot. The school grade. This type of material is most commonly used by designers in the automotive field for car models and is not available to the retail consumer. 1 . school grade. Plastilina cannot be made permanent. causing dryness. Plastilina can also be referred to as plasteline. more homogeneous texture required by professionals. A mold of plaster or rubber must be made to obtain a finished piece. The industrial grade material is usually very hard and needs to be heated prior to use. Although the material is permanently pliable due to its wax and oil content. A non-sulfur professional grade material in medium consistency is also available. and the material is so hard it cannot be modeled at room temperature. I imagine there are a few other spellings. The large auto companies use batch lots in large quantities of 2. or amateur grade material. Plastilina is used as a modeling material only and cannot and should not be fired in any way. and clay flour which is used as a binder. plasticium. The main ingredients are wax. To refurbish the material. or after it has been used over natural wood armatures. small amounts of household oil or 30-weight motor oil may be kneaded into it.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 1 PLASTILINA P lastilina is a wax and oil-base modeling material used by sculptors for modeling pieces. it will dry out or become stiff after a number of plaster molds have been made over the material.
or corrections are easily made. add the oil as described above and run the mixture through the grinder several times. It is recommended that a separator coating be used in all cases as a precaution. The professional grade material is packaged in two-pound units and comes in three colors: grey-green. such as shellac. and extremely detailed small work. off-white.1 A great advantage of this material is that it may be stored and worked over a long period without hardening. to soften grade No. usually for a nominal charge. is used for heads and busts and figures ranging up to three feet. a medium grade. Your local art supply store will be able to give you information on the manufacturers of the different materials they carry.chApter 1: plAStilinA bulb for twenty to thirty minutes will soften it enough to make it easier to work with. Number Two. and brown or natural tan. with the non-sulfur professional grade material. The professional grade material normally contains sulfur and cannot be used with most rubber molds without some form of a separator. soften the clay as instructed above by placing it near a light bulb and knead in See Chapter 6: Mold Making & Casting 2 . It is available in four basic hardnesses. additions. coins. You can then refer any questions you have directly to the specific manufacturer. This separator is not necessary. Creating a piece of sculpture in Plastilina Bernini's Ecorché by David Klass Troubleshooting/Questions How can I soften plastilina? To soften plastilina. and the retail price is therefore lower. Number Three is used for more detailed work and is sometimes placed over the Number One and Number Two when working on facial features.70°. For extremely large quantities the plastilina can be returned to the manufacturer and refurbished. if not being used at room temperature. Number One is the softest and is used for building up large pieces of monumental size. There aren't many manufacturers of plastilina in the professional or school grades. place the material approximately two to three feet from a 60-watt light bulb for about twenty minutes. To change the grade consistency (for example. so be prepared to make a mold and cast or have one made of the piece. 3 plastilina to grade No. between the plastilina and the rubber. however. and the most commonly used by sculptors. The school grade material is packaged in 1 one-pound and five-pound units and comes in a variety of colors. purchase a hand hamburger grinder at the local hardware store. For refurbishing 10 to 20 pounds. changes. The cost of production is less than for the professional grade. 2 plastilina). Number Four is the hardest and is used for medallions. One disadvantage of plastilina is that there is no way to make the material permanent. 68° .
How can I harden plastilina? To harden plastilina. Consistency will be the goal of the manufacturer but may not always be achieved. to harden grade No. soften the clay as directed above and add softened Microcrystalline Wax in small amounts to the material by kneading it into the softened plastilina until the desired consistency is achieved. How can I correct uneven consistencies? Since the raw materials are of natural origin they will vary. During temperature changes in the weather. This is caused by lack of wax or oil. but it is not recommended for plastilina containing sulfur since people tend to overcook the material. into the material until you have acquired the desired consistency. Can I microwave plastilina? Some people do. if not months. although not commonly. place the material two to three feet from a 60-watt light bulb for twenty minutes and it will soften through like butter left on the counter. oil and clay flour so take this into consideration before doing something that you may regret later! Non-sulfur plastilina can be placed in a microwave oven to soften it for use. Hardness. depending on the variation of the raw materials. may differ slightly.accomplish this by trial and error. or may occur because the manufacturer has not aged the plastilina (that is. allowing it to mature for several weeks. 3 . The outside will melt before the center. 2 plastilina to grade No. Add household oil or return the material to the supplier. While manufacturers cannot guarantee the production of totally accurate color batches from materials received from the pigment producer. but as with everything made of natural ingredients it may vary. Although manufacturers attempt to guarantee consistency. the material will also change slightly. it will return to its stated consistency when left at room temperature. Rather. How can I correct color inconsistencies? This is not easily done since the raw materials will vary from batch to batch. but it is not recommended. but since microwave ovens have different power levels and wattage varies. Most of the time the color will be extremely close. Short-Dry Material.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials small amounts of oil until an even consistency is achieved. If you do attempt to microwave plastilina containing sulfur.the plastilina is melted to a more liquid state and since the component parts contain sulfur. Can I heat the material in my kitchen oven? Yes. a few drops at a time. Purchase in batch lots if possible if accurate color consistency is absolutely necessary. This is regulated by the ingredients in the specific formula and. How can I restore dried out plastilina? Knead household oil. it may seem harder. Remember the plastilina is only a model to be cast and is not the finished piece. composition changes over long periods of time cannot be avoided. place it in the refrigerator for thirty to forty minutes before working with it. The basic formula for plastilina is wax. To change the grade consistency (for example. all plastilina should return to its stated hardness. the material seems softer and in winter months. in the summer. it might smell. There is no technique for permanent hardening. there is no one set rule for successfully heating the plastilina . be careful . before packaging). they work hard to achieve the closest possible color consistency. Sitting at room temperature for eight hours. 3 plastilina).
chApter 1: plAStilinA Can plastilina be melted and poured? No! The physical make-up does not allow this. this is a wax and oil-base modeling material. 4 . How can I make plastilina permanent? You can't. A mold must be made and a cast drawn for the final piece. Remember. Some of the material's components could ignite when heating excessively.
and cannot be left outside exposed to the elements. After a finished piece has dried and been sealed. an internal support device. there will be some degree of shrinkage when using a water-base material. so expect minor cracking if the piece is thin and modeled over a solid support. cannot be used to produce functional ware. Clays 5 . It is porous and cannot hold liquid unless sealed on the inside surface. You can add bright colors using acrylic. latex. They are not meant to replace kilnfired ceramic clay. oil. wax pigmentation applications. and are generally ceramic clay body formulas with a natural additive.) Please note. works like plastilina and is used over an armature. (The armature will not give when the clay shrinks due to evaporation of moisture. The first type. such as cornstarch.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 2 DIRECT MODELING MATERIALS Air-dried or non-firing clays (also known as self-hardening or air-hardening) do not need to be fired in a kiln. NoN-FiriNg MAteriAls DIRECT MODELING MATERIAL IS ONE THAT CURES NATURALLY producing a finished piece with no other mold making and casting procedures require. it can be decorated for display in a number of interesting ways. You can also spray the finished piece with special effect paints obtained from hardware stores. or watercolor paint. Claystone. The material over an armature will most likely be fatty or more bulky due to the filler that is incorporated in the formula to reduce shrinkage. Pieces made using these clays are items for display only. or you can achieve mute color effects us- A Air-DrieD. The material should not be fired in a ceramic kiln under any circumstances. to make them harden. Cracking may also appear at sharp angles and joints. The clay material generally contains some type of pulp or cotton fiber filler to reduce shrinkage and thus prevent cracking. or clothes dyes. There are two basic types of air-hardening clay. ing wood stain.
keep it airtight and spray it with water using a plant mister. Therefore a very small percentage of highly qualified professional sculptors are usually the only artists who use this material for direct modeling. manufactures a product called Kwik Metal . Polymer Clay (Plastic) This material is more commonly used in the craft field. for any self-hardening clay there is no known method to emulate vitrification. non-FirinG MAteriAlS Boneware. and does not model as well because of its flow factor. of Cecil. To determine when the piece is completely dry. Sometimes referred to as stone gray or even terra cotta. The final piece will be hard plastic which is quite durable with little shrinkage or distortion.) Water constitutes about 20% of the volume of a piece. (A primary use for Kwik Metal is repair work on cars and trucks. is the preferred method to achieve even drying. Pennsylvania. The rapid setting time of the plaster (15 to 20 minutes) requires the sculptor to work extremely fast. Please note.Air-dried. It is highly flammable. the colors are generally deeper and richer than what is usually expected. Like Sculp-metal. to reduce shrinkage and will probably feel and react more like a ceramics clay to the touch and in workability. This type of material will not replace a kiln-fired ceramic clay that is fired in excess of 2000°F fusing the molecular structure and becoming vitrified and nonporous.chApter 2: direct ModelinG MAteriAlS . Note that with all the self-hardening clays the inside of the piece will dry last since the outer coating will harden first sealing the external parts. I discussed Sculp-metal. such as a bread rack..when the weight has decreased by 20%.a cold solder for metal glazing and metal filling. Atomized Materials Co. Liquid Metal In the first edition of this book. it is not widely used as such. it applies like putty and hardens like metal. you will know it is dry. it is a somewhat rubbery material compared to a ceramic clay. Drying time will vary depending on the bulk of the material. first weigh the original. Drying on a rack. An example of this material is Della Robbia. then periodically weigh the piece while it is drying . A damp cloth may also be draped over a piece during short work breaks to maintain its plasticity. It may be modeled by hand or with modeling tools and can be fired in a conventional kitchen oven. As of this writing SculpMetal is no longer available. and harmful if swallowed. Plaster Although plaster is considered a direct modeling material by some. (In some cases it can take up to three months for larger pieces. It will contain a natural hardener. It is available in various colors but white is usually the color of choice. I do not know of any large head and bust figures being done in this medium so I have no personal comment on the material's ability 6 . To maintain the material's pliability when not working with it. The primary colors of Claystone and Boneware are gray and red.) According to the product's packaging. is used for solid direct modeling that in essence will be supported by its own bulk. Inc. a pliable air-hardening material that could be modeled with a modeling tool or by hand. but not fiber. There is another type of self-hardening material that can be air-dried or fired in the kitchen oven to give the piece more durability.
are extraordinary! Paverpol Paverpol is an environmentally friendly. The additional strength from the pulp and fiber enables pieces to be thrown higher with more stability and allows the greenware to be transported more easily minimizing breakage. bronze and gray. The material is somewhat more expensive than ceramic clays but the results. Other Clays There have been a few new and exciting reinforced ceramic throwing clays and unique firing clays developed within the past several years. Paverpol dries quickly yet slowly enough to give you plenty of time to create your piece. a mixture of white micro.the finished piece is . wind. For small relief figures and medallions. Another unique clay is Silver Metal Clay primarily developed in Japan for making jewelry. Paper Clay and Fiber Clay are ceramic water-base throwing and hand building materials that have paper or pulp fillers (Paper Clay) and/or cotton fiber fillers (Fiber Clay) added to enhance the strength of the clay body when throwing on a wheel or hand building. Pure Beeswax. wool or silk.). smooth. inexpensive. is by far the most popular wax. then drape or wrap the material around an armature or other internal support structure and leave it to dry. It is also used for casting prior to bronze investment There are specific formula waxes such as French Wax. you can work with it for months with no danger of hardening if it's kept airtight when not in use. natural wax with a unique texture is oftentimes used for advanced modeling and dressing wood sculpture. Microcrystalline Wax. more brittle and varying from purple to black in color. pure beeswax. In sculpture two primary waxes are used 90% of the time: Microcrystalline Wax and Roman Casting Wax. This material is of medium consistency and is extremely smooth and easy to model. Although it's somewhat sticky. immerse natural fabrics such as cotton. harder. if opened. a very fine. After hardening completely you'll have a permanent sculpture that can be used both indoors and outdoors. as any wax can be. This material is sterling silver and when modeled wet and then dried can be fired in a ceramic kiln . snow and frost! Waxes Most waxes are derivatives of oil or petrolatum base materials. Waxes will vary in consistency and color. and a small amount of number A4 wax (a private studio blend of Sculpture House. I believe it's the finest material available today. To use. and nut-brown in color.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials to produce desired effects in the traditional sculpture field. This superior material costs somewhat more than micro wax. The exception is natural beeswax. the transparent can be mixed with Paverpol or other acrylic paints to add color.999 fine sterling silver. is used to make final detailed definitions prior to casting as well as for carving and modeling small objects. sun. water-based textile hardener used to turn fabric into a weather-resistant sculpting medium. if it remains packaged. 7 . Inc. It is medium soft. It may also be used for the lost wax process. also known generically as Victory Brown and micro wax. Roman Casting Wax. it can be used for direct modeling and the lost wax method of mold making. in Paverpol. It's available in transparent. after practice. is approximately six months before it may harden. The shelf life of this material. It will withstand rain. Synthetic Beeswax is a good substitute for the real thing.
The cure for this is to apply a thin coat of wood or furniture stain in the desired color prior to sealing the piece for final display. oil. this is not doable but applying several coatings of shellac or transparent clear spray enamel on the inner surface of the piece might be a solution. non-FirinG MAteriAlS Sheet waxes are also available as well as rod.to mediumsized pieces. such as clear finish or matte finish. or even water colors. tubing and square waxes. generally they are not. Most other air-dried materials on the market today will not stand up to the added water required to bring up the side walls on pottery. Remember these materials are for decorative purposes only and not meant for use in functional items.chApter 2: direct ModelinG MAteriAlS . in a variety of textures. How do I stop warping? With tiles and relief models. For more realistic colors. Rod.Air-dried. Troubleshooting/Questions What is cracking? This is a common effect when the material is applied too thinly against a stiff armature or is dried too fast. What is discoloration? At times the material will dry with uneven coloration. The cracks can be filled with new material and sanded when dry. However. tubing and square waxes are usually used for spurring or a type of gating when gases need to be released from a casting so as not to prevent air pocket build-up. that are directly applied to the piece. This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be explained. How can I dry a piece correctly? The material should be dried extremely slowly for best effect. acrylic. especially in thin areas or at acute angles. it is best to place the piece on a bread drying rack exposing the bottom areas to air. Air-dried materials are characteris- 8 . or by a radiator to hasten drying. These special shaped waxes can be found through most jewelry supply outlets. I number each test tile and write down what steps I have taken to create a given effect on each tile. it cannot be fired. How can I seal this to hold water? Generally. Can these materials be thrown on a potter's wheel? Boneware has been specially re-formulated to be thrown on wheels for small. in an oven. This may be latex paint. Can the finished piece be colored? Yes. since Boneware is an air-dried material. sealing the surface to be covered with clear or base paint color will allow the final coating color to adhere easily. tically porous and will not hold liquids or withstand the effects of outside weather over a sustained period of time. all available in a multitude of colors. although there are products that come close. While these waxes may be used in the sculpture field. I recommend a test tile be made and that you experiment to achieve best results. It is not recommended to place the material in the sun. Remember to allow the piece to dry thoroughly before sealing or applying patina (coloring). There are paraffin waxes for candle making and special mixture waxes used for jewelry. This is done by placing a damp cloth over the piece and drying it at room temperature slowly and evenly. Will hardened material be vitrified (non-porous)? No. then place a damp cloth on the outer surface so the piece can dry slowly.
It is important to mention here that modeling tools are interchangeable. When working with wax and plastilina. wearing faster when used extensively on abrasive materials. sometimes even for cutting soft wood or detailing harder woods or stone. constructed of solid plastic or wood designed for shaping and detail work. modeling plastilina. and those For example. and sizes. I have seen this quite often. shapes. Ceramic sculptors generally use tools with half-round or semi-sharp cutting edges. It is always best to consult with an instructor or sculpting professional to determine the best size and shape of modeling tool required for a specific project.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 3 MODELING TOOLS W MoDeliNg Accessories HILE THE THUMB AND FINGERS ARE BY FAR THE BEST modeling implements. Wire End Modeling Tools The wire end series will vary with the type of wire used for cutting and the material it will be cutting. With time wood modeling tools will even take the shape of a sculptor's thumb or finger. Whatever their application. an abrasive material. For example. A head and bust twice life size will not require the same tools as a small medallion or bas-relief. a tool with a somewhat sharper 9 . sometimes additional tools are required. Modeling tools come in a variety of styles. or a combination tool with one wire end and one smoothing end. Since ceramic clay is so soft the tool need not have a great deal of cutting ability. a ceramic clay tool of brass wire which is very soft and used on smooth clay will last ten times longer than the same tool used to trim pottery made of terra cotta with grog. or shaping modeling material in a certain way to create a desired effect. Tools wear down over time. wax. or plaster. scraping. The tools most commonly used by sculptors are wire end tools for cutting and scraping. however. may require a different set of tools although many are interchangeable. tools used for working with plaster and in mold making may also be used in modeling plastilina and wax. as opposed to ceramic clay. all tools are acceptable in the sculpture field. Their primary uses are cutting.
and wood come together. wire. Maple and Acacia wood have been used as substitutes. they may vary slightly in size and shape. At times you may see wire end tools. Most wood tools will be sealed with wax or varnish but may be customized by sanding or rasping if the shape is not exactly as desired to perform a specific function. Plastic Modeling Tools B. Certain types of wax. jection molding. with the wire inside the tubing of the handle. The type of metal used to make the wire ends are: carbon steel for heavier tools.ModelinG AcceSSorieS cutting edge is necessary since the material is firmer and more detail work may be desired. piano wire. Boxwood and lignum vitae have been almost unattainable because of the Haiti embargo. and fir as well as aluminum tubing cut to the desired length. oak. the major types include: single wire end. attached using heavy strength waterproof glue. and then polished smooth. is ground flat to let the wire sit between the wood and metal. double wire end. spring steel. The wood may also vary. will need a sharp edge (This type of tool can also be used with ceramic clay when it is in the leather-hard state. and brass half round. Double Wire End Tool Wood and Plastic Modeling Tools Flat or hand modeling tools. The majority of wire end tools will have the wires and handles attached with solid spun ferrules normally made of brass or nickel. heavy sharpened. Since all modeling tools are made by hand. serrated (curved) and thin round. roman casting in particular. Wooden handles are round tapered wood turnings of which the rounded end. and combination of single wire and plain modeling end. A B A. While there may be slight variations among producers of wire end tools. with wire wrapping securing the ends to the A B A. Wood Modeling Tools Tool Handles Modeling tool handles may be made of wood such as birch. Aluminum handled tools are pressure stamped or crimped. generally from Taiwan or China. sometimes known as thumb tools since the thumb is almost always used to hold the tool while modeling. attached where the ferrules. half round. glue. These tools have the following types of cutting ends: soft round. semi-sharpened.chApter 3: ModelinG toolS . tool steel. Single Wire End Tool B. are produced in hard or medium hard woods or in high impact plastic by in- 10 . A coating of wax and/or shellac will reseal the reshape tool.) Working on set plaster will also require a heavy sharp cutting edge.
Wax tools when heated with an alcohol lamp are used to smooth and sculpt the wax after the basic geometric design has been established. These kits are designed for the beginner or intermediate artist since it might be easier to purchase a set than try to decide what may be needed. Wax Tools Steel Tools Also known as steel plaster and modeling tools. They are solid steel. ferrules and wires may work loose or crack due to the expansion and contraction of the wood. these tools are made of high carbon steel. mold making. The shapes and radial curves of some of the tools make them ideal for heat absorption and concave modeling. Plaster Scraper Modeling Tool Kits There are several tool kits available with a variety of tools included. plaster. Ask an instructor. The circumference of the handle or holding shaft varies with each tool size and has a delicate feel when work- Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster scrapers have thick wooden handles to facilitate the cutting or scraping function without undue stress while holding the tool. They come in four sizes with the largest in size being the heaviest in weight.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials handle. or moist clay. art store retailer. You should never purchase more tools than are needed for a project. Most kits are designed to include the most commonly used tools for a given medium. plaster. With absorption and evaporation of moisture. or even the manufacturer who produces the tool sets for advice. but may also be used on wood. Wax Tools These tools are made of 1095C high carbon steel and can be used with other media just as most of these tools in sculpture can. and plastilina or a plastic and wood modeling tool set for school children modeling in ceramic water base clay. There is no way to stop this since it is a natural occurrence. epoxy or electrical tape can be applied if the cracking or loosening becomes extreme. and even soft stone. The difference is that these tools were especially designed and produced for the wax modeling process. They come in various sizes differing in length and thickness. plastilina. Plaster Tools Plaster carving chisels have sharpened ends and are meant for carving plaster. shaped and ground from a single piece of stock. with wax. plastilina. for example. They have hooked ends which are mostly serrated and made of heavy and lighter 11 . and casting. weight steel ground sharp. however. a steel tool set to be used with wax. and can be used in sculpting.
Turnettes are wooden tables that can support a model of several pounds while rotating easily. cutting or modeling ends for scraping and carving. See page 51 for details. and for mold repairs. curved or hook ends are used for pulling or scraping. While for the amateur this would be of little concern. One such item is the banding wheel. are actually accessories. mold making. the original tools have been made with 1095 or machine carbon steel. A Turntable Turnette Calipers. Modeling Accessories There are several accessories which can be helpful during a project. though considered by some to be tools. B A. a small plastic turntable that a model can be placed on and that can be rotated like a lazy Susan. flat ends for smoothing. but without the possibility of rusting and/or corrosion over time. 12 . Stainless Steel Tools Calipers 1 Rotary wheels or fifth wheels are used for larger items of greater weight. Some are square and some are round.1 Stainless Steel Tools An exciting development in the manufacture of metal modeling tools is the use of stainless steel in their production. The tools come in a variety of sizes. another has a 45° slot for a backboard on which you can do relief work.ModelinG AcceSSorieS ing. its drawback is that these tools could rust and/or pit over time. For years. The palette shaped tools have flexible ends and are generally used in smoothing. and come in sizes from 6 inches to 12 inches and expanding out up to 18 inches. These tables are normally used to hold small models rather than large full figures. They can be used. Minarettes are fine steel tools used for retouching and small detail work. I think we will see more and more acceptance and use of these tools. and rounded. Usually each end performs a separate function: serrated edges give texture and substance and remove material. They are mostly made of press cut aluminum of a heavy gauge secured with lock washers. and finishing. and designs. for the professional sculptor it would be a factor. The new style stainless steel tools have pretty much the same spring and cutting attributes. either concave or convex. This material is very good where spring and a fine cutting edge is concerned. scraping. shapes. one even has holes in it to accommodate aluminum wire. Steel Tools B.chApter 3: ModelinG toolS . Those with heavier stiff or firm ends are used for carving. They are Cshaped expandable devices used to measure distance between points so an exact likeness can be attained.
is an essential piece of sculpture equipment primarily used to build armatures. A clay to more easily adhere to armature sections for build-up. E A A B C A. Steel Palettes B. 1/16" B. Aluminum wire is recommended over other materials for an internal support structure since it will not stain. The other sizes can be used in a number of ways but are usually meant for arms.100 pound rolls. Requests for 200 foot continuous wire are sometimes made. This is a very pliable aluminum wire available in five different diameters: 1/16.100 pound rolls in all sizes. but if they become wet they can warp. legs. These are available in sizes from 18 inches to 42 inches and are normally used by professional or advanced sculptors. and three lengths: 32. They are available in about six shapes including half round. 3/16" D. The rolling and cutting machine chucks are set for these specific lengths and cannot be altered to cut other lengths. they cannot be filled since a chuck large enough to hold that quantity of material does not exist. Block scrapers are rectangular accessories and come in heavy steel with or without serrated teeth. They are usually made of blue spring steel or rubber. and it will not corrode. each in a specific size. They can also be used to smooth large models and come in 6 inch and 9 inch lengths. There are also proportional calipers used in the enlargement and reduction of pieces. and are extremely flexible. They are used for mold leveling or scraping down mold sides or walls. The largest. Alcohol Lamp 13 . is principally used as wrapping wire allowing An alcohol lamp is used for heating the wax tool tips to model hardened wax and detailing wax sculpture prior to mold making and casting. and appendages of different sorts. The material is also pliable and light weight. 20. 3/16. square. are about 4 to 5 inches in length. Almaloy Wire is produced at mills in 80 . and 10 foot lengths. 1/16 inch diameter. oval. Blocked Scraper B C Armature Wire D A. or for pottery trimming and leveling the base of thrown clay. 1/4" E. making them unusable. also known as Almaloy Wire. The smallest. into coils of the most commonly used lengths for sculpture. and pointed. or rust through a casting in plaster. Rubber Palette C.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials There are also wooden calipers of the same size. 1/8. 3/8" Aluminum wire. Each run is usually 2 to 3 tons of these 80 . 1/4 and 3/8 inch diameters. 3/8 inch diameter. is used to construct specifically designed full size support systems. Flexible palettes are helpful accessories used for smoothing or scraping. The bulk rolls are then cut down. 1/8" C.
What about sharpening my tools . Use it to give approximate measurements for geometrical proportions. since the steel is high carbon and tempered. See Chapter 10 for more information. and they will last a lifetime. Steel tools.can I do this myself? Most wire end tools are not sharpened unless you are a professional sculptor and have the means to do so.chApter 3: ModelinG toolS . Each spool can weigh between 80 and 100 pounds in one continuous length. Does the Almaloy Wire (aluminum wire) come in longer continuous lengths other than coils? Yes. but the price will vary depending on the weight. Unfortunately the spools will vary within each shipment so there is no predetermined weight or length until they are individually rewound into the most commonly desired lengths. some suppliers will sell a complete spool to individuals. although normal wear may reduce them in size. Keep them clean and dry when not in use. such as moist clay and plaster. can easily be sharpened with a bench stone much like sharpening a carving knife for steak. How clean do I have to keep my tools? It is best not to leave tools coated with the working medium. however. 14 . While not a common practice.ModelinG AcceSSorieS Troubleshooting/Questions How precise will a proportional caliper be? A proportional caliper will measure up to five times a given increment but it is not a high tech tool or a precise device for exacting minute detail. There are different shapes and sizes of sharpening stones available to handle any sharpening necessary. The manufacturer runs these items in coils by weight not length.
others use pipe on flanges. 15"(5/8-life size). They are fitted with a heavy duty backiron support for the Almaloy Wire and the cross bar that makes up the lower portion of 15 . the most widely used material to make armatures is aluminum wire. the more widely used of this type. This support structure is usually used when modeling figures and heads over 5 pounds in weight. Head-Bust armatures.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 4 ARMATURES Armatures can be made of various materials ranging from newspaper. Head armatures. Every armature will have a waterproof base board which holds the guts of the structure. are available in different sizes: 13" (½-life size). Some use wood as a base. remove the piece from the armature when it is leather-hard. The armature is much like the human body where the bone structure acts as the armature for the muscle and skin tissue that surrounds it. wax. For most students of sculpture. Figure. A N ARMATURE IS AN INTERNAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE OR device used to hold the heavy weight of moist clay. and Animal (horse). you will have to have a mold made of the piece unless you are using moist clay (also known as ceramic clay) or self-hardening clay. and two-byfour pieces of wood to screen mesh or chicken wire. Types of Armatures Most commercial armatures are made in three basic types: the Head and Head-Bust. In those cases. Take your choice. When you have sculpted a piece over an armature. plastilina. The armature is secured with a backiron of sturdy steel onto a base of Formica on heavy gauge flakeboard or plywood. These three are the principal shapes used in the sculpture field. and other sculpting material that will not support itself. Manufacturers design their armatures somewhat differently from each other. include the head and a portion of the shoulders (bust). but the basic designs are the same. cutting and pulling the material from the armature and then reattaching the cut seam. and 20" (life size). which include the head and a portion of the neck. The smaller the size the less support is necessary in the base.
and 24 inch models have adjustable back irons so the figure can be moved up and down on its back iron support. 24. The others have fixed supports. These armatures are available in three sizes: 6. Working with professionals at a hardware store or art supply store to choose the proper items is both fun and invigorating. you need to follow several steps: wait until the clay is leather-hard. If other forms such as birds or frogs are desired. 16 . These include a pipe with flange attachment and a baseboard. in almost all cases. The 15. 18. You wouldn't expect to load the trunk of your car with ten tons of clay and not have some difficulty driving…would you? The same goes for overloading an armature. 18. it will be destroyed in the mold making process in all but a few cases. 12. it is the only animal armature available. Wrapping wire is added where necessary for adhesion of the clay. Head Armature Head-Bust Armature Figure armatures are the most varied and the most popular armatures. lengths. and 36 inch heights. It is available only in 24" life size. the 6 and 10 inch are fixed. To remove a water-base clay model from a standard armature. "T" fittings that will enable you to attach the wire where necessary. they can be constructed using Almaloy Wire Figure Armature Troubleshooting/Questions The primary difficulty with armatures. Material Requirements Usage Chart. and 10 inches. make cuts along key separating areas. Animal Armature 1 See Appendix F. The 8 inch armature has an adjustable back iron. Do not expect to save the sculpted piece though. 8. is that the weight of the modeling material placed on it is greater than it was designed to hold. and a few screws to attach the base flange to the board. the store will most likely be able to supply you with the Almaloy Wire necessary to construct your own design. Both the armature and the sculpting medium used on it can be reused. 15. since most animals have this basic shape. They are available in 8. The piece will fall or tilt. Building Your Own Armature If a specific type of armature is not available through your art supply store. and peel the model from the armature and repair the incision cuts.chApter 4: ArMAtureS the bust. Other materials necessary can be purchased from your local hardware store. unless the medium is straight plaster.1 Can an armature be reused? Yes. shaped as necessary. Animal armatures have the shape of a horse.
A coat hanger will snap after continuous flexing. Do a mold and cast have to be made over the piece on the armature? Yes . The Almaloy Wire or aluminum wire is a pliable metal wire and as with anything pliable. I have seen only a few cases.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials If the Almaloy Wire breaks when adjusting or moving it. over time it will break. but this was after several years of hard use.in most cases when oil-based clay. wax. or plaster is used. 17 . Almaloy Wire will hold up for years if not overly flexed. and the wire finally gave out. where arms were moved back and forth and up and down. can it be repaired? Not really. When water-base clay is used the clay can be removed after it is leather-hard without making a mold or cast.
such as are used in mechanics shops. with a flat 19 . One method of raising and lowering is by pipe. be aware that stands can become top heavy and may tip if more than the recommended weight is placed on the working surface. One feature which differentiates one stand from another is the method used to raise and lower the stand's top. but the tops can be removed and are usually taken off the base unit when the stand is transferred to another location. They also have a rotational device so the stand's top can be easily turned. metal top and a foot pedal to raise and lower the working surface. such as in classrooms in conventional schools or universities where the floor is relatively level and secure. A second method of raising and lowering the stand top is by a crank working through a gear system and secured when the crank has been stopped. The legs are fixed and immovable. The top is raised and lowered with a twisting motion of the hand. usually with casters as wheels. With the heavier crank type of stand. The stand is used for modeling a piece of sculpture at different heights. The most common studio. solid on all four sides. or classroom modeling stands are made of wood or metal having three or four legs. The four leg stand is designed for working on even floors.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 5 MODELING STANDS A MODELING STAND SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH A pedestal. A pipe attached to the stand's top works as a center post to raise and lower the working surface. Lastly. the top's position being secured with a set pin through a hole drilled in the pipe. The legs are tapered flaring out from the top to the bottom base. such as an old mill or loft studio. there are hydraulic stands. The three leg stand is designed for working in an area with uneven floors. The pedestal. They are made of wood or metal and have legs. the legs fold for easy transportation There are weight restrictions on modeling stands depending on their height. whereas a pedestal is normally used to display a finished piece of sculpture in a gallery or at a show. and welded or screwed at two levels for stability. is laminated white or black micarta.
usually made from kitchen sink top cutouts from the home building industry.chApter 5: ModelinG StAndS and the stand's top is removable. the stand is 47 inches high and will hold 750 pounds. The top is raised and lowered by hand with an internal pipe and secured with a set bolt through holes in the pipe. usually in two separate cartons. The Eldorado Stand is the second heaviest crank stand available. It can be shipped by UPS. Heavy Duty Stands The following stands are used by serious dedicated sculptors. Trays to hold tools can be attached to the stands. If the modeling stand has wheels. usually professionals. sometimes bar stools are used for sitting for larger projects. can be folded for transporting. These wheels are called lock casters. usually the smaller lighter sculptors' modeling tools for use with clay and plastilina. design as the Hercules but of lighter weight materials. the maximum weight used by most sculptors being 100 pounds. it is 46 inches high and can hold 200 pounds of modeling material. The top is heavy duty and sits in a reinforced metal frame for added strength. Larger pieces would be modeled standing on the floor. It has an extra large removable top that is reinforced with wood and metal. they will be made of heavy duty rubber with locks so they can be secured when the stand is set up in the studio or classroom. each having its own toggle type locking device preventing the wheels from turning. with the same basic Hercules Stand Eldorado Stand Studio Stand 20 . When raised. or a similar material. All the tops are waterproof laminated micarta on press board. The Studio Stand is a four leg floor adjustable stand of heavy welded steel with a reinforced top. Crank type stands can hold greater weight (up to 750 pounds) since they are raised and lowered with a gear mechanism and a hand crank. and is raised and lowered with a hand crank with internal gears. The floor adjustment is accomplished by screwing down one of the four legs with an adjustable thread. Most modeling stands are made for modeling with moist clay or plastilina and for pieces weighing no more than 250 pounds. it is easy to place in a car trunk and is light enough to be easily handled by men and women alike. The Hercules Stand is the heaviest duty modeling stand on the market. It is probably the most preferred of the folding models. When raised. All are designed for standing to work.
It has lock casters. but being about one-third of the floor model's height. a three leg.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Studio and Classroom Stands Because of their designs and affordable prices the following stands are best suited for use in studios or classrooms. The Torino Table Top Stand is recommended as a supplemental classroom and traveling modeling stand. It has a waterproof top raised and lowered by hand in the center pipe method. which slide out from under the stand's top. Able to adjust easily to uneven floors. welded angle stand with a top of waterproof micarta and pressboard which is raised and lowered by hand. It has a square wooden shelf built into the center of the stand for tool storage. a new modeling stand has been introduced ingeniously engineered to have the same functionality as a full-size stand. Tool trays. It can bear the weight of stones up to 800 pounds. When the top is in place 21 . The Helsinki Stand is a three leg wooden stand with lock casters and a waterproof top. and can hold 250 pounds. When the top is removed. with lock casters. can be ordered separately at an additional cost. A triangular wooden shelf at the bottom of the Torino Table Top Stand The Stone Carver's Stand is an extremely heavy wooden four leg stand with extra reinforcement on the top and at the base. The College Stand is a four leg. the stand holds up to 100 pounds of modeling material. a recessed hold area can cradle large stones with sand bags for comfortable work. weighs only 28 pounds for easy moving. The Jolly King Stand. The College and Jolly King Stands are both well suited for schools and universities where they might be subject to strong wear and tear by the students. Norska Stand Helsinki Stand Due to the high cost of production and shipping. The height of its melamine top is adjustable using the raising and lowering pin. welded angle steel modeling stand with lock casters can hold 150 pounds of material. College Stand Jolly King Stand The Norska Stand is a four leg wooden stand secured with nuts and bolts. This stand can hold up to 150 pounds. stand provides support and can also store tools. It is easily transported to a work place where a bench serves as the primary work area.
usually at small or no cost. Customer Service. However. NJ 08558. solely for its durability.chApter 5: ModelinG StAndS it locks with the recessed area so it will not shift. the stand may well tip over. What do I do when I lose the holding pin? You can buy a heavy gauge nail and use that (as I have quite often done) or contact your supplier and have another sent. They hold pretty well but remember that if a great weight has been placed on top of the stand and if pushed just so. Phone: 609-466-2986. Both types hold weight equally well. simply set each of the locks on all the wheels. Why three leg and four leg stands. Stone Carver's Stand Troubleshooting/Questions What stand is better. if I were to recommend a stand to an eighth grade classroom teacher. Use common sense. see Appendix B for a sculpture organization which may be of assistance or contact Sculpture House. much like the locks on your home windows. stands are designed for even set floors where balance is not a problem. If there are none in your area. The stand does not come with casters but they can be added. Skillman. FAX: 888-529-1980. e-mail: customercare@sculpturehouse. 405 Skillman Road. You can purchase the casters at a hardware store and attach them to the stand's legs. Inc. I would go with the metal stand. wood or metal? It is hard to say.. When the stand has been rolled to the desired location. How do the lock casters work and will they hold? The casters lock and unlock with a flipping device in the caster. what is the difference? The three leg stand is designed for uneven floors such as those found in the old loft studios in New York City and in Italy. Where can I purchase a pedestal and have a piece mounted? You can usually find a source in your local yellow pages under Art Supplies or at larger home decorating centers. Lock them all for best results. The four leg 22 . I prefer the wood stands because I just happen to like the feel of wood better.com.
PART 2 Mold Making & Casting .
bronze. This is a smart and economical move. so a cast is made and molds are drawn from this cast when detail is diminished. the model is sealed with a sealing agent such as shellac. Plaster Mold Making Materials A mold is the negative or hollow cavity produced around a sculpted piece for use in creating multiples of that piece. or bonded bronze. First. Then plaster. the most popular mold making compound. such as plaster. and also describes enlarging a model. say 100 pieces or more. is applied allowing the mold to be easily removed from the model. the plaster mold is removed from the model. Casting and Patina for the student sculptor by Bruner F. After hardening or setting. is placed over the prepared model in two sections. 25 . There are many different ways to construct a mold using various materials. a master cast is generally made and stored for replacing the mold after deterioration occurs. you can purchase the book Mold Making. such as soap. (The recommended casting materials for this project are For a more detailed explanation of the various techniques. Once this is dry. Casting material is poured into the resulting hollow shell mold. If the mold wears down in detail areas the sculptor does not want to have to remake Plaster. a releasing agent. even for sale. for display. This chapter defines the different mold making and casting materials. a mold and cast of the model must be made in one of a variety of casting mediums. When a series of large proportion is to be made. explains the methods used to replicate a piece1. Barrie from your local art supply store. To make the reproduction. is used to make a plaster waste mold. This basic mold is normally constructed in two sections: the front and the back. the piece. oftentimes reproductions are desired as gifts. while in a liquid state.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 6 MOLD MAKING & CASTING W 1 HEN A PIECE OF SCULPTURE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
It is the only rubber material that can be safely used on the human body and can be applied to inert objects with good results. When kept moist moulage can be reused With waste molds there will be only one cast from the mold. The paste maker is added to the pure latex after 8 to 10 coats of natural rubber have been applied. Mold knives are specially designed for work with plaster molds. a plaster mother mold is constructed in sections over the rubber. All molds should be stored in an inverted fashion (upside down). This type of mold is used to create a working model where more definition will be required before a final rubber mold and cast are made. Up to 500 casts from a smooth nonabrasive casting material can be drawn from a single latex rubber mold. Some type of filler. Layers of liquid rubber are painted over the model and. It is used extensively in prosthetics and death and life masks. layering to about 1/8 inch. Mold Knife Moulage A rubbery material derived from sea weed. Store in a cool dry area. Recommended casting materials are PosMoulage (wax) and gypsum (plaster) products. or if only one cast is desired by the artist. but run through the handle as one continuous piece. It will get stuck in hair. They are used to separate mold sections and cut rubber in the mold making process. Recommended 26 .) When added to the rubber in small amounts. Next a plaster mother mold is formed over the moulage and let set. Paste Maker Paste Maker is a natural cotton filler used to reduce the amount of pure natural rubber needed to make a mold. such as sand.) Once it has set the outer shell is chipped away leaving the underlying cast. casting materials for this product are gypsum (plaster) and waxes of low temperature. Latex Rubber Latex rubber is the second most popular mold making compound. The blades are made of high carbon steel so that they can easily be sharpened by honing on a bench stone periodically. the paste maker will thicken it and give added support to the mold prior to the mother mold being made. Most mold knives come with wooden grooved handles so that turning and slipping will not occur if they are wet with plaster. but can be combed out. hence its name. They come in two sizes: 4 and 6 inch. and leave it to set about 15 minutes. after a healthy thickness is achieved. Heat the semi-firm material in a double boiler and when cool enough. It saves time and cost. apply it to the face or model. Both the plaster and rubber are then removed and a cast is poured into the cavity of the rubber. moulage is an alginate type of substance that will not adhere to any surface. this will help the rubber maintain its original shape. (The detail has been captured in the first coats of rubber applied to the piece. Since they can rust they should be kept clean and dry when not in use. When the final casting material is poured into the rubber it will therefore retain its shape rather than expand since it is a flexible rubber material.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG gypsum materials (casting plaster) only. should be placed in the interior of the mold when not in use. Due to their heavy usage the blades are not merely attached to the handle. When stored properly latex molds will last for more than 20 years.
preferably with a jiffy type of mixer. The material can be melted and reused several times. casting materials are not. White Rubber Another material available for the beginner mold maker. the rubber can be cut up into pieces and stored in an airtight container for use at a future date. Recommended casting materials are gypsum and wax only. The mixing and setting time is approximately 20 minutes. red rubber. A 24-hour cure time is recommended. but less so when a nonabrasive material. using polyurethane. The rubber has been known to deteriorate after four or five years so this should be kept in mind when beginning a project. They are very difficult to work with and are not recommended for the average amateur mold maker and novice caster. There are three basic groups of casting material: gypsum. such as Pristine White Casting Plaster. white rubber is a two-part fast setting material with a 1-part to 10-part mixing ratio. hardens or sets. if interested. most commonly plaster. After use.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials several hundred times. A plaster retarder will slow the setting time of the plaster but is not generally available through stores since there is little demand for it. Fine details. Green plaster (plaster that has set but is still wet) can be de-molded an hour after setting. and metal. plaster. or bronze. Once a mold has been made of a piece. is used. Casting Materials A cast is the reproduction of an original piece of sculpture in any number of casting materials. Again I must emphasize that these are extremely difficult materials to work with and consulting a professional with experience with the materials is highly recommended. and silicon rubber. However. plastic. is poured into the hollow cavity of a mold and left to set up or harden. Although mold making materials are limited in their use. It is basically horsehide glue which. Gelatin Gelatin is an old time material from the early 1900's before modern rubber was invented used to make molds which are similar to moulage molds. Other more advanced types of rubber molds can be made. will wear faster than plain geometric surfaces such as the cheek. such as eyelids. this retarder is 27 . Consult professional for molds made of those materials. terial that has been developed in this everincreasing array of progressive mold making rubbers. when heated to flow. Sale of this material ceased in the early 1990's. Other Types of Mold Making Rubber Polymer or chemically activated multiple part mold rubbers must be mixed thoroughly. is basically a calcium deposit that has been mined and air floated in a powder form. The rougher the casting material the quicker the deterioration. When water is added the composition heats mildly. The material then sets up chemically and is removed after setting. multiple casts can be drawn from it over a long period of time. The rubber is poured into the hollow cavity between the mother mold and model. resin (plastic). a gypsum product. The mold will deteriorate with each casting. or the component parts will not set properly and wet spots or soft areas will result where the rubber has not set or cured properly. Casting cement or artificial stone will hasten the wear on the mold. and then cures within 24 hours. polysulfide. it is the positive. Platinum Silicon Rubber is another ma- Plaster (Gypsum) The primary casting material used in the sculpture field.
aluminum foil. Plaster of Paris is a generic term for a porous grade of construction plaster. If this happens.S. Ventilate or use a dust collector to reduce dust in work areas. In areas near water or with high humidity. and applied directly to the body when done properly. setting (hardening) time is generally 20 to 30 minutes. during which time flange or seam lines can be trimmed. Plaster has a very low shrinkage rate when set. Use only as directed by manufacturer in current U. There are many grades of plaster ranging from the most absorbent to the industrial grade materials which are extremely hard and less absorbent. If stored too long the powder when mixed with water will not set properly if at all. since over a long period of time the elements will cause deterioration of the material no matter how dry and sunny it is.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG available through U. Illinois. 28 . Once plaster has set up it will not break down but will absorb water. This should not harm the human body but some areas may be sensitive. When the powder and water are mixed the setting material will become hot for a short time. The powder is sprinkled into the water. dried. Illinois. Plaster can be cast into plaster. and fired. mold making. Gypsum products2 are not meant for outdoor use under any circumstances. Pottery plaster is the most absorbent and softest of gypsum products and is used extensively in making ceramic slip casting molds. maybe as hot as 112°. never add the water to the powder. but you should allow another 45 minutes to an hour before de-molding the "green" plaster. Keep out of the reach of children. Chicago. Hazard Caution: Do not take internally. and so forth. call physician immediately. such as a cast of a hand or arm. This product may develop sufficient heat to cause burns if a large mass. 2 For more technical information on gypsum products you can contact U. or cast- Warning U. that is. speed up. Seal the mold and apply a release before casting.S. as long as the material has been sealed and a release has been applied. Gypsum printed directions and specifications available on request. Sample or test batches should be made to determine the correct proportion. milk cartons. To hasten. where the water from the liquid clay is drawn into the mold allowing the residue to be removed. you can add salt to the mix. The cast should be left for 24 hours to cure after it has been removed from the mold. After the powder and water have been mixed and 1 the resulting plaster cast. Do not allow children to use except under adult supervision. rubber. It is an industrial homebuilders' material and I do not recommend using it for any form of sculpture. Otherwise the cast will adhere to the walls of the mold and it will be close to impossible to remove it.S. When a mold has been made and cured submerging it in water will not effect its strength or durability as you might think. Gypsum in Chicago. When casting plaster into a plaster mold it is necessary to soak the mold so the casting will not adhere to it. Again test batches should be made to determine the proper proportions of mix and salt. The shelf life of plaster in its powdered state is approximately six months.S. Use NIOSH-approved respirator for nuisance dust when air is dusty". is allowed to harden in contact with the skin. two quarts of water to ten pounds of powder. Mixing proportions for plaster are one quart of water to five pounds of powder. Gypsum1. When using plaster molds for casting other plaster pieces soak and soap the mold in water and let drip dry prior to casting. Plaster can be cast into almost anything. plaster might take an extraordinarily long time to cure (4 to 10 days). Gypsum has issued the following warning concerning the use of gypsum-based products: "May cause burns. a concern for highly technical designs perhaps but not for the average sculptor. sometimes longer but not by much. the setting. The more commonly used old school method of slowing the setting time is to add lemon juice or vinegar to the mix.
It is not recommended for outdoor use. and mixes and sets like regular casting plaster. The three primary casting materials used by sculptors are: Pristine White Casting Plaster (U. it may not be used as an outdoor casting material. may be used in the sculpture field but is not stocked by suppliers due to its short shelf life of 3 months and because it is too hard.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials ing. and Hydrostone. a good rule of thumb is to use the material within 6 months. It is a polyurethane impregnated material that. mold making and casting material used in sculpture. terra cotta. white. The pigments tend to stain the molds being cast from and the seam lines are hard to repair. Expansion plaster expands slightly when cast but for normal sculpture use. but cannot be used for outdoor pieces. a fiber and resin-impregnated gypsum. recommend it for direct modeling. 1) and pottery plaster and now has a single "moulding" plaster. however. Ultracal and Super Cal are industrial grade materials.G. and black). The set up time and pouring quality are a little different but basically it is used in the same manner as casting plaster and Hydrocal. I have not sufficiently tested these materials as to their casting quality. 30% to 40% harder than casting plaster and a medium porous gypsum. can be used in most any mold and may be able to be troweled over an armature. I would not. Not many sculptors. pouring. Hydrocal. Hydrostone is recommended for casting only. Hydrostone is the hardest and least porous casting material available through art supply 29 . The colors are meant as a base coloring for patina and the marble aggregate acts as a stone simulator.S.S. stores. and water soluble pigments (brown. While the material may be kept for as long as a year and a half. this material is somewhat harder to mix and to pour than the other gypsum products. each has an effective shelf life of 6 months before they go dead and do not set up. It is the best priced and over all the only material a sculptor will need. but is dark brown in color. Vatican Art Casting Stone is a stone-like mixture of casting plaster. No. Tuf-Cal. I would recommend casting plaster or Hydrocal to 90% of the readers of this manual. works much like casting plaster in mixing. No. use them. I believe. from water-base materials to oil-base materials. (Tuf-Cal and Fast Cast are relatively new gypsum products. This white material takes a good patina. they seem to be very good advanced casting gypsum. no need to bother with anything else. Hydrocal. grey-green. Industrial grade plaster. Gypsum has informed me that through more efficient production methods they have combined Pristine White Casting Plaster (U. 1). even the professionals. and setting. but Pristine White Casting Plaster U.S. Since the material is gypsum. can also be used outdoors. such as Ultracal. Fast Cast is a new outdoor gypsum material which mixes and sets like casting plaster. More difficult to use.) Design-Cast®66 is a cement type of casting material that has been advertised as being able to withstand instability of the weather. from what I have seen so far. general use. marble aggregate. It cannot be used to make the outer or mother molds and is recommended for casting only. Hydrocal. not enough to matter. It will take a patina well with any type of coloring (patina). Pristine White Casting Plaster is the most all-around.G. It can be used to make molds or mother molds and is strong enough to be used for the positive cast.
When casting straight 30 . Tuffy. Low temperature. Also. I recommend consulting a professional. can be of various colors and hardnesses. also known as Bonded Bronze are resin materials to which pure bronze powder has been added to give a bronze effect and added weight. for instance. you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper mixing and mold types. There are silicone rubbers. fiber glass. Red Rubber from Europe. I have not seen a resin that will stand up to outside weather conditions over long periods of time so I cannot recommend these materials for outdoor use. Vatican Art Casting Stone Sculpture by Mary A. in essence. using an ordinary stove to melt the lead. Casting in bronze should give you the same effect and more durability for a slightly higher cost. metal-impregnated plastics. Cold Pour Bronze. These sections are then welded together and their seam lines smoothed creating a completed piece. It is relatively easy to work with. Casting rubber can only be poured into a plaster mold. or a direct casting material. since all metals have to be molten at very high temperatures and special equipment is required. This is somewhat complicated and costly but can be accomplished with experience and practice. Barrie Resin Resin. Rather. therefore the plaster mold must be thick enough to effect this absorption. lower cost white metals (pewter) are used for small castings in centrifugal mold. Pieces can be cast in silver and gold but they are generally very expensive. Metal Other Casting Materials Casting Rubber is not used to make a mold.. Liquid metals.and three-part chemically setting rubbers on the market. and a number of two. normally used for indoor sculpture. it is used to make a positive cast. Aluminum is probably the second favorite but casting aluminum is extremely difficult. R. Determining tare weight (weight of material less the weight of its container) on digital scales is often necessary as are proper ventilation and appropriate respirators.T. No cold pour bronze or cold pour metal casting materials are available for outdoor use. can be an epoxy. they can be applied in layers on the insides of molds and then fused together and finished after they cure. With piece molds sections are cast and hardened. Lead is my favorite material for casting at home. usually referred to as plastic.V. Since the proportions vary. such as Kwik Metal and mechanics body filler are not good for pouring. Bronze is the favorite metal casting material of all sculptors for outdoor use.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG with proper patination this should not be too noticeable. each specific to the material to be cast. The water in the rubber is absorbed by the plaster resulting in a positive cast. They are. Bronze. Special types of mold rubbers are required for this type of casting. These types of rubber are usually for professional use and are not recommended to those lacking experience in mixing and mold making procedures. The best way to find the right metal to cast a specific piece is to consult a professional mold maker or a casting foundry. Each has its own limitations and the manufacturers of these products can provide information on them. Most metals are a combination of several alloys and therefore differ in effect. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
and convert the total to cubic inches. als include plaster. Barrie. Casting Filler is a material used to harden casting rubber strengthening the resulting cast. This is the effective absorption time and the maximum that will elapse before the rubber begins to seal itself. and metals such as bronze. But to determine the correct amount of plaster required to fill a space. With slight pulling from the mold the cast can then be removed and cured. Pour into the mold at a 45° angle until approximately half full. Within 20 Casting Techniques1 Most casting by amateur sculptors is done using latex molds. The remaining liquid is then poured back into its original container and the material is left in the mold until it sets and releases from the mold. Let set and then scrape or level the top of the mold area with a block scraper. pretty hard at times. Young and Robert A. resin. A thickness of approximately 1/8 inch will develop. A more advanced book for vents.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials rubber the mold is filled with liquid material and left to stand for about 3 hours. and somewhat transparent. which is the best pouring consistency. plaster and basic simple techniques for casting is Mold Making. Stirring the mixture. or plaster reproduction molds (molds used to make more than one cast). Only testing can determine the flexibility that you desire and should be done on a trial-and-error basis. Casting & Patina for the student sculptor by Bruner F. Scrape down the sides as needed and stir until the mixture is like heavy cream. the paint must be a flexible rubber paint. Continue adding plaster powder to the water until a small mound rises about 1 inch above the water line. then mix gently from the bottom with open fingers. It should be air brushed or sprayed on. 31 . much like a heavy rubber band. Let the powder settle to the bottom and absorb the water for about 2 minutes. The finished cast can be painted or patinated in any number of ways. not ordinary latex paint. Just before pouring. If the object is a flexible one. and lead. When no filler has been added the cast will be flimsy. not applied by brush. that is. Fifty percent filler will result in a semi-flexible cast and a one-to-one ratio of casting filler to casting rubber will produce hardness like that of a Frisbee. pewter. tap the container on the work bench to dislodge any air bubbles in the mix. by sight and feel. and bronze casting is Methods for MODERN SCULPTORS by Ronald D. You may weigh the plaster and water mix by proportion: 5 pounds of powder to 1 quart of water is the accepted rule of thumb for a good mix. Place the water in your mixing container and sift the powder plaster into the water. and I recommend having more than enough mixed material on hand rather than running short. plaster waste molds. multiply the piece's length by its height and width. Repour the casting material back into the mold until full. will bring it back to usable consistency. or it will be too thick and crack when flexed. rotating the mold to cover all internal areas. gates. Empty the liquid material back into the mixing container. Then apply the following: one ounce of liquid material equals one cubic inch of set material. tap the full mold to release any air bubbles and add more material if needed. Water weighs 10 pounds per gallon. Mixing Gypsum Products Most sculptors use the age-old method to mix plaster. added in amounts depending on the desired degree of flexibility or hardness. the mixture becomes stiff on the bottom and liquid on the top. The filler settles rapidly to the bottom of the container. Fennell. breaking up any lumps that may form. Casting materi1 Recommended reading for latex.
and 32 . Let set for at least an hour before de-molding and then cure the green plaster cast for 24 hours before continuing work. take pellets of moist clay or plastilina and plug these places before adding the plaster. In solid casting the mold is first filled three-fourths of the way to its top with the plaster mixture. It is important to pour the casting plaster in one smooth motion to avoid layering or striation. you will be warned that the cast is near. a common occurrence with first timers. When the plaster has set the mold is opened. A plaster waste mold. also used in plaster casting.) More plaster is applied as needed and allowed to set. The cast is intended to be re-worked correcting any imperfections or defining any details before the final mold and cast are made. so don't worry.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG to 30 minutes the plaster will become warm. The cost of plaster is not that great that any extra cannot be thrown away. If the material is too thin. that is. but this will not effect the set cast. When removing the cast. additional plaster is poured into the mold filling it entirely. but will fall to the base of the model. the plaster mold is applied. all of the material will end up on the work bench. Also important: have more than enough casting plaster to fill the mold the first time so you won't have to mix another batch. if there are areas of the mold that have not been secured or do not fit together properly the casting material might leak. Tips to remember: Please be aware. The waste mold is then removed from the model by pouring water between the plaster and the model and carefully prying sections apart with a mold knife. Then the plaster is poured back into the mixing container. but rather several smaller ones for the mold making process. water may have to be poured into the mold to release suction build up. For larger casts place the mold on the floor and place the pouring container on a stool or 50 pound clay box to facilitate pouring. After the model is prepared. (The first coat of plaster is usually colored in some way so that when you chip away the waste mold in the final casting steps. Tap the mold to dislodge any air bubbles. the plaster mixture is repeatedly poured into and out of the interior of the mold until a desired thickness has built up. so mix enough to fill the mold. Its sections are placed back Types Of Casting Plaster Casting Plaster casting in a latex mold is probably the easiest. When making a mold allow the plaster mix to set up a little longer and become thicker before applying to the model. it will harden after an hour. When these steps have been done once or twice. To prevent this. This build up can be reinforced with plaster-impregnated burlap. Castings must be poured in one continuous mass. level it. will be destroyed when the cast is complete. The sculptor only wants one cast. it will not adhere to the model. Working time is about 10 minutes when making a mold so don't make one large batch of material. The hollow cast is then removed. In slush casting. These types of molds are used for making master casts or when only one cast is required. Extra plaster can always be made into pancakes for testing patina techniques and colors. the mold is rotated to ensure that the entire interior is coated with the liquid plaster. Seam lines from the mold can be trimmed after about an hour. mold halves or sections are removed in a process called de-molding or setting the cast out of the mold. Once the mold has been made and the plaster mixed the positive cast can be made in one of two ways: either slush casting (creating a hollow cast) or solid casting. and add more plaster if the casting material recedes.
Latex cannot withstand these high temperatures and will constrict. pour water into the mold to facilitate parting of the mold's sections. generally not more than five. Here is what it takes: a mold that has been properly gated and vented Resin Casting Resin casting generally requires special types of rubber for the molds. resin impregnated with bronze powder is as close as one can get. and then remove it as with plaster waste molds. Use proper rubber recommended by the manufacturer of the resin. Most contemporary statues are chemically patinated in this way no matter what their color. since metal must be colored with acids. Personally. Apply the plaster to the model.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials together and prepared for casting. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the interior of the mold. soak the mold in water until saturated. The bronze cast will be the color of matte brass and will have a seam line that must be removed. Any flaws or defects must be corrected and seams removed by a qualified professional through a process called chasing. requiring another professional. After curing and before casting. Lead casting can be accomplished by the average individual. Drain off excess water but make sure the mold is still wet when pouring the casting material. Please note. I highly recommend that bronze casting be left to professionals. An intricate system of vents and gates is required so gas will not build up and crack the investment mold (the ceramic shell into which the bronze is poured after the wax is melted out). when casting plaster. To remove the cast after setting and curing. but if they are absorbed into the plaster walls of the mold don't pour the casting material until this situation is corrected. Quite often a plaster reproduction mold is made since this is faster and less costly than making a latex mold. if they bead up on the surface you are fine. The basic process in bronze casting is to make the model and a rubber mold. Metal Casting Bronze is a metal that must be molten to be poured and thus requires high temperatures. The component parts that make the resins set heat up to a point where latex types of rubber might distort the casting. When the cast is finished it must be patinated or polished. This is also recommended if only a few casts are desired. This does not 33 . allow it to set. When the cast is complete and set the waste mold is removed by chipping with a mallet and chisel and discarded. Mix the casting plaster and follow the casting steps outlined above in plaster casting. Use rust proof material. I prefer to have a professional mold maker and caster do the job. reinforcing rods or burlap may be needed in delicate areas such as arms and ankles. Next a wax positive is drawn from the mold. The mold is made like any other type of mold. The wax is then coated with a ceramic slurry (shell or investment) and melted out (this is called the lost wax process). Place the rods when the plaster begins to set so they will not float to the outside of the cast. It also requires a ceramic shell coating to withstand the high temperatures when cast. Molten bronze is poured into the empty shell and when cooled the shell is chipped away leaving the bronze cast. This type of casting is also used for what is sometimes called Bonded Bronze or Cold Pour Bronze. There is no such thing as cold pour bronze. Seal the mold with shellac and soap the interior of the mold or have a release applied to it so the cast will not adhere to these interior sections. as rust will come through the plaster. but be sure to allow for easy removal of the sections. always happen but don't take the chance.
I use RIT clothes dye. If the mold is not made properly and warmed prior to casting. or if it is moist. The casts being discussed here are made of U. creating a surface patina. The lead is then poured and the plaster chipped away leaving the cast. a sediment forms at the bottom of the container. water colors. It contains a natural hardening ingredient such as cornstarch and does not make the material weatherproof. using acrylic paint.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG so that any gas build up does not explode the mold when casting. When bone emulsion is stored. tiles or pancakes before coloring the original cast. Great care should be taken when handling these casts since they can break easily during shipment and in the classroom if handled roughly.S. If you are not sure what you are doing don't try it. Plaster can be patinated in any number of ways. on the other hand. Test batches are usually a good idea. Use a strong dose since the water and plaster will dilute the color. This does not mean that the plaster material becomes stronger. and Eye make up the primary study group and are made in 8 inch relief casts that are larger than life size. stain. These casts can be made of resin but most. Lips. on reachable areas. Casts and molds can be made stronger with plaster reinforced strips placed both internally. Patina plaster is a coloring given to a piece for aesthetic effect. Vigorous stirring loosens the material. I have seen too many people burned or injured casting low melting metals. To strengthen plaster casts an additive is used with the wet material. The Ear. 1 pristine white casting plaster. Add water-based pigments to the water when mixing the powder. for economy. Apprenticeship or proper instruction should be a prerequisite before casting in this manner. Usually burlap or cloth is impregnated with wet plaster and added to the interior of a cast or mold to help support the cast. or has a break. is a liquid that when added to the plaster mix makes the plaster harder. are made of plaster. Nose. Gypsum No. The richness of the color will depend on the amount of dye used. The 34 . Whatever you use I suggest you make sample Plaster Casts & Anatomical Figures Plaster casts and anatomical study figures have been used for centuries as a means to view or study proportions of a specific part of the body. The mold may even explode and spit hot lead all over the place. Bone Emulsion. Separating the halves or sections of the mold will create the greatest stress and reinforcement might be required. and is applied after the plaster has set and cured for at least 24 hours. hot metal plaster that can withstand the high temperature of the liquefied lead. or latex paints. This gives a solid color throughout the material so if the cast chips. and a black iron pot to melt the pigs of lead (this pot should be large enough to hold sufficient lead to fill the entire mold in one continuous pouring flow). On larger projects pieces of aluminum wire are sometimes attached to the outer areas of the mold in strategic places to help with this reinforcement. Tips for Coloring and Strengthening Plaster Casts To give plaster color use a base coloring for patina. A hot metal plaster mold is made around a wax cast or model and the wax is melted out. it will not display the pure white natural material of the plaster. oil paint. Colors added to the surface will only penetrate so far into the cast. and externally for larger molds that need additional support. the lead may spit out and burn exposed parts of the body. egg wash.
It is life-size and cast in solid plaster. The Anatomical Horse is a 7 inch long horse with a detachable head attached with a roman joint. If the piece needs to be enlarged further. Plastilina is added or subtracted to the end of the tooth picks creating the basic geometric design of the piece. Lips from David D. work in sections. Nose from David 1 There are different types of enlarging machines available with heavy rails and/or stand alone features. All parts are cast in one single piece with no attachments. The Anatomical Figure with an extended arm is a 30 inch model. The Anatomical Head is a relief cast with a flat back for easy wall mounting. the enlargement process will be done twice. All are cast in solid plaster. The cast is free standing with its own base and is cast in solid plaster. Two legs are semi-raised and the head is in an inclined position. An armature with proper framing is built to the size of the enlargement and clay. Hundreds of toothpicks are then inserted into the larger model. 35 . The enlargement process requires a pantograph machine. Eye from David C. Ear from David B. The Anatomical Figure with hand on head is an 18 inch standing figure with its own base and is also cast in solid plaster. once to four feet and then again from four to eight feet. The Blocked Bust is a stand-alone cast. The bottom is supported by a solid cast brace and self-supporting base. or rotary wheel. and bust. They are used mostly by professionals or sculptors with a lot of experience since enlarging is a specialized field of sculpture. mid section. no two sculptors agree on a finished anatomical cast's integrity. head and body. The Hand From David is larger than life standing 9 inches and is designed from Michelangelo's statue David.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Human Skull is cast resin. There are differing opinions as to the quality of these casts. and animals are sculpted with as much accuracy as possible. Human Skull B. and stands 17 inches high. The sculptor applies finishing details to the enlargement. Its extended arm is cast separately from the body and attached with a nail type of pin. If a 24 inch model is to be enlarged to eight feet. hollow with a base. that holds the enlarged model. Most models are usually not more than 18 to 24 inches in height prior to enlargement. The small point of the pantograph is placed on the smaller model and a corresponding larger point is placed on the larger model giving the proper dimensions for enlargement. such as the legs. The Blocked Masque is a life-size relief casting. For larger sizes. and is actual size with the standard demarcations. is built up over the armature. head. Anatomical Figure D. A B C D A. Blocked Bust Enlarging & Reducing Sculpture Usually the largest increase for an enlargement is about four times the size of the original piece. work from the enlargement. Anatomical figures such as the head.1 This machine has a point on one end and at the other a fifth wheel. usually soft plastilina. These sections will be enlarged individually and then welded together making the entire piece. Therefore it is understood that they are for study purposes only. A B C D A. Hand from David C. 7 inches high.
The most commonly referred to latex rubber is the mold rubber used to make a negative mold. buttons. To keep sharp casts remake the rubber mold from the master cast. For storage. If poured. and get about a 20% reduction with each firing. the enlargement's shoe lace will be out of proportion by almost ten times that of the original. This is normally done with small pieces under 10 inches. Rinse them frequently in water so they will remain clean. Latex must be applied one coat at a time and air dried before adding another coat. not many pieces are reduced. Can you cast latex? There are two types of latex rubber. A water soluble pigment. You can boil the cured rubber to vulcanize it: submerging it in boiling water for 20 minutes will give the rubber longer life. Can latex be colored? Yes. as more casts are made the rubber will lose definition. if a shoe lace is off a fraction of an inch on an 18 inch model and the model is enlarged to 20 feet. For more information. The negative mold is encased with a plaster mother mold or retaining mold so the rubber will hold its shape during casting. Can latex rubber be poured and set solid? No. Do not store cured rubber in areas of sunlight or outside the mother mold. Tuffy. shoes. preventing the inner latex from setting. Do not let the latex set up on brushes or tools when applying. will cause deterioration. digital enlarging has become cost effective in the current arena. after setting for a few hours the rubber forms a thin layer on Troubleshooting/Questions Keep the tops of containers tightly sealed so that the latex is not exposed to air. search the Internet or contact Sculpture House for current information and/or contacting a source. that offer digital enlargement and reduction more affordably than having multiple enlargements made with the use of a pantograph. However. Clean and dry tools and containers after use to keep them fresh for the next application. There are several companies in the U. some professionals make a ceramic mold and cast the piece in porcelain. Only a material with a chemically curing agent can be poured solid. Remember. Fill the unused stored mold with clean sand to maintain definition. can be mixed with the rubber while it is still liquid. such as white rubber. The casting rubber is poured into a plaster mold (and only a plaster mold).S. With technological breakthroughs and advancements in computer design. For example. such as clothing dye.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG Then a mold and a cast are made. if stored properly. the latex will seal on the outer layers. It is very important to have the proportions of anatomy. Casting rubber is the latex rubber used to make a positive rubber cast or mask. and the like exactly correct on the original model since any variations will be magnified on the enlargement. place the cured rubber back inside the mother mold. Place the rubber back inside the mother mold for storage. and silicone. This can be removed without harm to the latex but it wastes material. Reducing models is done in the same way in reverse. fire the piece. This 36 . Otherwise a film will develop on the top surface like the skin on an old milk container. Clean the interior of the rubber after each casting and before storing. How long will a latex mold last? Up to 20 years.
plastics such as fiber glass. I get soft spots. Sorry. or even soft metals. Set rubber can be peeled from tools and other surfaces when dry. casting rubber for the positive cast. Although this is not recommended if the material has been cured for more than 24 hours. Take a pin.sealed area and let dry. This will not affect the integrity of the latex.and water-base natural rubber and tools and brushes can be cleaned with warm water. Casting lighter materials will alleviate this somewhat. Can this be avoided? The rubber will pick up the color of the casting material especially if it is black or dark brown. and puncture the semi. When latex has been exposed to sunlight. If the latex thickens how can it be thinned? Latex can thinned with either water or household ammonia. The latex has a pink tint. Do not thin the latex too much since it will weaken the strength of the material. Each 37 . How can that be avoided? Soft spots occur where the rubber has set before the inner material is dry. An easy way to remember this is: mold rubber for the negative mold. I recommend separate molds for each color be made from the master cast. Casting rubber can only be used to make a positive cast from a plaster mold. Can latex be applied directly to the human body? No. even in its container. This can be avoided by applying the latex in thinner coats and allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying another one. a film will then cover the outer layers before the inner material has set. Can latex be applied over dried latex? Yes. Keep the brush in a water solution while working and then dry with a cloth when finished. How do I stop pooling? Pooling is caused by allowing the rubber to build up. Apply the next coat of latex when the previous coat is dry. The mold takes on the color of the casting material. if at all. The interior rubber remains liquid or semi-liquid and leaves a blemish on the positive cast. Is this a problem? No. Once the mold is made this defect is very difficult to correct. or sharp pointed object. a pink hue will result. This will block oxygen from the pores and cause damage to the epidermal tissue.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials the mold's surface . This usually occurs in cavities or at joints. since layering will occur. special types of rubber molds and releases are required. Note: Mold rubber can only be used to make a negative mold. How do you clean up after using latex? Latex is an ammonia. Sometimes a Q-tip will work well. Trouble occurs after it cures for 24 hours additional coats of latex won't adhere properly. then the darker ones.the excess liquid rubber is removed. When exposed to light the material will take on a pink hue but this does not effect its workability. Who is best trained to cast in resin and bronze? When casting with resin. How long will latex keep in its container? If the container is kept airtight the latex will last for years. If a series is to be made of different colors. The resulting rubber is left to set and cure and when removed from the mold becomes a positive cast piece. From experience I have learned to make light casts first.
His kit contains more than you would ever need for base patinas . you can create original patinas that would normally take nature years to develop. Is there a superior patina kit for the amateur and/or professional sculptor? Yes. To cast in resin and bronze is an advanced technique and professional mold makers and casters should be retained for these projects. Ron Young. examples and test tiles together with complete instructions. Bronze casting should definitely be left to the professionals. highly regarded throughout the world for his knowledge and use of patinas.and is so much fun to experiment with that you'll spend hours patinating! There are color shots.chApter 6: Mold MAkinG & cAStinG manufacturer will recommend the proper releasing agent for a specific rubber depending on the material being cast into that rubber. 38 . has developed a patina kit for gypsum and fired ceramics that is by far the best I have ever seen. Following Ron's easy directions for application.
PART 3 Wood Carving & stone Carving .
tempered which will range in depth. the bevels on the different tools may be at a greater angle. There are smaller. Other countries manufacture these tools but these are the most common countries of origin. 1095C (a high carbon steel. Most carving tools are made in the United States. which will make a long deep cut. In woodworking.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 7 WOOD CARVING W 1 WOOD CARVING. Red Oak. The steel grade. however. with a small spoon-like dip used for quick deep cuts. fish tail which flares out on the left and right tips like a fishtail. the tools for each are not quite the same. having longer handles and using a lathe as the turning device and the tool being placed against the wood for removing wood. which is a furrowing tool with a cutting edge that looks like a "v". Although they are similar in many regards. Wood turning tools are in an entirely different category. with a straight flat edge. parting tool or veiner.62 on the Rockwell Black Diamond hardness testing device. England. straight skew. long bent. will range approximately . straight gouge. a thinner cutting edge is prominent with carving tools. AND WOODWORKING. or heat treated to harden the steel so it will maintain a sharp edge). micro tools and some even made up to 4 inches. short bent. These tools are available with cutting edges in different sizes ranging from 1/8" to 1". these are the standard sizes.1 in cabinet and furniture making. are two entirely different fields. with a diagonal cutting edge. 41 .59 to . or Germany. and the back bent with a concave curve bending away from the normal face. 800-666-3111. IA 51591. with a curved cutting edge Straight Chisel Answers to questions on woodworking and wood turning may be found in the magazine American Woodworker. IN SCULPTURE. PO Box 7579. Types Of Wood Carving Tools There are eight styles of basic wood carving tools: straight chisel.
yet the widths of their respective cutting edges are the same . the tang which is inserted into the handle of the tool to hold the blade. Most tools are drop forged and ground to their final size. on a bench stone or combination sharpening stone. they are not commonplace. There are three basic parts of a wood carving tool: the blade which is the primary cutting section of the tool. again so as not to mushroom the handle end. The higher the number. Leather Tipped Wood Carving Handle 42 . Handles are attached to the tool blades to complete the carving tool. For example. There are three basic sizes for the majority of tools from ½ inch to 1 inch. and handles with metal tips (metal caps and rings) on the percussion end. usually by hand. 3 Sweep No. It is not suggested to sharpen tools on high speed grinding wheels since the heat may remove the temper of the steel and ruin a tool's ability to cut properly.chApter 7: Wood cArvinG using a figure eight motion. is designated in inches or millimeters. Straight Gouge Short Bent Long Bent Straight Skew Parting Tool Handle Tang Blade Fish Tail The sweep of a wood carving tool can be defined as the curvature of its cutting edge and is designated by a number. 7 . Both the width and the sweep of the tool's cutting edge are important factors to consider when choosing the right tool for you.1/8" has a deeper sweep than a gouge no. There are handles with leather tips which will not mushroom the ends when they are being struck with a mallet. a gouge no. Handles must be drilled to accommodate the proper size tang or the handle may crack. with one large solid round piece of hard wood) for very large (up to 3 and 4 inch) tools. 7 Sweep Octagonal Wood Carving Handle The bevel or slant that the blade will take on the carving surface is normally at a 45° angle. Most are octagonal in shape so the tool will not turn or twist while carving. and the handle. the deeper its curve. it should be sharpened at this angle.1/8 inch. handles will vary in size and diameter. Depending on the size of the tool. however. Oversized handles are used in the round (that is. The tool's width. either wet or dry. 3 .1/8". measured from its right tip to its left tip. No.
They have a gun metal finish with the number and size stamped on the blade. This is caused by the absorption and expulsion of moisture. To remove the coating hit the tool on a piece of wood as though carving and the plastic will break off. It is hard to find a good source for wood in the best of times. whether imported or made domestically. Wood for carving can be secured in many varieties. and Cherry are also very popular. or boxwood. Regardless of the steel the tool must be properly heat treated and tempered to work well and hold an edge. Boxwood and lignum vitae give greater density to the feel and weight of the tool. which some believe to be the best. and the largest for carving pieces over 3 or 4 feet. but they come from Haiti and have not been available for several years. A flinch is a piece of wood cut and waxed so that it will air dry and cure naturally. and Zebra. The striking surface (head) of two-piece mallets can be made of resin. and heat treating and tempering are well regulated with the use of a Rockwell Black Diamond steel hardness testing machine. the medium size is the most commonly used. The most common are Bass Wood and Pine. lignum vitae. Some imported tools are made with Sheffield steel. U. Boxwood. the tool tip is then coated with a plastic for safety. Kiln dried wood is the most sought after since the wood has had the moisture removed by drying in an oven. The sizes are small (with a range somewhere between 10 and 18 ounces in weight). Lignum Vitae. and it may crack or check and become unusable.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Imported tools generally cost more than domestically produced tools. made tools are of equal quality if not better than some imported tools. Although the cracks can be filled and sanded. It is too expensive to stock wood in large carvable sizes. Mahogany. Tools should also be sharpened about every 20 minutes or when they seem to drag or feel dull. Steel produced in America and Japan is also thought to be of very high quality. If a tool has been used over a long period of time it should be re-tempered. I have never seen a foolproof way to correct checking. the next most desirable hardwood. The smallest size is used primarily for detailed light work. The basic styles are one-piece and two-piece mallets. such as totem poles. Honing is an extra sharpening step that makes a tool's cutting edge razor sharp. Purple Heart. Maple. The material used for one-piece mallets can be maple. How holding the mallet for extended periods affects the individual sculptor will also determine the size used. which can occur at any time. Other Wood Carving Tools Wood carving mallets are available in three basic sizes and two basic styles. Exotic woods such as Coca Bola. and large (between 22 and 25 ounces). from England. the medium for general carving. Most tools will last a lifetime if properly cared for. although Birch.S. Maple. The weight of the mallet is determined by the diameter of the striking head. usually done at an additional cost. Purple Heart or 43 . is used in producing mallets that have been turned and shaped from a single piece of solid wood. The temper or hardening of most tools is mainly in the first few inches of the tool. This is done using a figure eight motion at 45° on a bench stone. to name a few. medium (between 12 and 22 ounces). The steel is high carbon. are difficult to obtain in bulk form and are most commonly available in veneer. even after a period of years. or very thin sheets. The hardest thing to avoid in wood carving is the checking or cracking of the wood after it has been carved.
The shapes are normally straight chisel. are sold in sets. The handles on all adzes are long and resemble the handles of hatchets. short bent. There are 7 shapes with the 3 primary shapes being a right hand chipper. The heads are turned separately and attached to the handle. and long bent gouge. The heavy duty adz is an oversized adz with a larger handle and cutting edges of almost 3 inches. gouge. most commonly used to 44 . The handles are elongated with a taper and the blades are attached with a rivet. Spoon Gouge The hook knife. a straight knife like cutter with a handle dovetailed to fit the hand for whittling. Since it is too large for use by all but advanced carvers. Skew Chisel B. the secondary style has a hammer square end with a curved gouged cutting edge. Straight Gouge C. . It has a straight hatchet cutting edge and a medium straight gouge cutting edge. and tip in a downward motion releasing the handle from the tang Then drill a hole of the proper size in the new handle to accommodate the tang. it can also serve as decoration in a studio or workshop!! One-Piece Mallet Two-Piece Mallet To remove or replace a handle. This tool is used as a reduction device for extremely large pieces of wood. then wax coated. Most handheld tools. medium and large) and two styles. The primary style has a gouge and a flat cutting edge. and flat palm grip handles. and a double sided curve. all of which are made of a hard wood. skew.chApter 7: Wood cArvinG Angico (the latter two types being extremely hard exotic woods from Brazil) and the handle of wood. They are generally meant for chip carving or relief work and have shorter shafts and smaller cutting edges. place it in a vise held at the base of the blade. Adz Carving knives are used mainly for chip carving but can also be used for finishing and detailing. or palm tools. A B C Carving Knives A. The wood carvers' adz is a hatchet type of cutting tool and is available in three basic sizes (small. These tools can have round handles or half rounded.
This may vary with the country producing the tools. or plastic pouches and can contain a full line of everything needed or just the basics. and sandpaper as well as individual carving tools. A draw knife is generally associated with shipbuilding and used in smoothing planks. The blade is solid high carbon tempered steel and a wooden handle is attached directly to the steel. canvas rolls. The cutting edge can vary with the normal length being about 9 to 10 inches. rasp. What is a steel fracture? At times a tool will develop a hairline crack or fracture. Even steak knives and turkey carving knives need to be sharpened after a while. It has a high carbon tempered steel blade and a rounded hooked cutting edge that is pulled toward the user in a shaving or drawing manner. If the tool is dropped. this is an advanced sharpening process done with an extremely fine sharpening stone. A good basic set should include a mallet. or hits a nail in a piece of old wood. Most tools should be sharpened after 20 to 30 minutes of use on hard wood. For gouges and parting tools a specifically shaped sharpening stone is used. Remember a tool will get dull when used over a period of time. The sharpening process is done at 45° angle to the stone and in a figure eight rotation. It takes about 20 minutes per tool and gives a razor sharp cutting edge to the tool.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials clean horses hooves. and they are used on soft meat not hard wood. Quite a few carvers I have known do not even have a sharpening stone and wonder why their tools do not hold up. What type of steel is used for the tool? Usually 1095 high carbon steel is used for most wood carving tools whoever the manufacturer is. Thus the novice can easily select the set containing the required tools at a fixed cost rather than choosing and pricing individual items needed. It is used as a planing device and is pulled or drawn toward the user. Sets come in small or large wooden boxes. has been adapted to the carving field for its versatility. How do I sharpen my tools? Most tools are sharpened on a bench stone or a combination bench stone (a sharpening stone with two coarsenesses). Electrical tape wrapped around the handle end will diminish this. 45 . What causes fraying of the handle? The percussion of the mallet hitting the contact surface can have a mushroom effect on the handle. sharpening stone. it can develop a crack. but almost all tools are Draw Knife Carving sets are available from most manufacturers and come pre-assembled and in various price ranges. In wood carving the draw knife is quite often used for reducing large areas to form a geometric surface. What is honing? After basic sharpening. Basic sharpening should be done every 20 to 30 minutes when carving hard wood. Troubleshooting/Questions How do I prevent my tools from becoming dull? This is the most common complaint. This should not happen and can be the fault of the tempering process.
46 .. (It comes from the Sheffield region of the country. Taiwan. U. manufactured tools are the best buy dollar for dollar. Which are the best tools made and from what country? This is hard to say. If this is not done properly then the tool will falter no matter who makes it. rather than machine ground. As to quality. or England. Mini mallets were developed for fine detailing work and for the senior citizen who may have difficulty holding a heavier mallet for long periods of time. does not manufacture enough for volume production. The tempering or hardening process is probably the key to a good tool. Why are the mallets wax-coated? To reduce checking (cracking) of the mallet which may occur as a result of various environmental factors (e.S.S. however. If the tools are hand ground or shaped.chApter 7: Wood cArvinG of this quality. I feel that if a tool holds an edge well and stands up over time. humidity) and atmospheric pressure. United States manufacturers generally use steel imported from Japan. and England are the most sought after although they may be more expensive. Domestic steel is sometimes used. Are there additional size mallets other than the three sizes you describe herein? Yes. Tools from England can be made with Sheffield steel which some believe is the best.) These foreign companies that produce only wood carving tools have an advantage in that these are the only tools they make. Wood carving tools from Germany.g. the shaping and consistency may vary. but the U. Sweden.
this will not occur. green and black). Soapstone is the softest. All of these are not readily available and may be somewhat harder than the material commonly referred Stone There are so many types of stone used in this field. either translucent white (where light will pass through the stone) or opaque white (where light will not penetrate the stone). I have often seen this happen. tiger eye. and the southern U. horizontally. With a pure even-colored stone the carving will not be dictated by any color or veining. Other common stones used in carving are marble. Kenya (dark olive green). various hammers.S. however. India (red.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 8 STONE CARVING T O CARVE THE MANY TYPES OF STONE AVAILABLE SCULPTORS use the basic handheld carving implements. or even in a circular configuration across the face. wonder stone. Most instructors agree that a pure even stone is best for carving by most students. limestone. veins would most likely appear diagonally. 47 . and granite. so I will mention the primary types and a few exotic stones that I have found interesting. and the piece will flow naturally with the instructor's guidance. Since there is little or no veining in a pure stone. If a student were carving a face in an exotic multi-colored stone. (black). The reason is simple. it would be difficult to name them all. Canada (pink mixed with cream). Stone is usually classified into four groups each defined by its hardness or carvability. sandstone. Some carvers include serpentine and Eskimo soapstones in the soapstones. ruining the effect and the piece. and specialty tools and accessories. The primary carving stones are Italian alabaster. There are soapstones from Taiwan (greenish with iron deposits). and soapstone (talc block) which will be mostly light and dark green in color.
Stone Carving Tools The basic steps in stone carving are design. Alabama White. I would suggest the green soapstone and white alabasters as carving stones for beginners. Consult your supplier for the hardness of marble best suited to your needs. sanding and finally finishing and mounting. tap the stone with a light hammer in various areas. Portuguese Rose. secondary shaping. you should get a clear ringing sound. Bardigilo. Italian marble (the highest grade known as Carrara marble) has a standard medium hardness as does Colorado marble. Statuario Venato. and Danby White. All these carving stones are available at the larger sculpture supply houses or stone suppliers. also known as stackable stone cylinders. Oyster Shell. They range from soft to extremely hard. so stones are cut to a more reasonable size. look for any fracture lines. Granite is the fourth hardest carving stone. However. Red Vein. (I have not seen this grade of stone in the United States since 1978 when a friend had several pieces and even then. hand rasping. Belgium Black. no one was permitted to touch the pieces he had.chApter 8: Stone cArvinG to as soapstone and therefore not suitable for beginners. Italian Brown Agate. and an additional charge is normally attached to the per pound price to cover the cost of labor and blades. Colorado Yule. Creamsicle. Marble is the third hardest stone. the fat is trimmed. this last stone was used by Michelangelo. Somewhat like giving a physical to the stone you are considering for purchase! A final note. California Crystal. Bruno Carmello. Alabaster is the second hardest and is considered a medium hard stone as are sandstone and limestone which are abrasive stones. When choosing a stone to work with. always consult your local art supply store for details on its stock. you are also buying the waste. Carrara marble is favored by professionals. Raspberry. Vermont marble is very hard. percussion removal in three stages (roughing. Used by students throughout Europe to speed up the carving process. are available in several sizes. It comes in many colors: Tiger's Eye Grey and Tiger's Eye Red. alabaster cylinders. While larger stones are available. If everyone could place a 75 pound stone on his or her mantel or bookshelf all would be fine. Root Beer. Cutting thin slabs is extremely difficult and normally not done due to possible breakage. or fissures. Orange. usually with two to three flat sides and one rough.) Other marbles include Statuario Puro. Bianco Pi. Also known as statuario. as in a butcher shop. White on White. This is recommended for only the most advanced sculptors having a lot of time to spend on the piece. Also. When a stone is cut to size the entire boulder must be purchased before cutting. Tennessee Pink. smaller stones must be cut from these larger boulders. Vermont White. These may cause breakage when the piece is being carved. the favorites of sculptors everywhere are the translucent and opaque white alabaster. but few people can. large veins. not after. the hardness varying with the geographic locale from which it is mined. to name a few. iron deposit areas. the number one pure white is by far the best. Chinese Black. The stone carving tools used to per- 48 . and smooth finish). Most of the quarried stones are mined in sizes of between 50 and 100 pounds. you buy the meat before. A one foot cube (12" by 12" by 12") will weigh approximately 108 pounds since the density factor of most stone is 1 cubic inch to 1 ounce in weight. and Tropical. In order to get a stone with a dimension of 12 cubic inches a boulder of between 200 and 300 pounds may be required.
It is available in four basic widths. rake (tooth chisel). the next six teeth. points do this job. small. Medium and Large Straight Chisels Small. The straight gouge chisel is used for making trench-like. The tooth chisel is principally used in the geometric reduction of a larger piece of stone. more substantial tool that makes it easier to reduce the geometric form of a stone to a more reasonable carving size. or size of the point. or half-round grooves.) The rondel is a rounded curved tool for concave carving. Medium and Large Points The tooth chisel or rake. It has a straight edge with a slight bevel of possibly 30° and is available in three sizes. The basic tools needed are the point. all of varying sizes and weights. The smaller the size. the cutting edge is a round bevel. All are made of high carbon steel. Straight Gouge Chisel Small Straight Chisel Reduction Chisel 49 . The point removes the primary bulk material and comes in three sizes. for the second stage of removal.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials form these functions are considered handheld unless specifically described as pneumatic or electric. rasping. and the largest having eight teeth. The Reduction Chisel is a larger. used for parting ferrules width-wise. medium and large. the finer or lighter the point. (In stone carving there are no "v" or veining tools as in wood carving. They include the diamond shaped chisel. will be determined by its heaviness. and sanding. the flat straight chisel and a hammer. the smallest having four teeth. is a flat straight chisel with slightly beveled teeth. medium. The caped chisel is used for rounding and concave/convex sculpting. it is used by the more advanced stone carvers in what may be described as challenging situations! Diamond Chisel Rondel Caped Chisel 4-Tooth and 8-Tooth Chisels The straight chisel is the finishing tool used before the final abrasive finishing. the next five teeth. All taper down to a four-sided point and the thickness. All these tools are available in one standard size. small. There are also specialty tools which are not normally used in standard carving but by intermediate and advanced carvers for added assistance in multiple projects. and large.
Available in the standard handheld style. However. The needle nose point is an inward shaped point (concave) that comes to a dramatic point used in removing bulk stone. looks like a sunfish. is much more brittle than carbon steel and hence more susceptible to shattering or breaking on hard impact. They are about a fourth the size of the standard tools. three. and five tooth points that are very fine. measured along the outside edge of the tool. the hammer heads attached to the handle through a center hole in the head with several steel wedges ensuring the fit. The fragile carbide will shatter if the tool is struck too forcefully. and 1 inch. and 2 pounds for larger carving. and point. the 1½ pound hammer is the tool of choice. Stone carving hammers come in three weights and are made of soft iron. Hammer Miniature stone tools are made of high carbon steel and were developed for detail work (small tools were formerly not available). They are also available in a pneumatic series including a straight chisel. This is because the carbide. they will not take a harder blow as most people believe. The sizes of the heads are: 1 pound used for small detail work. There is a four point flat tooth chisel. 1½ pounds for the most common type of carving. Hammer 2 ½ lb. they come in point and chisel shapes in two sizes. The tooth chisel comes in two. if not used properly. Carbide Tipped Chisel Carbide Tipped Point 1 lb. a one of a kind. Please take this into account when using these tools. Always use a light touch at a 45° angle when using carbide tipped tools. they cannot and should not be hit harder. Unless you are very muscular. so the percussion is easier on stone. used for fine detail work and delicate definition. and two flat chisels.1 The carbide tips are welded in high carbon steel shanks. 1 Bush hammers are available in three sizes ½. Carbide tipped tools are stronger than standard carbon steel tools. very useful in finishing. held sideways. and. ¾. "c"-curved tool that. tool. The handles are heavy strength. 50 . There are also a diamond shaped point. The shanks on all these tools are half the size of those on standard tools. There are two standard sizes of steel heads which are measured in pounds but these are not commonly used due to the strong percussion on the tools and stone. although stronger. will shatter or break loose from the welded area. as such they will need less frequent sharpening. Its cutting edge is flat on the outer curve and is used to make slight long strokes similar to those made by a long bent gouge in wood carving. three-point tooth chisel. a rondel.chApter 8: Stone cArvinG The fish head is an outward. and user. The face of the tool is square and is similar to a waffle iron having small Pneumatic tools are discussed in greater detail later in this chapter.
The compressor should have an 51 . plus a heavy hammer. A reduction device for fast and easy removal of bulk stone and for texturing. and 3/8 inch. a bush and pick hammer. Frosting Tool A rotary wheel (fifth wheel) is a device made of heavy duty steel bands with ball bearing rollers for supporting large pieces of stone. The professional stone carver's set contains all the standard tools. Bush Hammer B. in a canvas roll. When a stone is so large that it is difficult to carve in a stationary standing position or from one spot. The miniature stone tool set contains standard tools. Fifth Wheel Carving Sets These sets contain a basic set of carving tools placed together as one unit.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials points on the face. its face being a bush-shaped cutting surface with a percussion hitting end. and a bush hammer all geared for detailing work by the amateur as well as the more advanced professional. These are also used to reduce large quantities of bulk stone in the roughing out stages. I've seen a posing platform electrically attached to one of the larger rotary wheels with the model rotating slowly 360° so students could view all sides of the pose easily.000 pounds. a 1½ pound hammer. includes the primary tools necessary to carve simple pieces. a carver places it on a rotary wheel so he can turn the Pneumatic Handpieces and Tools Before going into descriptions of specific pneumatic tools. plus a 1½ pound hammer. The basic carving set. ¾. turned around. it comes in three sizes: ½. and attached to the cars for the return trip. weighing up to 3. designed for the beginner. in a canvas carrying roll. It includes standard carving tools. all in a wooden carrying case. and finishing paper. The engines are placed on a fifth wheel in the yard. The bush and pick tools are available with ½ and ¾ inch face surfaces on one end (the bush) and with a point on the other end (the pick). A frosting tool is a handheld tool. a sharpening stone. most likely provided from a compressor with a 3-gallon tank (larger if you don't want to hear the motor running all the time). The tool is used like a hammer and is for surface reduction of stone. goggles. carving rather than walk around it. A B C A. I will explain what the pneumatic handpiece and tool unit consists of: you need an air source. The stone sculpture set is probably the most advanced set available. small detailing tools. but somewhat more rounded. Bush and Pick C. a firmer straight chisel which is a one of a kind oversized heavy-duty flat chisel. The name fifth wheel derives from the manner in which train engines are turned around in station yards to head back in the direction from which they came. It is meant for the more advanced carver.
Pneumatic tools are steel cutting shafts that look like standard The handpiece is held in the right hand and the tool shaft. Rotary hand grinders and sanders are available but normally they are used by professionals and steel welders for finishing. Any serious carver will never go back to carving by hand once he or she has used a pneumatic.chApter 8: Stone cArvinG oil attachment and a moisture filter. They can be special ordered. inside the housing of the handpiece. ½. I recommend a quick disconnect for detaching the handpiece easily from the air hose. The size is measured by the piston size in the handpiece shaft. or the horsepower needed.S. manufacturers. The smaller size handpiece is the choice of most carvers since it weighs less and is easier to handle with stones ranging from 40 to 200 pounds. When buying a compressor. Both can be found in NAPA auto parts stores at reasonable cost. 5/8" Handpiece for ½" Shank Quick Disconnect A pneumatic handpiece is attached to the hose and holds the tools which fit loosely in the handpiece and are activated with pressure on to the surface to be cut. Without some type of shut off. Pneumatic tools can reduce bulk material in about one-third the time standard handheld tools require. The lighter-weight tools are easier on the arms. but. although less costly. (For the first few years I put mine in the room next to where I was carving or outside in a shed with a longer extension hose to my workbench. and a fine air valve to reduce (or cut off) the air flow to the handpiece so it will not bounce around the workbench when not in use. They are available in carbon steel for wood carving and carbide tipped steel for stone carving. The two piece unit runs on air power that is again separate from the tool and handpieces. and should be kept clear of stone refuse when not 52 . is held in the left hand (left handed users will reverse this). is very sensitive to dirt and dust. A 3 gallon tank and a ¼ horsepower motor will work fine. A one horsepower motor is generally enough since the handpiece will operate on 70 PSI (pounds of pressure per square inch).) With a larger tank (50 gallons) and a motor with more horsepower. do not let the salesperson confuse the PSI needed to operate the handpiece with the pressure of the inside of the tank. however. tools. the air will continue to flow directly to the handpiece and it will flop around like a fish out of water. but they are not stocked by most suppliers for lack of demand. When pressure is applied the tool will begin striking the stone in about 1 inch sweeps. which also determines the weight and diameter of the outside of the handpiece. The piston. after it has been inserted into the handpiece. It will come with a ¼ inch hose for attachment to the tools to be used with the compressor. Smaller and larger sizes are available from Italy and several U. the motor will run continuously and will be noisy. especially after continuous use and vibration. Although there are several sizes of handpieces. and the ¾ inch. It is not normally for home use. the motor will only turn on occasionally once the pressure is built up to maintain the pressure. the most common are the 5/8. except they have a turned ½" round shaft end. This type of unit is normally used in large shops where a number of handpieces run off of one large compressor.
The majority of operational problems are due to dust clogging the piston causing it to stick or seize. Carbon Steel Wood Carving Straight Chisel Carbide tips are available only in the stone carving series on a smaller point. even miniature. These are not interchangeable with larger handpieces and are in short supply. As I mentioned. and bits or burrs of various shapes and composition that attach to the handpiece usually with a ¼" (with smaller tools 1/8") shank. A B C A. The cost of cleaning usually takes this possibility into account. The basic components are a motor (1/10. the faster and the harder the striking action. They are carbon steel stone carving tools. Most larger ma- 53 . a turning cable (replaceable when worn) covered by a sheath that is attached to a handpiece (also detachable and in a variety of styles). There are basically two sizes of electric tools. Both sizes can be either table top or wall mounted. and carbon steel wood carving tools. back and forth. and the greater the pressure applied by the carver to the stone or wood. since the vibration and rapid percussion tire most people out in that time. a pneumatic tool works in conjunction with a handpiece. Electric Tools While pneumatic tools and handpieces work on a percussion method. handpieces that have 5/8 inch and smaller shafts. in Italy. Carbide Tipped Tooth Chisel B. carbide tipped stone carving tools. electric tools work by a rotary method. or even 1 horsepower). The largest producers of pneumatic handpieces in the United States are Trow & Holden and Bicknell. Carbon Steel Tooth Chisel (Rake) C. (There are smaller. In addition to sculptors' pneumatic handpieces which are cylinder shaped. The appropriate time period for continuous use of these tools is about 20 to 30 minutes. they can be found in Italy. They run on household current and normally have foot rheostats to govern the RPM (rotations per minute) of the tool bits. The common shapes used in stone carving are points. and in wood carving are short bent. gouge. These guns do not really work well for sculptors although the principle is the same. fish tail. and parting tool. Please remember. There are three general types of pneumatic tools that work with the various handpieces. and a straight flat chisel. The American tools seem to hold up superbly. The piston within the handpiece causes the striking motion of the tool. Place the shank of the tool in the shaft of the handpiece and apply pressure. All will have ½ inch shanks to fit the standard handpieces. tooth (threeprong) chisel.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials in use. 1/8. With the Italian handpieces this is generally not the case since they are usually returned to the manufacturer in Italy. straight chisel. The majority of handpieces have a ½ inch shaft. There are two ends of a pneumatic tool. and straight chisels. Sizes and styles are limited by demand and by production facilities both here and abroad. small and large. which work with smaller shank pneumatic tools. rakes. any difficulties are easily corrected and the cost is reasonable. The higher the air pressure used. Cuterri. carbide will shatter if hit with too much force on a hard stone. there are mechanics' handguns (with triggers used to remove rivets on mufflers) that also work on the pneumatic air system. one is the cutting surface and the other is the shank.
Usually the end teeth or left and right sides of the tool are damaged. set at low. The smaller machines have interval settings. Most damage is done due to the inexperience of the user. The foot rheostats turn at 14. and standard handpiece. Troubleshooting/Questions How do you clean marble? Marble is usually cleaned with non-cor- 54 . and it comes with a set of grinding. rarely the center teeth or midsection of the tool. The Foredom Power Tool is probably the most versatile and all around best machine that I have seen.000 maximum) from zero to the maximum. the beginner will hone his or her skills to prevent this from happening. Some sculptors use Clorox or even toothpaste. Or some have a dial set device that holds the speed at set intervals within the minimum and maximum range of RPM. With practice. not the quality of the tool. and buffing burrs. and high. It has standard replacement parts that are consistent in size with those of other manufacturers and that last forever. Why do tools chip off teeth or chip on their edges? This happens quite often to beginners who do not know how. What is the best all around pneumatic handpiece? The 5/8 or ½ inch handpieces are the most commonly used because of their size and weight. Larger pieces may be sandblasted by professionals.chApter 8: Stone cArvinG chines have an option for a variable speed foot rheostat to control the RPM (normally 14. The set comes with a hanging device. Is there a difference in temper between wood and stone tools? Yes. Consequently they must also be sharpened more often. medium. There are hundreds of different burrs that can be attached to these machines available in craft stores or specialty houses for sculpture. or the strength they should use when hitting with them. such as scratch-free Comet. to hold the tools. The stone tools are slightly harder due to the wear demanded of them. a set of burrs. The Dremel Motor Tool is more of a craft or finishing tool where the entire device (motor and burr) is held in one hand and the speed is regulated by a setter. polishing. The motor is encased in a Lexan housing for durability. or at what angle. rosive abrasives. usually in the handle of the machine.000 RPM with a 1/10 horsepower motor.
Chinese-manufactured rasps are also available and are improving in quality yearly. Carbide coated rasps come in basic shapes Rat Tail Rasps Rat Tail Rasp Ends 55 . These can be used for reducing wood and stone and are sometimes used in finishing metal. The rat tail rasp has teeth like a hand-held rasp but is completely rounded and generally used with an attached handle. pointed like a knife or in any number of other shapes. The size and placing of the teeth will vary with each tool since they are made by hand. The coating. These rasps are usually coated in the U. coarse cut with larger teeth and. medium. There are basically four styles of rasps and a variety of shapes to suit most applications. The styles are fine cut with small teeth. may or may not flake off depending on the producer. using Italian tools or tool blanks. The Milani's (cousins) in Italy are the primary manufacturers of rasps. miniature rasps with extremely fine teeth for detailing work. The teeth are located on both sides as well as on the edges. Rasps range in size from the miniature to the heavy 10 to 12 inch. Most rasps have a radial curve on at least one side but some may be flat.S. or large teeth and are made by hand. stoNe & PlAster ASPS ARE DEVICES USED IN THE FINISHING PROCESS AFTER basic carving is completed. Importers have illustrated catalogs to help you choose the appropriate rasp to use. each tooth hand punched. medium cut with medium teeth. Rasps can be rounded like a spoon. they are best known for the fine quality of their products. and are coated with a diamond or carbide finish. They are double-ended tools with small.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 9 RASPS & RIFFLERS R WooD. like little chips.
7 ½ and 9 inch. Used for finishing just prior to sanding. This allows the plaster material to pass through the holes so the rasp will not clog up with discarded refuse. The rasps are available in sizes from 6 to 12 inches and are normally held with a wooden handle secured by the tang of the rasp. The tools come in three basic sizes: 6 ½. They are perforated. they are primarily used with hardened porous materials that are easily scraped. like a spoon. Fine Cabinet Rasp . There is also a combination style. They are half round on the upper side and flat on the lower.Half Round Coarse Cabinet Rasp . with sharpened cutting edges to accommodate the set plaster.Half Round Plaster Rasps We have found two very exciting large rasps in the last few years which are unique and. You may find larger sizes but these are the most commonly used. at both ends unlike conventional wood and stone rasps. they have cross cut grooves like a nail file. 10" over-sized rasp with a rasp at one end and a riffler at the other. are normally made without a handle. They are usually rectangular with rounded ends and are made of blackened steel. four-sided with teeth or teeth and a file.S.chApter 9: rASpS & riFFlerS . and are extremely fine. The tools are produced in Italy. They come in a variety of sizes.Wood. they can be used for functions other than plaster work.. Knife Rasps Rifflers Knife Rasp Ends Plaster rasps are rounded and concave. and have a plain steel circular end and a filing end. well. to allow 56 . However. the teeth become heavier. and in other countries as well. Cabinet rasps are flat surface rasps used in the cabinet industry as well as in the sculpture field. the U. The rounded end or handle is a rat tail rasp in itself with punched teeth over the entire surface. Rifflers are usually referred to as jewelry or silversmithing files and are not commonly used in sculpture. They are used for fast reduction of large amounts of material. such as carving soapstone or dried ceramic clay. As with most sculpting tools. just fun! There is the riffler file-rasp. It is primarily used on larger stones weighing over 50 lbs. Poland. As the rasp increases in size. much like a cheese grater. Stone & plASter Knife rasps are so named because they have the shape of a knife blade.
the faster the rasp will clog. It's essentially a straight cabinet rasp that has been bent to form a circle. The rasp brush is an essential item when working in wood and especially in stone. Some think that manufacturers offer tools of different quality. Since material particles will clog the teeth of almost any rasp. Don't forget to use a rasp brush to clean all of your rasps. The rasp brush does this cleaning easily and quickly. It's great for indenting or concave rasping work and is easily hand held. Why do some rasps wear faster than others? The temper determines the hardness of the steel cutting edges and their ability to hold up under rasping. but if the proper steel and temper are used they should all hold up equally well.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials for quick reduction. sandstone will wear out a rasp faster than a soft soapstone. Tooth size and firmness of stroke have a minor effect.) Rasp Brush 57 . they should be cleaned out when necessary. There is also a circular half round rasp used in Europe for stair carving. The accessory has metal brushes facing at a 30° angle toward the holder. and greater force has been applied when running the teeth against the surface being cut. (The finer the teeth of the rasp and softer the stone. I nail my rasp brush to a dust pan brush so I can dust off the piece and clean the rasp at the same time. The hardness and coarseness of the stone being carved is also a large factor. for example. Troubleshooting/Questions Circular Half Round Rasp Riffler File-Rasp Why does the rasp wear out so fast? Generally because the rasp has not been cleaned properly. Simply pull the clogged rasps over the bristles at a perpendicular angle a few times.
finishing materials. and other items that make specific jobs a little easier. The Burma gouge slip is a large tapered cone shaped slip stone with a concave center and is used with the larger and deeper gouges. Burma (India).) combination. The standard sharpening position is a 45° angle to the tool's bevel. a medium coarse brown material used for rough sharpening. then remove any burr on the edge with a quick horizontal sweep. The round edge slip has tapered rounded edges for use on gouges. after 2 to 3 hours of use it will require a detailed sharpening. Sizes vary.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 10 ACCESSORIES A WooD cArviNg AND stoNe cArviNg CCESSORIES FOR WOOD CARVING AND STONE CARVING include sharpening stones. and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. which gives it a razor sharp cutting edge. with honing. similar to doing your finger nails. Arkansas. drag it in a figure eight pattern. Usually after about 20 to 30 minutes of continuous use on a medium or hard material. to sharpen the tool. and straight chisels and are usually of Burma stone composition. oil. these accessories come in a soft texture which is coarse and a hard texture which is fine. or a crystolon (trade name of Norton Co. The type of the stone may be Ozark. which gives a tool a good cutting Burma Gouge Slip 59 . parting ("v" shaped) tools. Do not confuse sharpening. and slip stones. edge. All tools made of high carbon steel or carbide need to be sharpened after extended use on hard woods or stone. Sharpening Stones & Special Oils Also known as whet stones. safety devices. the 4 inch slip being standard. a tool will require a touch up sharpening. For most carvers a combination bench stone (which lies on a table top rather than held in the hand) will suffice.
With use screen-bak will become softer and more pliable until it has to be discarded. It can be used for finishing wood and plaster. Combination Bench Stone Honing Oil is used like regular household three-in-one oil to keep the carving tools in good shape while sharpening. a very hard stone with a super fine texture. 180. Particles will come off the paper after prolonged use but it lasts for hours of finishing. Combination bench stones and combination stones are sharpening stones having one coarseness on one side of the stone and a finer texture on the other. and finally use a paste made with powdered pumice. and 400 grit. Honing Oil Sandpaper 1 Durite Screen-Bak Please note. although not necessary. sand with coarse or heavy sandpaper or a mesh carbide screen. And Stone cArvinG Finishing Materials For finishing a wood carving or stone carving piece. or coarsenesses ranging from extra fine to heavy coarse. Use abrasive papers or a smoothing screen in the step before the final finishing and buffing process. honing. It comes in 100. All tools should be wiped down with a few drops of oil after sharpening. One piece should finish 3 square feet of medium stone. Finishing paper can be cut into more workable strips for easier handling. 60 . I do it anyway.Wood cArvinG The hard Ozark round edge slip. A basic sheet is 8" by 10" and hard to handle.1 Next use wet-dry paper. follow these simple steps: After the final rasping. This is a long lasting material called openkote and is primarily used in wood carving. The oil prevents rust from developing on the steel blades which will decrease the tools' ability to carve efficiently. and storing. beginning with the coarsest and ending with the finest. but the sawdust or plaster must be continuously removed by slapping the material against a hard surface to keep the openings clear.ChApter 10: AcceSSorieS . I put a few drops of oil or a little spit on my stones. The Burma (India) has a coarse texture and the others have a finer texture. Rust Proofing Oil is recommended for use when tools are stored over long periods or are exposed to high humidity. It is used primarily in finishing stone. but at the speed you will be using you will not need to use them wet. or Carborundum stone. crystolon. They are made of India. They are generally rectangular in shape and lie flat on a table top. again from the coarsest to the finest. These stones can be used wet or dry. the coarser the cutting action of the material. A 6 or 8 inch crystolon or Carborundum stone is fine for beginner or intermediate carvers. Durite Screen-Bak is an open mesh screen material coated with a silicon carbide. the lower the number of grit. Adalox Paper is a sandpaper available in a variety of grits. cutting it down to 2" by 6" strips makes for easier use. is for fine detailing and honing and will last forever.
It comes in hard block form and is impregnated into the buffing wheel and then applied to the surface to be buffed. headstones.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Wet-Dry Paper. It is an excellent finishing material in the final sanding stage. When used with stone in the wet form. If you are working in soapstone wet-dry paper will produce its own paste and a simple buffing cloth (an old tee shirt is fine) can finish the piece to a high gloss. Polished marble walls. It is made into a paste by adding a small amount of water. A few coats of butcher's wax on stone or hard wood will give good results in minimal time. With the harder stones. the stone will begin to exhibit the appearance of its final polish. with an electric buffing wheel at extremely high speed. They cover the eyes and the bridge of the nose and should be worn whenever working in stone. As the water washes off the paste from the stone. for eye protection only. the paper also needs occasional cleaning when used dry. is a piece of 61 . you should wash it to remove the excess material that has accumulated. It is made into a thick paste by adding a small amount of water and then rubbed over the areas to be finished. Although it is mostly used on stone. but you will not get the high gloss usually desired. you have to polish to achieve the gloss. 320. As it dries the stone will return to its original luster until final polishing is completed. it may be used successfully on harder woods. Paste wax is an instructor's short cut to real polishing (I like Goddard's furniture polish myself). available in 200. Since the paper clogs when wet. and have an adjustable elastic band that goes around the head. and 600 grit in 9 x 11 inch sheets is similar to a black Carborundum paper and can be used dry as well as with water. wood or plaster (that might come into contact with the eyes). and table tops are finished in this way. true to tradition. the stone can be placed in water and the paper used to make a thin paste for each of the abrasive finishing steps. but sculptors from the old school. a helmet-like device used for eye and face protection only. are usually made of high impact plastic. On softer stones this polishing is accomplished quite easily. can be worn with or without glasses. This material is usually used only by the professional or by more experienced stone or wood carvers. Safety Devices Wet-Dry Paper Powdered pumice is an abrasive material used in polishing after the initial sanding. 400. Safety Goggles A face shield. This may work with softer alabaster. Jewelers rouge (rotten stone) is used to achieve highly polished surfaces and is applied Safety goggles. Tin oxide is a powder that is not an abrasive like powdered pumice but a deep penetrating polish that will bring out the essence and inner beauty of the piece. and then rubbed or buffed on the piece by machine until the finish (matte buff or high polish) is completed. but on medium to hard stones it will take much more effort. will always take the long route. with no cheating.
please consult a professional who will know the proper respirator to use.ChApter 10: AcceSSorieS . and run the screw through the board and into the piece of wood being worked on. The rolls may also hold rasps. most aprons are made of heavy denim today. (These last two. or ceramic pieces. double stitched on the seams. The carver would clamp a board onto the work surface. the piece is removed from the screw and mounted for display. At one time they were made of leather. And Stone cArvinG Other Accessories Wood carver's bench screws are 3 inch long steel screws used to fasten a carving block and hold it securely to a workbench. Replacement filters for dust masks and respirators can be purchased separately. paint thinner or latex rubber. Sand bags are meant to brace or secure a large piece of raw stone or wood so that while carving it will not shift and fall over or move . produced when sanding or finishing wood. 9-. stone carving. stone. Normally made of 62 . They are differentiated by the toxic levels they withstand. They can be arranged like pillows on a couch for comfort if you take a rest. most people will not be doing this type of casting. and even steel tools for mold making and some ceramic tools. is used to reduce the inhalation of flying particles. For sculptors. working with material having a danger level no greater than paint. The most commonly used masks have a cotton filter that is replaceable and are meant for light dust situations. due to the cost and scarcity of this material. a triangular padded device that covers the nose and mouth. but. the average sculptor. They fall just above knee level and have a cotton tie string fastened behind the back. such as sawdust or dust. and 22-pocket sizes. Canvas rolls are used for holding miscellaneous loose wood carving and stone carving tools if they have no wooden set container. The dust mask. 14-. should use the common respirator found on the market with cylinder type filter devices.) They are of roll type heavy canvas secured with tie strings. however. When not in use the mask section can be flipped up over the head and out of the way. and ceramics tools. There are heavier-duty masks for specific situations which can be found in larger hardware stores. If you need more information. It can be used with or without glasses. When carving is completed. which provide higher levels of protection than the dust masks. 6-Pocket Roll 9-Pocket Roll Dust Mask Respirator Aprons are like chefs' aprons with specially designed pockets for holding various wood carving.like padding furniture when moving. There is an extensive assortment of respirators. however.Wood cArvinG high impact plastic that covers the entire face and is supported by an adjustable head brace that fits on the head like a cap. and are available in 6-. are usually carried in a plastic case since water is used in mold making and ceramics. In other words. the highest level of danger facing them would probably be met when casting in resins (plastics).
A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials heavy canvas, they are approximately 8" by 10" in size and usually have Velcro closings or securing devices. They are sold empty. While you don't have to put sand in them you should put some material in them that will give a little. I imagine that 4 sand bags should be sufficient to balance any piece you work on.
Sand Bag
Pottery & CeraMiCs
Clay mined in California has a gritty coarse texture and therefore. such as Van Dyke Brown. or white when fired. are found in New Mexico. 67 . Experienced potters have all had this happen at one time or another. Specialty clays such as Raku and porcelain are used by the more advanced potters. Ohio. The manufacturer develops a formula or recipe and mixes the ingredients with a ribbon blender or pug mill. smoothness. The primary types of clay bodies are earthenware and stoneware which turn red. I have not noticed that this makes much difference to the quality. be wedged.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials CHAPTER 11 POTTERY & CERAMICS P clAys. thus calling the final product de-aired. brown. However. Small amounts of darker clays that make up a formula. Some producers have a vacuum chamber on the extruding end of the mixing machine to de-air the extruded clay. that is. Tennessee. they are all made with a water base and need to be fired in a kiln to vitrification to become permanent. equiPMeNt & Accessories OTTERY CLAYS AND CERAMIC CLAYS ARE VIRTUALLY THE SAME. to the mix. such as vinegar. or outcome of the finished product. when taken from the container. adding water. remove the air pockets before using and firing in a kiln to make sure no air is captured in the final piece to be fired. as the heat gains in temperature. United States clay body formulas are generally a mixture of several different types of clay. gas may form in the air pockets. Fine grolegg clays from England are used for making porcelain clay bodies. In the kiln. I recommend that all clay. Special formulas are made up by potters who experiment with various raw materials Clay used for pottery is indigenous to only certain regions of the world and every manufacturer uses the same base clay. causing them to explode and ruin the piece. is not usually used in formulas. derived primarily from clays mined in Georgia. making it more plastic without the normal aging process (where the clay is allowed to set for a few weeks to let the molecules migrate). Some formulas I know of have very unusual additives. but who knows? Bentonite is the only additive I know that enhances a clay body.
so will be all of the pottery. and are kept very secret. Special formulas can be developed for both glaze and clay. and the like. and ash trays are commonly done in this manner. Figurines. 30 pounds. The piece is now completed. equipMent & AcceSSorieS over time. The bottom and top of the shaft are held in position with bearings used to adjust the level of the wheel head. When purchasing a Kick Wheels A kick wheel is basically a potter's wheel head attached to a shaft that is turned by pushing a large heavy fly wheel with your foot. Glaze is then applied and the piece is glaze fired. if the balance is off. The remainder of the liquid clay is poured out and the resulting cast of clay left to harden. The mold is filled with slip and left about 3 hours to absorb the water from the clay until a thin skin about 1/8 inch thick has formed. the Brent Wheel (designed by Robert Brent). This is how wheels are gauged as to the weight they can handle .clAyS. to make test tiles of the two to be sure there will be no problems. the seam lines from the mold are trimmed and the piece is bisque fired. The power of a wheel influences the amount of clay that can be thrown and/or centered. The clay must be centered precisely on the wheel head in order to bring up the side walls of the piece. Most mugs. and similar pottery require 2-3 pounds of clay. since. When using anything other than a standard clay or glaze. cups. To obtain the centering of the initial ball of clay. It is then removed from the mold and when dry. Slip is a liquid clay with suspension additives that enable the clay to be cast into plaster molds made of pottery plaster for its water absorbency. 50 pounds. and the Spinning Tiger.chApter 11: pottery & cerAMicS . The best wheels that I have thrown on are the Shimpo with a cone drive and a large horsepower motor (this is the top of the line in electric wheels and centers 100 pounds of clay usually taking two people to center). some of the electric wheels have variable speeds or set speeds of high or low. test both the clay and glaze to ensure they match. They express individual preference. There are several types of wheels on the market today. The greater the weight the more restriction on the throwing head which may jerk or even stop. Other wheels cannot hold the weight of the clay without the wheel stopping or resisting. when a new clay and glaze are going to be used. Standard throwing heads and shafts 68 . plates. serve generally as a signature of the potters. and the stability and levelness of the wheel head. Most kick wheels are made with cast cement reinforced fly wheels and heavy steel plates or bricks set between two sections of wood. a more powerful wheel is not really necessary. the Amaco two speed (which will center 25 pounds of clay). It is a good idea. If you only intend to throw small pots. how much weight the wheel will hold without jerking while centering. wheel the essential points to be considered are the horsepower. The Equipment Potter's Wheels Potter's wheels are disks which when rotated enable clay to be shaped by a potter. Your supplier will be able to advise you as to the best wheel for your specific use. etc. as well as most porcelain pieces. it must be pushed downward and inward. On mass produced items you will see seam lines where the pieces of the mold have been joined together. bowls. trouble will ensue when the piece is fired. If they are not compatible.25 pounds. The size of a pot is determined by the amount of clay used to make the piece. although fewer than in the 1970's when making pottery was in its prime. Most wheels are electric or kick powered.
) Not all pottery has to be bisque fired first. 6. medium. smaller in size than ceramic kilns and used to fire metal objects usually in sheet form such as copper. low. used to measure the internal temperature of a kiln. breaking the circuit. Bisque Firing Bisque firing is the initial or first firing of a dried piece of pottery or ceramic. both done in kilns at temperatures which can range from cone 014 to cone 10. There are three types of kilns. It it used where there is no auto shutoff. salt glazing. The cone is placed in a three prong position with two base rods and a top rod securing the cone. depending on the clay body formulation. 69 . Most commercial glazes are also fired at cone 06. has been reached. There are low fire kilns with temperatures to cone 06 (1841°F) and high fire kilns with temperatures to cone 9 (2345°F) and above. (This is not the case with glaze firing. Most clay is bisque fired at cone 06 and vitrifies around cones 5. especially with smaller pieces. voltage requirements. the size. performed before glaze firing. Automatic shutoffs and kiln setters are usually used with cones that melt and sag at a certain temperature. The pieces can be stacked within one another or close to each other and can touch so more pieces can be bisque fired at one time. High fire kilns need more power and take longer to reach their maximum temperature. the desired temperature has been reached. are used by old time potters. There is one another type called the enameling kilns. and the wood fired kiln (not common). A few offer motorized attachments that will power the fly wheel. The wheels are usually shipped in component parts requiring assembly. and difficulty in firing are not normally used by craft potters or school systems. normally at greater than 1400°F. A pyrometer is a gauge. the glaze can be applied directly to the dried clay and There are several unique firing techniques such as reduction firing. When the cone melts the top rod drops. Kilns Kilns are the ovens used to fire ceramics at a high temperature. and high settings and are turned up at intervals until the highest firing stage. Normal bisque firing takes about 6 hours at cone 06 (1841º ) in a threestage electric kiln. Kilns are usually either round or square. Some kilns have thermocouples and rheostats to measure and control the temperature and automatic shutoffs to turn off the kiln when 1 Firing1 There are two types of firing: bisque firing and glaze firing. also known as greenware. size. Metal elements for running the electricity are embedded within the fire brick. The majority of kilns have low. and pit firing with tree leaves which won't be dealt with in this manual. with its display on the outside of the kiln. The more complex kilns such as down draft. high. they disconnect the electrical circuits thus shutting off the kiln. or businesses but because of their cost. wood stacked (wood fired) and gas fired kilns. Kilns are constructed of grooved fire brick encased in a metal shell with a peep hole to see inside the kiln. Low fire kilns reach maximum temperatures within 6 hours or so. medium. or 7.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials of 2 to 3 feet are the center pieces and are built around a frame that usually contains a seat and a shelf. and inside firing chamber dimensions vary depending on the desired temperatures. each having a different effect on the finished piece: the electric kiln (the standard). production potters. although they are fun to experiment with when you are more advanced. the gas fired kiln (more professional). It is used to bring objects to a state more accepting of the glaze.
if they touch. and thus enable the container to hold water without the clay having to vitrify. separate all pieces when glaze firing. surface. Glaze is a colored liquid material that can be matte. the glaze will run and fuse the pieces together. fired pieces of ceramic of various sizes with three metal points that will withstand any kiln temperature. This is done by with the use of cones. The higher the cone number the higher the temperature range. normally the lower firing range 06 glaze will be poured/applied to the inside of a container. equipMent & AcceSSorieS the piece fired only once. or burst design. It is a silica which when heated fuses together and forms a glass-like coating. Unlike bisque firing technique.chApter 11: pottery & cerAMicS . Firing temperatures are called cones and can range from 014 (lowest) to 10 (highest). middle. however. three coats are applied. preventing the one-day firing most schools require. Most clay is made up of silica and when fired at high temperatures (over 1000°F) fuses or meshes together making it hard although it may not High fire kilns in the cone 10 and higher range are expensive and take longer to fire. gloss. Most commercial glazes are fired at cone 06. Cones are placed at the bottom. speckled. With standard off the shelf commercial glazes. preferring to be responsible only for their own pieces. Since most commercial ceramic and pottery businesses do not do outside firing. As I mentioned earlier most commercial clay and glaze are fired at cone 06. allowed to fuse.1 They will vitrify at a higher temperature. are used to support the pieces in glaze firing so when the glaze melts they will not fuse together or to the inside of the kiln. (Most people use three cones in a row at the each of these levels with one cone at a temperature lower and one higher than the firing requires. a powdered material. Stilts. However. There are hundreds of glazes on the market for use at different firing ranges. It can be found in ceramic supply stores. try an adult school with ceramic classes or the local YMCA or YWCA. Do not overapply the coats or the glaze will run and pool off the piece when it is fired. platinum. I do not recommend this for the novice. that is become non-porous. Each coat should be applied in a different direction and left to dry thoroughly before the next coat is applied. can be placed on kiln shelves and the bottom of a kiln to prevent excess glaze fallen from a piece during firing from sticking to the shelf or bottom 1 Firing Ranges/Temperatures When a kiln is used for bisque or glaze firing the internal temperature of the kiln must be regulated to avoid under-heating or overheating. pre-fired clay in triangular form. and top of the kiln. Kiln Wash. Talk to your local ceramic supply store for specifics on particular items or effects desired.clAyS. and silver leaf are specialty low fire glazes used for edging plates and bowls in the china industry as well as in intrinsic pottery design.) The sagging of the cone as seen through the kiln's peep hole lets the user know when the correct firing temperature has been reached. 70 . Gold. that sag or bend at given temperatures. A material called Wax Resist can be used for areas of the piece where glaze is not desired. When firing beads place them on wire supports running through the inside of the bead like a clothes line. and you don't have a kiln and want to fire some pieces. since temperatures vary in these areas. Glaze Firing Glaze firing is the second or final firing after the piece has been bisque fired.
cone 04-7. cone 04-2. is in a class by itself. red. the 06 is the bisque firing temperature. Brooklyn Mix. Most porcelain is slip cast in molds and then fired.Low Fire. Since there is a wealth of information on ceramic and firing processes available to the amateur sculptor. the glaze fusing and creating a non-porous surface and often a high gloss. cone 04-7. cone 04-04. light brown. the 10 the temperature at which it vitrifies. Standard Buff. and Terra Cotta with grog. I will discuss only the basic firing cones of each clay here. for cone 06-10. cone 04-7. rich brown with manganese specks. The higher the temperature at which a piece is fired. red. Be sure to consult the manufacturer for proper firing ranges. Types of Moist Clay Earthenware These clays generally vitrify at a lower temperature than the stoneware or porcelain clays.C. Basic earthenware clays include: Malone Red. light brown. white. or the greater the brightness of white clays. The firing technique for porcelain is also somewhat complicated since special struts are usually constructed around the pieces so that sagging and distortion do not occur. Porcelain is usually used in the liquid slip form for small figurines and doll parts such as the head. or even break up when over-fired. sag. Porcelain Porcelain. Cedar Heights. 71 . The first number is the bisque firing cone. Paper Clay and Fiber Clay are ceramic water-base throwing and hand building materials that have paper or pulp fillers (Paper Clay) and/or cotton fiber fillers (Fiber Clay) added to enhance the strength of the clay body when throwing on a wheel or hand building. the second is the vitrification temperature. When a glaze. If the clay is a lower firing clay it may warp.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials be vitrified (non-porous). hands. while most clays can withstand a higher temperature. white. cone 2 to cone 9. cone 04-7. cone 04-2 . Stoneware. and feet. Stoneware These clays include: Hugo. is applied to the inside of a container. translucent white. The additional strength from the pulp an fiber enables pieces to be thrown higher with more stability and allows the greenware to be transported more easily minimizing breakage. Dresden.M. dark brown. S. cone 04-7. Van Dyke Brown. which is also a form of silica or glass. Samson Throwing. white. reddish brown cone 04-10. The stated firing ranges of clay and glazes are those generally used for the bisque and glaze firings. cone 04-2 . cone 04-7. the piece is fired in the same manner. the darker and richer the color. Unless fired at the proper temperature funny things will happen to both the clay and glaze. cone 04-7. cone 04-2. cast. For wheel throwing it is very difficult to manage due to its fine texture. Red glaze can become brown and blue glaze can turn black. and fire it. the color will darken and if the temperature becomes too hot the clay may sag or warp. Glazes also react to different temperatures. toast brown. cone 04-2. Speckled Stoneware. and Dover White with grog. Studio Throwing. brick red. off white. Other Clays There have been a few new and exciting reinforced ceramic throwing clays and unique firing clays developed within the past several years. For example. Artware . light buff. I would suggest using porcelain only if you have the time and patience or are extremely familiar with the procedures required to throw.
designed for hard to reach places and flat scraping. 2" to 5" in size. The materials is somewhat more expensive than ceramic clays but the results. Others with wood handles can have a needle on each end of the tool or have a single needle end. and removing dried clay from seams and other areas. after practice. Elephant Ear Sponge B A A. contouring the pot's outer surface and for shaping on the interior and exterior of a large bowl or pot. which have thumb notches and index finger holes for easy gripping. these tools come in numerous shapes and sizes. Fettling Knife Elephant ear sponges are natural Mediterranean sponges.clAyS. and one with the coined name "pear corer" having a duck nose shape. Potters Ribs Needle Tools Throwing Sticks 72 .chApter 11: pottery & cerAMicS . sharpened steel tools with palm size handles for easy use when working on the potter's wheel during the trimming and footing process. that have the shape of an elephant's ear. Vee Point The trimming or needle tool. Potter's Tools and Accessories Tools Most of the tools used for sculpture can also be used for ceramics and pottery. cutting. A notch knife or hooked blade is used for grooving channels in the mold so it will not shift in casting. Pear Corer B. Loop tools are medium size. heavy. Also known as modeling ribs or wooden potters ribs. Their strength and shape help to absorb excess water applied when bringing the walls of the pot up. an essential item for the potter. their shape allows them to be held comfortably in the hand while throwing pots. Potters ribs. are excellent for scraping. available in different lengths from 4 to 8 inches and made with firm or soft steel blades.the finished piece is . curved. Some have metal handles with a single needle end. The shapes enable the potter to achieve almost any type of form. are used to assist in pulling up the inside of a pot. equipMent & AcceSSorieS Another unique clay is Silver Metal Clay primarily developed in Japan for making jewelry. The shapes.999 fine sterling silver. This material is sterling silver and when modeled wet and then dried can be fired in a ceramic kiln . round flat. are extraordinary! Fettling knives. but there are also tools that have been designed especially for ceramics. are diamond. is used to level the excess from the top of a pot.
There is a full set of trimming tools including a needle tool for trimming and leveling the top of the thrown pot when necessary. If it melts all the way down the temperature is too high and if it does not melt at all the temperature is too low. Turning tools are long-handled handheld tools with metal pre-shaped cutting edges used to shape internal areas of pottery. and should be visible through the peep hole. or square and come in different lengths. the required firing temperature in the center. a sponge for water absorption while throwing. Stilts support the pieces of pottery being glazed so they do not fuse together. then let the clay sit in the closed bag for a few weeks. this tool has interchangeable cutting wire ends and an aluminum handle. the operator can adjust or turn off the kiln. used to cut sections of clay in the wedging process and for removing thrown pots from the wheel. Kiln shelves are either round. Pyrometric cones of pre-fired ceramic triangular in shape and of various sizes fulfill this requirement. I designed the TrimFast® Ceramic Tool in answer to requests from potters. has a shutoff device. a wheel. When the cone sags so that the tip falls half way to the cone holder (or plug of clay into which the cones have been placed) it indicates the correct firing temperature has been reached. Placed in the kiln during firing. Typically 3 cones are set in each of 3 rows at 45° angles with the lower temperature on the left. all you need is some clay. they sag or collapse at certain temperatures. and some skill to make any type of pottery you'd like. Finally. and a potter's rib. secured at each end to a wooden handle. or (most commonly) square. If the kiln 73 . which are triangular. They are of high fire material and can withstand temperatures of any range in commercially produced kilns. half round. Additional wire ends are available. They are used to separate glaze fired pieces in the kiln during firing and are supported by posts. many of the modeling tools described in Chapter 3 can also be used in Ceramics. and the higher temperature on the right. a kiln. Clay Cutter TrimFast® Ceramic Tool There is a basic pottery tool kit which includes the tools essential for throwing and removing thrown pots from the wheel head while they are still wet. A toggle clay cutter is a 36-inch piece of wire. viewing the sagging through the kiln's peep hole. Add a little water and knead it into the clay body (25% to 28% of water to clay flour mix is a good ratio). Or. With this kit. this sagging will cause the kiln to be automatically turned off. Experiment! Troubleshooting/Questions If the clay is dry what can I do? Sometimes when water-base moist clay has not aged properly or does not contain enough water it will seem dry. round. a trimming and footing tool. And remember.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Throwing sticks are used extensively for pulling up interior walls of small necked pots and vases. They are also used to determine the temperature in different areas of the kiln since temperatures can vary within the kiln. If the clay is too wet when removed from the bag what can I do? This occurs naturally with normal conden- Accessories It is essential to know the internal temperature of a ceramic kiln when firing.
What causes crazing. the glaze may have been applied too thinly or all coats may have been applied in the same direction rather than altering the direction with each coat. This occurs when the kiln is opened too soon before the pieces are ready. Bisque firing can also be done at cone 04 which will help the glaze absorb more freely into the clay . It can sometimes be chipped off. Third. Too much glaze may have applied which will happen when the piece is dipped rather than applying the glaze by brush. running. composition. Roll the clay in several layers of newspaper until it dries up a little. Add a little water and age it a few days. For future firings make test tiles trying different glazes with different clays to determine compatibility.thus creating a smoother surface during the next glaze firing. a smell often develops. When water has been added and it is contained in a bag. This is no indication the clay is bad or defective. or workability. When cooled why does the glaze have cracks like a spider web? This is not uncommon and can be caused by several things. bubbling and flaking? These mishaps. it is natural. Let the bag air out for a few minutes and then use the clay as usual.chApter 11: pottery & cerAMicS . Why are there glaze bubbles on the clay? This can be caused by incompatible clay and glaze or the glaze may have been fired at too high a temperature. Why does glaze drip off the piece and fall on the shelf or bottom of the kiln? This is a result of over-glazing. Why does the clay crack when I bend it? This is usually indicative of what is known as short clay. by firing the kiln too high. The dried glaze can be sanded off before firing if there is too much of a build up. more often with porcelain and stoneware than with earthenware clays. First. the clay should work and fire the same. 74 . why is this? Remember clay is mined from the earth in different areas of the country. There is a funny smell when I open the bag. faced by all ceramists. using a wood carving or stone carving tool and hammer without causing damage. or by over-applying the glaze. Second. by cooling the kiln too rapidly. but not always.clAyS. The color changes between separate orders of the same clay. Don't be discouraged. can be caused by firing with incompatible clay and glaze. the clay and glaze may not be compatible. just follow the instructions and try again! Are there other bisque firing temperatures? Yes. The glaze on the shelf presents a small problem. the glaze may have cooled too fast and constricted. The clay may vary in color but not generally in texture. what is this? Clay is a naturally formulated earth material. equipMent & AcceSSorieS sation of water-base clay kept in a container. As long as the chemical composition remains the same.
) Knead the liquefied wax into the softened plastilina. tilina.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials APPENDIX A GENERAL QUESTIONS T HE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED OF ME . What can you add to plastilina to make it harder or softer? Wax is the hardening material used in plas- 75 . Next soften the wax of your choice. and let set at room temperature until hard. so I thought I'd provide the answers to them here for you. the oil soluble pigments are not readily available to the consumer and regular pigments will not adhere properly. either by melting it or warming it near a light bulb. usually a large dough mixer or sigma blade mixer not readily available to the average consumer. While it is very difficult to mix in additional wax after the material has set to achieve additional hardness. you will determine the amount of wax needed to achieve the desired hardness of the final plastilina. The ingredient that colors plastilina "white" is called whiting and must be added when the batch is first made hot in the mixer. Melted wax is mixed with the formula's other component. A regular grade household Modeling Can you melt down plastilina and add ingredients to make it white or colored? Plastilina is an oil and wax base material and cannot be melted and have components added to it to give it color. Oil is the softening material used in plastilina and can be added to it to achieve additional softness.. By testing. you can try by following these steps: Place the original plastilina about 2 feet from a 60-watt lamp until the material becomes soft enough to knead with your hands. the final material then setting to the appropriate state of hardness. (I suggest using Microcrystalline Wax. Although the material can be made liquid by heating in a specialized method. not paraffin which is too brittle.
Other manufacturers of self-hardening clays have different formulas and should be contacted directly regarding specific uses of their material. School grade plastilina and water-base ceramic clays do not contain sulfur. What is the difference between Della Robbia. Inc. Beeswax. 76 . They are both good waxes. What is the difference between French Wax and pure beeswax? The French Wax is a combination of several waxes to make a smooth modeling compound. The hardest used in the sculpture field is roman casting wax. or for press molding or casting. and Boneware? And what is the hardness difference? Della Robbia can be fired to a deeper richer color in the kitchen oven without adverse effects although firing is not essential to this material. Beeswax is more expensive and is usually used for dressing wood or for batik and tie dye shirts.Appendix A: GenerAl queStionS oil is sufficient for softening small amounts of material. What is the difference between Boneware and Claystone? These are trade names for self-hardening clays offered by Sculpture House. The only differences are in the color and how you use the material. knead them together. Which clays contain sulfur and which do not? The only clay containing small trace amounts of sulfur is professional grade plastilina. Three-in-one oil is good or a 10/30 weight motor oil can be used. The same procedure should be used as in hardening and softening. where the clay is directly pressed into a mold and left to harden to a leather-hard state before removal. Why is this? When plastilina is produced it is extruded through a heavy duty worm gear mixer extruder and thus the internal areas are layered. Soften the plastilina near a lamp bulb and knead the oil. Claystone is also a natural clay but contains a cotton fiber filler to reduce shrinkage. None of the self-hardening or kitchen oven baking clays will come close to what a fired ceramic piece can be so don't think of these clays as a replacement for the real thing. Can different grades of plastilina be mixed together for different effects? Yes. Place the material near a lamp and when soft. All three achieve virtually the same hardness and no significant difference can be seen by the naked eye. but left to air dry. Which wax is the hardest for making jewelry? Wax is available in many different hardnesses. Plastilina looks as though it is layered when pieces are torn from the block. The outside surface is smooth because the extruding head forces the material into a given shape. This is poured into a mold in wax form for bronze casting investment where the wax is melted from the mold before pouring the bronze. into the plastilina. Boneware is used as a direct modeling clay without the use of an armature. and are definitely not for functional use. your choice of which to use is one of preference. They are for decorative use only. Claystone. I suggest using an old fashioned hamburger grinder from the hardware store when either hardening or softening large amounts of material. For grinding or mixing. Boneware is a natural ceramic type of clay that has no fillers. Beeswax is a natural wax from the hive. French. will not hold water. in small amounts. Claystone is used over armatures as the filler prevents cracking. Boneware and Claystone should not be fired in any way.
It is a wax that can be brushed or poured into the moulage mold to create a positive cast. Since the material is an alginate and can be used repeatedly. The "06" is the bisque firing temperature of a ceramic clay body (1841°F) and the "7" is the vitrification or maturing temperature of the clay (2280ºF). squares. What is the difference between circular and bas-relief modeling turnettes? The bas-relief turnette has a back board so that a model can be made at an angle whereas the circular turnette has holes for aluminum wire to support an armature. Moulage is removed after a few minutes while it is still somewhat moist. etc. fingers. It can be stored and reused for casting for as long as 20 years. this wire is made at a mill that produces this material to exacting standards. Sources are specialty houses in the craft field. in any case. and body parts. Most consumers do not need the larger rolls of material. In the sculpture field it is used extensively for face masks. cost is a factor here. becomes nonporous. its expense is justified. Microcrystalline Wax or any other wax can also be used in the same way. It is an excellent material where multiple casts are required. Unfortunately the bulk rolls weigh between 80 and 100 pounds each and the weight of each roll is not consistent. It is available at most craft supply stores. Mold Making & Casting What is Moulage used for? Moulage is principally used for prosthetics for replacement limbs. the ease with which it can be brushed on is a second advantage. What is PosMoulage? It is the positive casting material that can be used in conjunction with the mold material Moulage. An advantage of Moulage is that it is reusable and can be melted down after an initial mold and cast have been made. and even sheets and tubes. The natural color of the PosMoulage is a main advantage of this material. Jewelry wax is normally made specifically for jewelry making and comes in rounds. Moulage can be used to make molds of the face whereas latex cannot since it inhibits the breathing of the skin during the time it takes to set and dry. The vitrification and glazing temperatures are not necessarily the same. A clay that has a cone 7 vitrification can be glazed fired at cone 06 with no adverse effects. Bas-relief is a raised design on a flat surface. The bulk rolls are therefore not available for sale to the average consumer since the cost to determine the true length is prohibitive. At the vitrification temperature the clay 77 . relief molds. Ceramics What does ceramic firing 06-7 mean? It stands for the cone firing ranges of the clay. The nut brown micro wax is the most commonly used although not the best. Does armature wire (aluminum wire) come in larger rolls than the coils normally sold? Yes. What is the difference between Mold Rubber and Moulage? Mold rubber is a latex base rubber that once exposed to air sets and cures and cannot be reused. the mold will give years of use. It can be stored for only short periods of time since it has to remain moist. Moulage is an alginate type of material used for quick body part casts. In the round describes a three-dimensional sculpture.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials and Microcrystalline (micro) waxes are used more for direct modeling. The material produces a good likeness. after amputation.
Casting rubber is the positive. Is there silicone in White Rubber? No. Can mold rubber pieces be used repeatedly? When the mold rubber is cured after setting. What is the difference between positive and negative molds? A negative is referred to as the mold since it creates a cavity into which material is poured to make a cast. Is Pliatex mold rubber flammable? Is it the same as latex? Yes. Can you pour latex solid? No. If casting rubber were poured into a rubber mold of any type there would be no absorption and thus no drying or setting. as with any rubber it is flammable but at very high temperatures of 600°F. The piece or model of which a reproduction is made is the positive and the mold made of the model for casting reproductions is the negative. a layer at a time. it can be used to make about 100 simple casts of nonabrasive material such as casting plaster. Silicone is a rubber specifically made of silicone. The plaster absorbs the moisture in the casting rubber leaving a solid surface that in essence becomes the cast when dry. Latex mold rubber must be applied in thin coats. Casting & Patina for the student sculptor by Bruner F. Once either the positive or negative rubber has set it cannot be re-used. What is a brush up mold? A brush up mold is made of a thixotropic mold making material. When a positive cast is made from casting rubber. Abrasive material such as cement causes more rapid deterioration. Chemical components are mixed together to form a paste. It is used for dolls heads or hands. Mold rubber is the negative. Can you get a Pliatex instruction book without getting the entire kit? No. It is a good material for making molds of ceiling or crown molding when remodeling older homes.Appendix A: GenerAl queStionS What is the difference between Mold Rubber and Casting Rubber? Mold rubber is the material used to make the negative mold from which a cast will be drawn. Making a cast is positive. Pliatex mold is latex rubber and yes. The mixed material will have the consistency of mayonnaise and when set will be a flexible rubber. White rubber is not a silicone rubber. The positive is the cast derived from the negative mold. Casting rubber is the material that is poured or cast into a plaster mold and is the positive. once set and cured. Barrie Can you cast casting rubber into a latex mold? No. The heat source from any other materials can distort 78 . Each coat must be thoroughly dry before the next coat is applied. The casting rubber to make a positive rubber cast can only be poured into a plaster mold. the piece. The instruction books are available with the kit or a more comprehensive book can be purchased separately by ordering Mold Making. The rubber would be self sealing. The mixing proportions can be somewhat difficult to achieve and its use is not common among artists with average experience. cannot be re-used. making a mold is negative no matter what mold making material is used. What materials can you cast into latex rubber molds? Only gypsum products (such as plaster and cement) can be cast into latex molds.
Hydrocal should be used for casts and sometimes. etc. all of which must conform to the specifications of the model. is the softest. What are shims and which is better. pewter is also low melting but is a combination of lead and tin and is not that easy for the average sculptor to cast. Hydrostone. etc. Casting & Patina for the student sculptor contains the required information. for molds. This does not always happen.? Mold Making. The mixing proportions are approximately one quart of water to five pounds of powder. meaning it is not for outdoor use. and finally Ultracal (the hardest) in degrees of hardness. Bone Emulsion is a water-base mixture of hardening ingredients such as cornstarch. Hydrostone. Since so many types of molds can be made. not mold making. Of gypsum materials. Each material has its own specific use. but I cannot recommend anything other than gypsum products. casting plaster (now referred to as mould plaster. and gauged molds. Casting plaster can be used for molds and casts. vented. there is no fixing it. Vatican Art Casting Stone is a mixture of different grades of gypsum and marble aggregate. Adding Bone Emulsion to gypsum or moist clay enhances their strength but does not make regular casting quite so strong as Hydrocal. Hydrostone and the harder casting materials should only be used for casting. How does Bone Emulsion compare to Hydrocal. but not bronze. Vatican Art Casting Stone is a mixture of several gypsum products and marble aggregate to produce a stone-like effect and hardness. followed by Hydrocal. Lead isn't that easy either since it has to be cast in one continuous flow or striations and layering will occur. Where do I get directions for mixing plaster. Industrial grade gypsum is the strongest but is only used industrially due to its coarseness. wood. Methods for MODERN SCULPTORS by Ron Young is suggested. if you are experienced.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials the interior surface of the mold and thus the cast. What are low temperature metals? Lead is the first that comes to mind. The mold (made from hot metal plaster) will not crack or explode when lower melting temperature metals are cast into it. Most sculptors use brass or aluminum because 79 . metal. What is hot metal plaster and how is it different from casting plaster? The thermal expansion and heat absorption of hot metal plaster can withstand the high temperatures of molten metal such as lead and pewter. aluminum or brass? Shims are the separating pieces that mark the areas of a piece mold where the divisions are made to remove the mold for casting. I suggest referring to the above mold making book. It is still essentially a gypsum base product and should be treated as such. For bronze. Mixing plaster is by water and powder proportionately. and Vatican Art Casting Stone for hardness? Hydrocal and Hydrostone are natural gypsum products with their own tensile strength. or other material that enables easy separation of the sections. Instructions are usually on the container. They can be of clay. Moulage. What is the difference between Hydrostone and Vatican Art Casting Stone? Hydrostone is a pure gypsum product with a low absorbency rate and high degree of hardness. Why take the chance? Once the mold is distorted. Casting plaster will not withstand high temperatures and may crack or break if these materials are cast into this type of mold.
Vermont. yet there are 80 . and soapstone as far as hardness is concerned? The softest stone is soapstone. Feather Rock (volcanic ash). Marble is the hardest of the group and has different hardnesses depending on where it is quarried. flexible.Appendix A: GenerAl queStionS it is thin. a good all-around stone that is easy to carve is alabaster. Fieldstone is a "don't touch" stone for carving. Wonder stone (soft). that is why you see roman letters with a small tang on the ends. and Maple Rock (compressed clay. turns green. Brass was used before aluminum but brass rusts when exposed to the water in the plaster. What is a Cesta bucket? This bucket is a heavy impact rubber reinforced with fiber glass strands making it one of the most durable mixing buckets available. The next hardest stone is alabaster. and can easily be cut to conform to the areas needing separation. unfired) are specialty stones and are generally hard to find. so I suggest aluminum shims if you have a choice. which also comes in different hardnesses. and can even corrode. A shim is generally not more than an 1½" in width since the mold walls will not be more than an inch or so thick. Aluminum does not have these problems. In addition to these stones there is granite which is extremely hard and not recommended for the average carver. When the shim is placed in the model this inch is all that should be exposed since the plaster mold will only come to the top of the shim. Stone Carving What is the difference between alabaster. Colorado. Carving letters takes some practice since the ends of the letters tend to chip. different hardnesses of this material. The specific tools are the smaller flat chisel and miniature stone carving tools available individually or in a set. or Portugal. Italy. marble. Spain. What stone and types of tools would be good for carving letters? The best stone for carving letters would naturally be a harder stone.
SPECIALTY ITEMS mold making.org Also check for locally published magazines.org Y OUR LOCAL AND INTERNET YELLOW PAGES ARE GENERALLY the best sources of information regarding the location of specialty items in your area. such as Sculpture Journal.com. their associations and membership costs. casting. Finally. Sculptural Pursuit and the like. you cannot find what you want. New York 10017 (212) 764-5645 FAX (212) 764-5651 www.sculpture. NJ 08619 (609) 689-1051 FAX (609) 689-1061 www. there are many sculpture-related companies (manufacturers and dealers) with information and products available on the Internet including SculptureHouse. If. You can contact these organizations for general sculpture information. casting wax and sculpting tools.APPENDIX B SOURCES . pedestals . however. In addition each of these magazines are published by renowned sculpture organizations.nationalsculpture. 81 . Suite B Hamilton. Sculpture Magazine published by the International Sculpture Center 14 Fairgrounds Road. try two fine sculpture publications that carry advertisements for bases. patina. They also contain information on all the carving stones imaginable as well as exotic woods and classes in sculpture. They are: Sculpture Review published by the National Sculpture Society 237 Park Avenue New York.
I'll describe the production assembly process for tools in each of the basic categories: wire end modeling tools. Orders are usually placed for about 10. are individually handcrafted. T oil-BAse & cerAMic clAys Are MADe HERE'S NOT ENOUGH DEMAND FOR THE MANY DIVERSIFIED tools used in the sculpture field to mass produce them. wood carving tools. and attaching the ends to the handles. 83 . The Handle Modeling Tools Wire End Modeling Tools There are three basic steps in making wire end modeling tools: making the handle. If you are more knowledgeable about the production of these tools and materials you will be better able to care for them and use them more productively. the wire ends. New Hampshire.000 of a single type of handle. I'll also briefly describe the basic procedures for making plastilina and water-base clays. steel plaster tools and stone carving tools. a time consuming and sometimes difficult process. to Oklahoma. They are usually round with nipples on one or both ends depending on the style of the tool. the handles are made of wood turned on a lathe in wood turning mills from Vermont. For single wire end tools (cutting wire on one end and modeling tool on the other) and double wire end tools (wire on both ends). therefore. For most wood turning mills this is an extremely To give users some insight into what it takes to produce a tool. The nipples must be ground flat on two sides to enable the wire end to be placed next to the tool handle and the ferrule to be mounted with glue. This is accomplished with a double sided grinding wheel set to the proper dimension of the nipple. wood modeling tools. The size of the handle depends on the size of the tool. The handles are the only part of the tool that is mass produced. All. although not in great volume.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials APPENDIX C HOW SCULPTORS' TOOLS.
then cut to the approximate size of the tool desired. The resulting flange or webbing is cut off at each end of the tool and the ends are smoothed and polished. brass. The wire material is purchased in bulk coils of approximately 2. 84 . formed on a device called a "jig. the proper length of wire is inserted. The tool handle is first placed in a vise that has a plastic guard so the metal of the vise and pressure of gripping the wood will not bruise the handle. with a hydraulic press compressing the wires under hundreds of pounds of pressure.000 feet. over time the wire ends may become loose or the ferrule may crack. Each tool is then shaped by hand to the desired design using grinding wheels and sanding belts. There are circumstances where the teeth are ground into the wire or a sharp cutting edge is required. The wire ends must be flattened. The steel wire ends on some tools must be heated by a propane torch to soften the steel to allow easy forming. Wood Carving Tools Wood carving tools are manufactured primarily in Europe most of them in Germany. are placed in a ferrule (a solid spun piece of metal in the shape of a cone that looks like an open ended cap) and attached to the handle by tapping the wire and ferrule level with the handle with a "u" shaped steel tong that fits over the wire end and rests on the top of the ferrule. This is done by inserting a metal plug in the handle end. Two butterfly handles are lifted. Please be aware that as moisture is absorbed into and evaporated from the wood handle. carbon steel. Modeling tools made with aluminum handles are fashioned in the same manner with the exception of the wire placement. or flared out. oil-BASe & cerAMic clAyS Are MAde small order and it is hard to find mills to do the work. Completed tools are coated with a sealant of shellac or wax and are then ready for use. or piano wire. the tool is ready for use. it will be unusable on clay or plastilina as intended. These blanks are about 10 feet long by 4 feet wide and usually around 6 inches thick. held together. The Wire Ends The materials of which wire ends are made vary. The wire must be cut to the proper length. Wood Modeling Tools Handheld solid wood modeling tools without wire are formed from large blanks of kiln dried wood." This is a type of machine with a form made of a steel template in the shape of the wire end tool to be produced. This work is done before the wire is shaped and attached to the handle. and 10 different sizes. Unfortunately there is not much we can do about nature so this is a phenomenon all sculptors must deal with. Attaching The Wire Once the wires are shaped and formed they are attached to the prepared handles with waterproof glue. you may see discoloration on these tools. Then glue is placed on the end of the handle where the wire will be attached. The larger blanks are cut down with a table saw to thin sections about the size of a ruler in width and about an inch thick.Appendix c: hoW SculptorS' toolS. if it is not and extends too far from the handle of the tool. They can be made of: spring steel. so they will grip and not come loose when placed on the tool handle with the ferrule attached. which is hollow. There are about 20 different shapes. and the handles are brought together thus forming the shape of the wire. Finally the wire ends. All the wire for each tool must be cut from the same spool. When the glue dries.
Forging The Tool There are three primary blanks from which all blade sizes and shapes are produced. 100. but some in Italy. to be a full-fledged. 85 . or 150 pounds. depending on the amount of steel to be forged. and 1 inch in width and all about the same thickness. Shaping and Grinding The blanks are ground and shaped into final form on high speed grinders using Carborundum wheels. the blades are attached to the handles of the proper size. tools are made from drop forged blanks. The U. The blanks are heated in a forge.64 Rockwell. competent grinder usually takes about two years. The tools are generally shipped sharp but not honed (a special razor sharp edge). Special care must be taken to keep the surface of the tool even to avoid excessive time in finishing by grinding and wear and tear on the costly grinding wheel. Apprenticing as a grinder is approximately six months. 1 Attaching The Handle In attaching the blades to the proper size handle. to an extremely high temperature producing a cherry red color to the steel. After heat treating and tempering. and then shaped by heavy duty drop hammers of 50. The principal manufacturer in the United States is Sculpture House. The size of the handle depends on the size of the blade. The steel can be Sheffield (from a steel producing region in England) or high carbon steel. forged and ground to specific sizes (measured from left tips to right tips of the blade) and sweeps (depth of a given cutting edge). but not noticeably. The sweep and cutting edge are measured against a template to keep the sizes consistent. The ends of the tools are then coated with a protective plastic guard that can be removed by tapping the tool on a piece of wood. the most proficient country in quality steel production). but will hold the blade firmly. and periodically tested on a Rockwell Black Diamond Steel Hardness testing device. This should be avoided at all cost. that gives the tool edge a razor sharp cutting surface. the handle will not crack. done by hand. All tools are ground by hand1 and thus may vary slightly. It takes about 20 minutes per tool.) Honing is advanced sharpening. The steel is tempered to a hardness of . The hammers have a male and a female die the general shape of the tool to be made and the hot steel blank is drawn past the two dies until it is the proper shape. when the tang of the tool is inserted and hammered true in a vise. These blanks are ¼ . special care being taken not to remove the temper. The blades are heat treated and tempered either in a salt bath or by oil quenching. After the blades have been hardened they are returned to the grinding wheels for sharpening. depending on the manufacturer. Once the handle is attached the tool is ready for use. The tool is again heated red hot and then submerged into the liquid bath until the proper hardness is achieved. ½. Our craftsmen in this category have an average on the job experience of twenty years.S. normally 1095C (usually imported from Japan.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials and England. holes are drilled in the handle so.59 -. Buck Tools is a specialty tool producer in the United States. Heat Treating (Tempering) and Honing After the blades have been shaped the steel must be hardened so it will hold an edge usually either in a salt bath or by quenching in oil. It would be unusual to have a 3 inch blade attached to a handle meant for a 1 inch blade. (Some carvers sharpen their tools at home on high speed wheels that turn so fast the heat from the wheel removes the hardness in the tips of the tool. Inc.
Unfortunately the quality of wax and oil may vary with each shipment and the formula should be corrected accordingly. and polished when necessary. or motor oil. fatty acid. 10 foot sections. Shaping and Finishing Stone carving tools are shaped to the width desired. When the mixing is complete the hot material is removed to skids for setting and curing and then extruding. Generally speaking the more wax and clay flour and the less oil the harder the consistency. oil. is also delivered by tanker truck. clay flour binders. The oil. The length of steel required to make a particular tool is then cut to size. and is pumped into thousand gallon storage tanks. The tool ends are key here since they must be forged to the approximate shape desired before grinding. in long. the craftsman continuously scraping down the sides of the mixer during its rotations. The tools are then hardened and sharpened. This also applies to oil compatible pigments which are added to the plastilina to give it color and are also purchased in bulk quantities. Manufacturers usually have their own private blends of wax and oil. tools the teeth are cut after shaping. The ingredients are mixed for at least 30 minutes. The sections. Modeling Materials Plastilina (Oil-Base Modeling Clay) Professional Grade Extruding After the plastilina has cooled and has a "set" to it. and 1 The apprenticeship period for forging is about 8 months with 2 more years experience needed to become a master. Steel tools are shaped in the same manner except those with flexible palettes. Bulk deliveries help maintain consistency in the composition of these products. They are stored for about 6 months. the diameter depending on the size and shape of the tool to be made. the more oil and less wax the softer. These tools must have the steel drawn out so thin that after grinding the blade will be flexible but still be able to return to its original shape after flexing. generally hexagon in shape. The wax is brought to the manufacturer hot in heated tanker cars and pumped into storage containers. are placed in a furnace and heated cherry red. similar to a butter extruder. giv- Basic Ingredients Plastilina is a mixture of wax. are heated to a liquid state and then placed hot in a sigma blade mixer. Tool ends that are too thick or too thin make the grinding process extremely difficult and very time consuming. 86 . pieces are separated and run through a double auger extruding machine. Cutting and Forging The longer lengths of steel are cut on a steel cutting machine with a diamond rotary cutting blade. cut to lengths of 6 to 10 inches. or rack. of various types from whale oil. The material is extruded through a die kept hot by heaters and turned out in rounds. similar to a bakery dough mixer. oil-BASe & cerAMic clAyS Are MAde Stone Carving and Steel Plaster Tools These tools are made from high carbon steel. Mixing These primary ingredients in appropriate amounts to achieve specific clay hardness. Each tool is then hand forged1 with a 50 or 100 pound hammer. which are easier to store.Appendix c: hoW SculptorS' toolS. Each batch contains about 800 pounds of material. The steel is purchased from the mill in bulk quantities. For tooth.
000° so it will vitrify. wheel throwing. This makes the clay less likely to contain air bubbles that may cause small explosions when fired. The dry clay formula is placed in a ribbon blender. You should al- Pottery Clay (Water-Base) Pottery clay is a ceramic. Aged plastilina and used reground plastilina are valuable commodities. Plastilina (Oil-Base Modeling Clay) School Grade Basic processes for mixing and extruding are the same. and New Mexico. usually by weight per batch (200 pounds of "x". In the United States the raw clay materials are found mostly in Georgia. fetching usually three to four times the current price. The dry ingredients are then passed through an auger to a blending machine with heavy duty paddle wheel blades. for example).A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials ing the molecules time to migrate and form a homogeneous flowing texture.000 pounds of dry material. These formulas are developed by trial and error. and boxed twenty two-pound units per case. 50 pounds of "y". a few ceramists. will have a good idea of what they are doing in developing formulas. cleaned of impurities. Mixing When the mix of dry clay flour has been decided on. with a few clay bodies found in California. this proportion will be maintained henceforth. Mixing clay is now also accomplished using vacuum chambers and is commonly known as "de-airing". and that the clay will withstand the high temperature firing ranges. and modeling clay. Formulas A clay body is a mixture of different clays from around the country designed to produce specific textures and colors when fired. 25. Some clays can withstand only so much heat before deteriorating. Water is added (about 25 to 28% by volume per formula) and extruded as the formula is compression-packed to eliminate air that may have entered the mixture. The rounds of plastilina are again extruded in a final blending and to remove the set. When a professional sculptor passes away. During storage they also acquire a crusty set. This ensures a good fit with certain glazes. and 50 pounds of "z". with knowledge and experience in the field. and then ready for use. his supply is greatly sought after. is only extruded once. making such formulas easy to produce. Most large extruding machines can run about four to six tons an hour through the mixing process. and is not aged. The piece is then glazed and a decorative and functional piece of pottery is the result. Most dry clay flour is packaged in 50 pound bags. Unlike plastilina this clay is made with water rather than wax and oil. water-base. and is ready for sale. air floated. the big difference lies in the ingredients. The extruded material is formed into squares of two pounds each. Tennessee. School grade plastilina is normally only wax and clay flour. or 50 pound containers and is ready for use. but are mixed with other clays to form a clay body. either private or commercial. The dry 87 . It is generally fired in a ceramic kiln at temperatures above 2. Plastilina does get better with age! clay body is mixed with water to render the material workable. Most of these clays cannot be used effectively as stand alone. The plastilina will not get this set again. The moist clay is packaged in either 5. All new formulas are tested. Ohio. and shaped before drying and firing. that holds about 1. All clay is mined from the ground.
oil-BASe & cerAMic clAyS Are MAde ways wedge the clay and make test tiles when firing or using new glazes.Appendix c: hoW SculptorS' toolS. 88 .
Since the demand for them is greater than books in any other category. and mold making and casting are very limited. Modeling Sculpture: Principles & Practices by Louis Slobodkin is a comprehensive all-around book on the basic techniques of modeling with a brief section on mold making and casting.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials APPENDIX D BOOKS B ooks on sculpture deal with the primary categories of Modeling. Books on stone carving. are a little more extensive. For creating a figure in clay. Ceramics. Stone Carving. Since the demand for books on sculpture is limited. Mold Making and Casting. Books on wood working (for example. Lucchesi is a teacher of the old school. which is normally kiln fired or can be cast when hard. many good reference books have gone out of print because publishers see little profit from them. His work is done in moist clay. the selection is greater. The books described herein are ones that I am familiar with and can recommend. but the same 89 . It is a good reference book for those who want information quickly presented in one book. cabinet making and chip carving). Books on modeling will generally cover working in both moist ceramic clay and plastilina. and Wood Carving and can usually be found in art supply stores or university and larger local libraries. on the other hand. The process of removing the piece from the armature and the firing technique are explained. You may also find that books originally printed in hard cover sometimes become available only in soft cover and at a higher price. Modeling The Figure In Clay by Bruno Lucchesi and Margit Malmstrom is an excellent publication. As such. it stands to reason that there is not a very large selection. he builds his figure from the inside (bone and muscle structure) out (through the skin and final detailing of the piece). wood carving. In addition. Mr.
It is recommended for the sculptor with a knowledge of anatomy who does not require basic build up instruction. describes how to use terra cotta clay (red clay with grog) to build small figures. One of the two available books is Mold Making. Young and Robert A. only the following two books are available specifically and exclusively on this subject. It is highly recommended for the advanced mold maker who is sculpting intricate pieces for production casting. There are. Mold Making and Casting To the best of this author's knowledge. however.Anatomy & Expressions in Clay is a comprehensive book on modeling the "portrait in clay". a professional moldmaker should be consulted. building an armature. casting in positive rubber. modeling the clay sculpture and enlarging it to any size. This book takes the reader along the steps from placing the modeling material on the armature to the modeling procedure itself. Methods for MODERN SCULPTORS. The book does not go into detail on such subjects as hollow cavity molds or silicone and polysulfide molds since they require advanced techniques and are usually beyond a beginner's capabilities. 90 . and latex molds. It is a basic primer on the principal techniques of making simple molds such as plaster waste molds. It also covers mold making and casting from life with alginate materials. but more with sculpting techniques and design. by California sculptor Ronald D. sculptor by Bruner F. It may be a little too advanced for the novice. There are many pictures and line drawings. venting. heads. A third was written and published by a man who has died. this National Sculpture Society Fellow provides step-by-step guidelines for beginning a figure or portrait study. another Bruno Lucchesi book. It does not deal with the anatomical details to the extent his other books do. plus step-by-step mold making and casting methods that are easy to follow. The book's pictures are clear and self explanatory. Fennell deals primarily with the more advanced techniques of bronze casting. His estate has prohibited further publication perhaps because of the high cost. also by Bruno Lucchesi. many books that address mold making and casting in chapter form. and busts for kiln firing. For these more intricate molds and casting. In Tuck Langland's From Clay to Bronze. The authors provide exercises in "modeling the bones and muscles of the head and shoulders" as well as providing techniques for sculpting specific features of the face. and investment. the reader learns how to create a full-size head from modeling the skull (muscle and skin structure) through finishing the piece with detailed features of the face and hair. Phillippe and Charise Faraut's Portrait Sculpting . plaster piece molds. This is an excellent book for the amateur or beginner sculptor who needs to make simple basic molds without undercuts or complexity. Its instructions can be applied to both ceramic clay and oil-base plastilina. casting the positive. finishing and mounting in gypsum materials (plaster). In Modeling The Head In Clay.Appendix d: BookS principles of instruction apply to creating an oil-base plastilina model. It contains a section on basic enlarging and bronze casting and good glossary of terms. Casting & Patina for the student Ceramics Terracotta. Barrie.
The Book of Wood Carving by Charles Marshall Sayers is a beginner's book on chip relief and form carving and plaque work. It is recommended for the basic designer rather than for the in-the-round carver. not an instructional reference. It defines the techniques required for wall and flower designs and for a few styles of inlaid work.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Stone Carving & Wood Carving Contemporary Stone Sculpture by Dona Z. It is a great "idea" book. Meilach is more of a reference book on different styles and finished pieces of sculpture than a detailed instruction book on actual carving methods. 91 . It provides a good look at the different effects and techniques that are achievable with different types of stone and styles of carving.
Modeling Tools Length 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" Weight ½ oz. ½ oz. If you'd like a current catalog. please write us at 405 Skillman Road. Skillman. there is a table for modeling tools. Please note. ½ oz.) have been or are currently used by Tool Type Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Item No. the weights and dimensions of the tools are approximations. ½ oz. you can also visit us at SculptureHouse. 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 professional and amateur sculptors. ½ oz. NJ 08558. some are not in Sculpture House's current product line. ½ oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials APPENDIX E TOOL WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS The following pages contain several tables of tool weights and dimensions. another for stone carving tools and yet another for ceramic tools. Handle Diameter ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" Handle Length 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" Left Edge ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 1/4" ½" ½" ½" Right Edge ½" ¾" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 93 . ½ oz. Inc. I've designed these tables by category to make it easier for you to find a particular tool. For example.com. Since these tools are handmade the weights and dimensions may vary somewhat. Finally. ½ oz. ½ oz. while the tools referenced below (manufactured/distributed by Sculpture House.
2 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 709 710 711 712 713 714 Length 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" Weight ½ oz. ½ oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Tool Type Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Double Wire End Tool Set Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Single Wire End Tool Set Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Item No. 1 oz. 6 oz. ½ oz. 1/4" 700AZ Set of 15 tools 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 3 ½" 3" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 4" 3" 3 ½" 4" 4" 3" 3 ½" 5/16" ½" 5/16" ½" ¾" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 9/16" 1" ¾" ¾" 1" 9/16" 1" 1 ½" ½" ½" 1 ½" 1" 750AZ Set of 12 tools 269 283 294 295 296 297 298 299 10" 8" 11" 11" 8 ½" 8" 9" 9 ½" ¾" ½" ¾" 7/16" ½" ½" ½" ½" 5" 4 ½" 5" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" 4 ½" 4 ½" 1 1/4" 1/4" 1 1/4" 1 1/4" 9/16" 1/4" 9/16" 5/8" 1 1/4" ½" 1 1/4" 1 1/4" 9/16" 7/16" ½" ½" 94 . 1 ¾ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 7 3/10 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 3 10 / Handle Diameter ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" Handle Length 5 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 3 ¾" 4 ½" 5 ½" Left Edge 1/4" ½" ½" ½" ½" round Right Edge 1/4" 1/4" ½" point point oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz.
11 ¼ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 6 ¾ oz. 1 ½ oz. 311 Length 10" Weight 1 ½ oz. 294AZ Set of 9 tools 204 206 207 208 220 240 242 243 244 10 ½" 9" 8" 10" 9" 7" 8" 8" 6" ¾" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 5/16" 1/4" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" 5" 2" 1" ¾" ½" ¾" 9/16" ½" ¾" 1 ½" ½" 1 ½" 1" ½" ¾" 9/16" 1/4" 1 1/4" 1" 2" 204AZ Set of 9 tools 203 215 216 217 219 404A 405A 8 ½" 8" 8" 8" 9" 8 ½" 7 ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 7/16" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 2 ½" 3" ½" ½" 7/16" 7/16" 9/16" 1/4" ½" 5/16" ½" 1/4" 3/8" 9/16" 2 ½" 3" 405AZ Set of 7 tools 205 212 213 214 221 222 9" 9" 9" 9" 9" 9" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 9/16" ¾" ¾" 1" /8" ¾" ½" 5/8" 5/8" ½" 5/8" 5/8" 221AZ Set of 6 tools 209 11" ¾" 4 ½" 1 1/4" 1" 95 . ½ oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter ¾" Handle Length 4 ½" Left Edge 5/8" Right Edge ½" Tool Type Modeling Tool Tool Set Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Tool Set Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Tool Set Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Tool Set Modeling Tool Item No. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 4 ½ oz. ½ oz. 6 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz.
½ oz. 218AZ Set of 8 tools 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 241 12" 8" 14" 11 ½" 10" 8" 8" 8" 6" 6" 1" ½" ½" 1" ½" 5/16" ¾" ½" ½" 5/16" 6" 4" 5" 6" 4 ½" 4" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" 2" 2 ¾" 1 ½" 3" 2 ½" 1 1/4" 9/16" 1 1/4" 5/8" 1" 2" N/A 1 ¾" 5" 2 ½" 2 ½" 1 1/4" 2" 1 1/4" 1" 1 ¾" 231AZ Set of 10 tools 258 259 280 284 7 ½" 7 ½" 8" 7 ½" ½" ¾" ¾" 1" 6" 4 ½" 3" 2" 9/16" 2" 2" 2" 1" 2" 2" 2 ½" 280AZ Set of 4 tools 265 266 267 268 7 ½" 7 ½" 8" 8" 7/16" ½" ½" ½" 4" 4 ½" 4" 4 ½" 5/8" 7/8" 1" 1 ½" 1 1/4" 1 ½" 1 1/4" 1 ½" 96 . ½ oz. 3 oz. 13 oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Handle Diameter ¾" ¾" ½" ¾" ½" ½" 7/16" Handle Length 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" 4 ½" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" Left Edge 1 1/4" 1 ½" ¾" 1" 1 ¾" 1 1/4" ¾" Right Edge 1" 1 ¾" 9/16" ¾" 4 ½" 4" 4" Tool Type Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Tool Set Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Modeling Tool Tool Set Custom Made Tool Custom Made Tool Custom Made Tool Custom Made Tool Tool Set Handcrafted Tool Handcrafted Tool Handcrafted Tool Handcrafted Tool Item No. 11 oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 2 oz. ½ oz. 210 211 218 219A 401A 402A 403A Length 11" 11" 9" 10" 13" 11" 10" Weight 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 3 ½ oz.
1/4 oz. 2 ½ gr. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 2 gr. 2 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1/4 oz. 265AZ Set of 4 tools 260 261 262 263 264 6 ½" 6 ½" 6 ½" 6 ½" 6 ½" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 4 ½" 3 ½" 4" 3" 3 ½" ½" 7/16" point ½" 7/16" ½" 1" 5/16" 1" 1/4" 264AZ Set of 5 tools 234 278 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 11 ½" 11" 9 ½" 10 ½" 10 ½" 10 ½" 11 ½" 11 ½" 11 ½" 11" 10 ½" 1" ¾" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 1" 1" ¾" 1" 6" 4" 6" 5" 5 ½" 5 ½" 4" 6" 7" 6" 6" 2" 1" 1/4" ½" 1 ½" 1 ½" 1" 2" 2" 1 1/4" 1 1/4" 2 ½" 1 1/4" ½" ½" 9/16" 1 1/4" 1 1/4" 2 ½" 2" 1 ½" 1" 290AZ Set of 11 tools 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 6" 6" 6" 6" 6 ½" 6 ½" 6 ½" 6 1/4" 8" 3/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 5" 4" 4 ½" 4" 4" 3 ½" 4" 3" 4 ½" 3/16" ½" 1/8" 1/4" 1" 1 ½" 7/8" 3/8" 7/8" 3/16" 1/8" 2/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 97 . 1 ¼ oz. 2 gr. 2 gr. 1 oz. 1/4 oz. 2 gr. 1/4 oz. 1 ½ oz. 3 gr. Length Weight 2 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. 2 gr. 1 oz. 2 gr.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter Handle Length Left Edge Right Edge Tool Type Tool Set Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Tool Set Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Polished Hardwood Tool Tool Set Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Item No. 1/4 oz. 1 ½ oz. 14 ½ oz. 2 ½ gr.
2 gr. 400AZ Set of 12 tools 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 7 ½" 6 ½" 8" 8" 6" 6" 6 ½" 6" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 5" 4 ½" 5 ½" 5 ½" 4" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" ½" ½" 7/16" 9/16" 7/16" ½" ½" ½" 1/4" 5/16" ½" ½" 1/4" 1/4" ½" 7/16" 6AZ Set of 8 tools 245A 245B 245C 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" ½" ½" ½" 4" 4" 4" point ¾" ¾" 9/16" 1" 1" 245 AZ Set of 3 tools 246A 246B 246C 246D 6" 6" 6" 6" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 8 gr. 2 gr. 1 oz. 409 410 411 Length 8" 6" 6" Weight 3 gr. 2 gr. 1 oz. 2 ½ oz. 1 oz. 2 gr. 2 gr. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½" ½" ½" 4" 5" 5" 5" point 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3/8" 246 AZ Set of 4 tools 100 100A 100B 7" 6 ½" 5 ½" 3" 3" 3" ¾" ½" ½" 1" ½" 5/16" 100AZ Set of 3 tools 608 609 6" 6" 3/8" 3/8" 5 ¾" 5 ¾" 1/4" 3/16" 1/4" 1/8" 98 . 1 oz. 1 oz. 6" 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 27 gr.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Handle Diameter 1/4" 1/4" ½" Handle Length 4 ½" 2" 4" Left Edge 7/16" 2" ¾" Right Edge 1/4" 3/16" 1/4" Tool Type Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Duron Modeling Tool Tool Set School Tool School Tool School Tool School Tool School Tool School Tool School Tool School Tool Tool Set Clean Up Tool Clean Up Tool Clean Up Tool Tool Set Tulon Tulon Tulon Tulon Tool Set Ceramic Series Tool Ceramic Series Tool Ceramic Series Tool Tool Set Thin Line Tool Thin Line Tool Item No. 1 oz. 1 oz. 3 oz. 2 gr. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 8 oz.
1/4 oz. 610 611 612 Length 6" 6" 6" Weight 1 oz. 1/4 oz. 5 oz. 1/4 oz. 1 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 608AZ Set of 5 tools 1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A 7A 8A 9A 10A 11A 12A 13A 14A 15A 16A 17A 18A 19A 20A 21A 22A 23A 24A 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" 3/8" 1/4" 5/16" ½" 5/16" 1/4" 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" N/A" N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9/16" ½" ¾" 2 ½" ½" ¾" 1" 2" ¾" ½" ½" point ¾" 1 ½" 1 ½" ½" 9/16" 1" ¾" 1" ½" ½" 1" 1" point ¾" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" 2" 5/16" ½" 1 ½" ½" 1/4" 2" 1" point ½" 1/4" ½" 1" ½" 1 ½" 1" 1" ¾" 1 ¾" ¾" 1 ½" 2 ½" 99 . 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter 3/8" 3/8" 3/8" Handle Length 5 ¾" 5 ¾" 5 ¾" Left Edge 3/16" 3/16" Right Edge 5/16" 1/4" Tool Type Thin Line Tool Thin Line Tool Thin Line Tool Tool Set Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Item No.
½ oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Handle Length N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Left Edge 1" ½" ½" 1" 2" 1" 1" ½" 1 1/4" ½" 1" 1" 2" 9/16" Right Edge 1 ½" 1" 1" 1" 1 ½" ¾" 1 ½" ½" 1" 1" 1 ½" 1 ½" ½" 1 ½" Tool Type Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Tool Set Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Item No. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 9 ½ oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. 25A 26A 27A 28A 29A 30A 31A 32A 33A 34A 35A 36A 37A 38A Length 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" Weight 1/4 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. Diameter 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" 1/4" 1/4" 5/8" 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" ½" 38AZ6 Set of 38 tools 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B 6B 7B 8B 9B 10B 11B 12B 13B 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" ½" 5/8" ½" ½" ½" ½" 5/16" 5/16" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5/8" 5/8" 1" 2 ¾" 3" 1" 1" 2 ¾" 1" ¾" 1 1/4" point 1" 2" ½" 5/16" 1/4" 1 ½" 1" ½" 1 ½" 1 ½" 1/4" 2 ½" 1 1/8"point ¾" 1/4" 100 . ½ oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz. ½ oz. 1/4 oz.
½ oz. ½ oz. 3 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 38AZ8 Set of 38 tools MSAZ Set of 12 tools (6") 101 . ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 14B 15B 16B 17B 18B 19B 20B 21B 22B 23B 24B 25B 26B 27B 28B 29B 30B 31B 32B 33B 34B 35B 36B 37B 38B Length 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" Weight ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter ½" 1/4" ½" ½" ½" ½" 1/4" ½" ½" 1/4" ½" ½" ½" 5/16" 5/16" 5/16" ½" ½" 5/16" 5/16" ½" 5/16" ½" 1/4" 5/8" Handle Length N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Left Edge ¾" 5/8" ¾" 1 ½" 1" 3" ¾" 1" 1" 1" point 1" 1 ¾" ¾" ¾" 1 ½" 2 ½" 2" 1 ½" 11/16" 1 ½" ¾" 2" 1 1/4' 2" ¾" Right Edge ½" 1" ¾" 2" 1" 1 ½" ½" 3" 1" 1 ½" 3" 1 ½" 1 ½" 1 ½" 1 ½" 1 ¾" 1" 2" ½" 1" 1 ½" 1 ½" 2" ½" 1 ½" Tool Type Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Acacia Wood Tool Tool Set Mini Acacia Wood Set Item No. ½ oz. ½ oz. 19 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz.
Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS
Modeling Accessories
Tool Type Aluminum Caliper Aluminum Caliper Aluminum Caliper Aluminum Caliper Proportional Caliper Proportional Caliper Proportional Caliper Item No. 3C12 C-12 C-8 C-6 PC18 PC30 PC42 Inside/Outside 12" 12" 8" 6" 18" 30" 42" Weight 2.6 oz. 2 ½ oz. 1.3 oz. 1 oz. 8.3 oz. 11.3 oz. 1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Tool Type Flexible Steel Palette . Flexible Steel Palette Flexible Steel Palette Flexible Steel Palette Flexible Steel Palette Tool Set Finishing Rubber, Medium . Finishing Rubber, Large . Tool Set
Item No. P4 P5 P5A P6 P7 P4AZ Set of 5 tools P8 P8A P8AZ Set of 2 tools
Length X Width 2" x 3" 2" x 4" 2" x 4" 2" x 4" 2" x 4"
Weight .1 oz. .2 oz. .2 oz. .2 oz. .2 oz. .9 oz.
3 ½" x 1 ¾" 4 ½" x 2 1/4"
.4 oz. .9 oz. .5 oz.
Tool Type Almaloy Armature Wire Almaloy Armature Wire Almaloy Armature Wire Almaloy Armature Wire Almaloy Armature Wire
Item No. 907A 907B 907C 907D 907E
Length 32' 20' 10' 10' 10'
Weight 1.9 oz. 2.3 oz. 5.3 oz. 8.8 oz. 1 lb. 5.7 oz.
1/8" 3/16" 1/4" 3/8"
A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials
WAx Tools
Tool Type Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Wax Tool Tool Set Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Minarette Tool Set Item No. 153 154 155 156 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 Length 5 ½" 6" 7 ½" 6 ½" 5 1/4" 5 1/4" 8" 6 ½" 6 ½" 7" 6" 7" 7 ½" Weight 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 14 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 6 oz. 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 5" 4 ½" 3" 4" 4" 4" 4" 3/16" 3 ½" 11/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/8" 1/4" 3/8" 1/8" 1/8" 3/8" ¾" 3/16" 3/16" 1/8" 1/4" 3/8" 1/8" 1/4" 1/16" Handle Diameter 1/8" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3/8" 3/8" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4"
Handle Length 4" 4" 5" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 4" 4" 4" 3" 3 ½" 3 ½"
Left Edge 7/16" 7/16" 1 ½" 1 ¾" 3/8" ¾" 1/4" 3/8" 7/16" 7/16" 1/8" 5/16" 2"
Right Edge 1/4"
58 /
1" ½" 3/8" 1/8" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" ½" 5/16" 3/16" 1"
3/16" 1/4"
150 AZ Set of 13 tools 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 7" 6 ½" 6" 6 ½" 6 ½" 6" 6" 6 ½" 6"
OAZ Set of 9 tools
Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS
sTeel Tools
Tool Type Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Steel Plaster Tool Tool Set Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Large Handmade Tool Tool Set Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Item No. 62 63 64 69 70 71 73 74 75 Length 7 1/4" 8 1/4" 9 1/4" 7" 7" 10" 7 ½" 7 ½" 9 ¾" Weight 1 oz. 1 oz. 2 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 11 oz. 2 ½ oz. 2 oz. 2 oz. 3 oz. 2 oz. 2 ½ oz. 3 oz. 17 oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 1/4" 4 ½" 5" 4 ½" 4" 4" 4 ½" 3" 4" 4" 1/4" point 1/4" point 3/8" point 3/16" 1" 3/8" point 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" point 5/16" 1/4" 3/8" 3/16" 1" 3/8" point 3/16" 3/8" ½" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" 4" 3 ½" 3" 4" 4" 4" 3 ½" 2 1/4" 2 1/4" 2 ½" 3 ½" 1" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3" 3" 3½" 1" 3 ½" 3¾" Handle Diameter 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" Handle Length 3" 2 ½" 3 1/4" 3" 3 ½" 3" 2 ½" 2 ½" 3" Left Edge 1 ¾" 2" 2 ½" 1 ¾" 1 ½" 2 ½" 2" ½" ½" Right Edge 1 ¾" 2 ½" 3" 2 1/4" 2" 2 ½" 1/4" 1 ¾" 2 ½"
64AZ Set of 9 tools 38 39 43 45 46 76 77 10 ½" 10" 10" 12" 7" 13" 12 ¾"
46AZ Set of 7 tools 32 33 34 36 37 40 41 42 48 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7"
2 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 2 oz. Right Edge ½" ½" 1 ½" 1 ½" 3/8" " 50AZ Set of 14 tools 44 51 53 56 57 58 59 61 65 85 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 3 ½" 3" 3" 3" 3 ½" 3" 4" 3 ½" 3" 3 ½" 1 ¾" ½" 1 ¾" 2" ½" 2" ½" ½" ½" 1/4" 1 ¾" 2" point 1 ¾" 2" point 5/16" 2 1/4" 5/16" ½" 1 ¾" point 5/16" 85AZ Set of 10 tools 81 82 170 172 174 179 184 186 187 188 7 ½" 9" 6 ½" 10" 11" 9" 9" 8 ½" 10" 11" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3" 4" 4" 3 ½" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3" 4" 4" 2" 1" 5 16 / 11/4" 1" " 1/4" 1/4" 3" 2 1/4" ¾" 2 ½" 2 ½" 3" 1" 1" 2 ½" 3" 2 ½" 3" 3 ½" 188AZ Set of 10 tools 105 . 2 ½ oz. 50 52 60 68 86 Length 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" Weight ½ oz. 2 ½ oz. 8 oz. 3 oz. 20 ½ oz. 1 oz. 9 ½ oz. 1 oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 3 ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter 3/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" Handle Length 5" 3 ½" 4" 3" 3" Left Edge 1/4" 5/16" 1/4" point ½" 18 / Tool Type Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Tool Set Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Fine Steel Tool Tool Set Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Professional Steel Tool Tool Set Item No. 2 oz. ½ oz. 1 oz.
1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 Length 10" 9" 8" 9" 9" 9" 7" 9" Weight 1 1/2 oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. Handle Diameter ½" ¾" ¾" Handle Length 3" 3 ½" 4 ½" Left Edge 2" flat 2" flat 3" flat Right Edge 1¾" round 2" round 3" round 91AZ Set of 3 tools 106 . 2AZ Set of 8 tools 83 84 87 88 89 94 95 96 97 98 7" 8" 6 ½" 7" 6 ½" 8" 8" 8" 6 ½" 6 ½" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 3/16" 1/4" 4" 4" 4" 4" 3" 3 ½" 3" 3 ½" 4" 4" 7/16" 1/4" 5/16" 3/16" 5/16" ½" ¾" ¾" 1/4" 5/16" ½" 5/16" ½" 1/4" ½" 5/8" 1" ½" 5/16" 3/8" 83AZ Set of 10 tools PlAsTer Tools Tool Type Plaster Rasp Plaster Rasp Plaster Rasp Tool Set Item No. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 2 ½ oz. 5 oz. 2 oz. 91 92 93 Length 6 ½" 7 ½" 9" Weight 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 oz. 2 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 2 oz. 8 ½ oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 15 ½ oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Handle Diameter ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" ½" Handle Length 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4 ½" Left Edge 1 1/4" 1" ¾" 2" 7/16" 1/4" 1/4" square 1" Right Edge 1" ¾" ½" 2" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" round 5/8" Tool Type Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Cutting & Scraping Tool Tool Set Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Plaster Carving Chisel Tool Set Item No.
107 . 14 oz. long bent. 5 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. H14 H15 H49 H50 H51 H50L H49L OS Length 9" 9" 5" 5 1/4" 5 ¾" 5 1/4" 5" 6" Weight 12 oz. 18 oz. Each have cutting edges ranging from 1/8" to 1". ¾ oz. there are 7 major types of wood carving tools: straight chisel. and straight parting. 12 oz. 2. Tool Type One-Piece Wood Mallet One-Piece Wood Mallet Octagon Handle Octagon Handle Octagon Handle Leather-Tipped Handle Leather-Tipped Handle Oversized Handle Item No. 90A 90B 90C 90D MM4 MM5 MM6 Length 7 ½" 6" 7" 6" 4" blade 1 ¾" wide 6" blade Weight 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 2 oz. straight gouge . Wood cArving Tools In addition to the tools listed below. 3 ½ oz. 3 1/4 oz. 2 oz. Handle Length 12" 12" 12" 13" Left Edge 1 ¾" flat flat 3" Diameter 2 ½" 3 ½" 1 1/4" 1" 7/8" 1" 1 ¾" 1 ¾" Right Edge 1 ¾" 1½" 1 ¾" 2 ¾" Tool Type Wood Carver's Adz Wood Carver's Adz Wood Carver's Adz Wood Carver's Adz Item No. 7 oz. fish tail. 14 oz. 133 134 135 137 Length 14" 13" 14" 14" Weight 14 oz.3 oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter ½" ½" 3 1/4" ½" 1" 1" 1" Handle Length 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 4 ½" 5" 5" Left Edge 1 ½" round 1 ½" round 1 ½" curved 1" curved 4" 1 ¾" 6" Right Edge N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Tool Type Plaster Scraper Plaster Scraper Plaster Scraper Plaster Scraper Mold Makers Knife Plaster Carving Chisel Mold Makers Knife Item No. 1 oz. short bent. 1 ¾ oz. straight skew.
1 ½ oz. 7 ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 4 oz. 3 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. Weight 1 ½ oz. 4 oz. 1 ½ oz. 9 oz. Handle Length N/A 4" Handle Length 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" 3 ½" Left Edge N/A 3 ½" Left Edge 1/4"v 5/16"u 5/16"u ½"\ 5/16"u 3/8"- Right Edge N/A 2 ¾" Right Edge N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Handle Diameter ¾" ¾" ¾" ¾" ¾" ¾" K1 Set of 6 tools WL5 WL4 WL1 WL3 WL2 5" 5" 5" 5" 5" 1" 1" 1" 1" 1" 2" 2" 2" 2" 2" 3/8"1/4"u ½"\ 1/4"u 1/4"v N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A K7 Set of 5 tools K111 K112 K117 7" 7 ½" 7" ¾" ¾" ¾" 4 ¾" 5 ½" 4 ¾" ¾" 1 1/4" 1" N/A N/A N/A K111AZ Set of 3 tools rAsPs Tool Type Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Item No. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Cutting Edge 9 ½" blade 3" blade Tool Type Draw Knife Hook Knife Tool Type Straight Chisel Skew Parting Tool Straight Gouge Short Bent Gouge Long Bent Gouge Tool Set Straight Chisel Skew Parting Chisel Straight Gouge Short Bent Gouge Tool Set Carving Knife Carving Knife Carving Knife Tool Set Item No. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. DK9 HK4 Item No. 1 ½ oz. R20 R21 R23 Length 11 ½" 12" 11 ½" Weight 3 ½ oz. WC6 WC5 WC4 WC1 WC2 WC3 Length 15" 7½" Length 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" Weight 13 oz. Handle Diameter 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" Handle Length 6" 6" 6" Left Edge 2 ¾" 2 ¾" 3" point Right Edge 3" point 3" point 2 ½" point 108 . 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz.
½" 1/4" . 1 ½ oz. 2 oz. 5 oz. 2 oz.Half Round Coarse Rasp . 7 ½ oz. 8 oz. 1 ½ oz. 6 oz. R24 R25 R26 R27 R28 R29 Length 10" 10" 10" 8" 8" 8" Weight 2 oz. 1 ¾ oz.2 oz. 1 lb. 6. 7 oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz.Half Round Coarse Rasp . RC6H RC8H R10H R12H Length 10 ½" 14" 16" 18" Weight 4.4 oz.Half Round Coarse Rasp .Half Round Knife Rasp Knife Rasp Round Rasp Round Rasp Item No.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handle Diameter 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 3/16" Handle Length 4 ½" 5" 5" 3 ½" 4" 4" Left Edge 2 1/4" point 2" 2 ½" point 2 ½" 2" point 1 ¾" Right Edge 2 ½" point 2 ½" point 2" point 2" point 2" point 1 ¾" Tool Type Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Italian Rasp Tool Set Steel Rasp Steel Rasp Steel Rasp Steel Rasp Steel Rasp Combination Rasp Combination Rasp Coarse Rasp . 10"half round 10" flat 12" half round 12" flat 109 .½" 1" 1" Handle Diameter 1" 1 1/4" 1 ½" 1 ½" 4" 3 ½" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 8" 10" 4 ½" 4 ½" 4" 6" 5" 7" 4 ½" 4 ½" Handle Length 4 1/4" 5 ½" 5 ½" 6" 2" 2" point 1 ¾" point 2 ½" point 2" round 3" half round 4" half round 6" half round 8" half round 1½" 2" point 1 ½" 2" point 2" flat 3"half round 4" half round 6" flat 8" flat 10" half round 10" flat 12"half round 12" flat 2 ½" round 2 ¾" round N/A N/A Left Edge 6" half round 8" half round 3" flat 4" flat 6" round 8" round Right Edge 6" flat 8" flat Tool Type Cabinet Rasp Cabinet Rasp Cabinet Rasp Cabinet Rasp Item No.1 oz. 10. 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" N/A N/A ¾" ¾" 1" 1" 1/4" . 1 ½ oz.8 oz. 1 ½ oz. 8. 1 ½ oz. 4 oz. 1 ½ oz. R30AZ Set of 9 tools R31 R32 R33 R35 R36 WR1 WR2 HR6H HR8H HR10H HR12H RK6 RK8 RR6 RR8 8" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" 8" 10" 12" 13" 16" 18" 6" 8" 11" 13" 1 ½ oz. 1 lb.
Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS
Handle Diameter 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" Handle Length 4" 4" 4" 4" 4" 4" 4" Left Edge 1/4" point ¾" ¾" point ¾" point 1 1/4" point ¾" point ¾" point Right Edge 1/4" point 1/4" ¾" point 1 1/4" point ¾" point ¾" curve 1" point
Tool Type Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Miniature Steel Rasp Tool Set Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Fine Cut Hand Rasp Tool Set Rasp Brush
Item No. R49 R54 R55 R66 R67 R72 R78
Length 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6"
Weight ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 3½ ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. 1 ½ oz. ½ oz. ½ oz. 17 ½ oz. 3 oz.
R49AZ Set of 7 tools R183 R184 R185 R186 R187 R188 R189 R190 R191 R192 R193 R194 R195 R196 R197 6" 6" 6" 7" 7" 7" 7" 10" 10" 7" 8" 9" 8" 6" 6"
3/16" 3/16" 3/16" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4"
3 16 / 3 16 /
3 ½" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½" 4 ½" 3" 3 ½" 4" 4" 4" 3 ½" 3 ½"
1" point ¾" point 1" point 1 ½" point 9/16" wide 1 ½" long 2" 1 ½" point 1 ¾" long 1 ¾" round 2" curve 2" 1 ¾" round 1" knife 1" curve
1" point 1" curve 1 1/4" point 1 ½" flat 2" point 1 ½" point 1¾" 1 ½" knife 1 ¾" point 2" long 2" flat 2" point 1 ¾" point 1 1/4" point 1 1/4" point
" "
R97AZ Set of 15 tools FS1 8"
A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials
sTone cArving Tools
Tool Type Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Chisel Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Mini Stone Tool Item No. SC1 SC2 SC3 SC4 SC5 SC6 SC7 SC8 SC9 SC10 SC11 SC12 SC13 SC14 SC15 M1 M2 M3 M4 M8 M9 M12 M13 M14 M15 Length 8" 8" 8" 8" 8 ½" 7 ½" 8" 8 1/4" 8 ½" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8 ¾" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" Weight 4 oz.. 7 oz.. 7 oz.. 7 oz.. 7 oz.. 3 oz.. 3 oz.. 3 oz.. 3 oz.. 4 oz.. 4 oz.. 2 oz.. 4 oz.. 4 oz.. 1 oz.. 2 oz.. 2 oz.. 2 oz.. 3 oz.. 2 oz.. 2 oz.. 2 oz.. 3 oz.. 2 oz.. 2 oz.. Handle Diameter 5/16" ½" ½" ½" ½" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4"
58 / 58 /
Handle Length 7" 7" 6" 6" 8" 7" 7 ½" 8" 8" 7" 7" 7" 7" 7" 6 ½" 7" 7" 7" 7" 8" 7" 7" " " "
Cutting Edge ¾" 1" 1 1/4" 1 1/4" ½"
3/8" point 1/4" point 1/4" point ½" ½" ½"
" "
1/4" 5/8" 5/8" ½" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 1/4" 5/8"
Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS
Length of Head Handle Length 10 ¾" 10 1/4" 10" 10" 9 ¾" Left Face 1" x 1" ¾" x ¾" ½" x ½" ¾" point ½" point Right Face 1" x 1" ¾" x ¾" ½" x ½" ¾" x ¾" ½" x ½"
Tool Type Bush Hammer Bush Hammer Bush Hammer Bush & Pick Bush & Pick
Item No. H1 H2 H8 H3 H9
Length 12" 11" 10 ½" 11" 10 1/4"
1 lb. 8.2 oz. 4 ¾" 15.3 oz. 8.5 oz. 14.3 oz. 7.9 oz. 4 ¾" 4 ¾" 6" 5 ½"
Tool Type Frosting Tool Frosting Tool Frosting Tool Hammer Hammer Hammer
Item No. H5 H6 H7 H16H H17 H20
Length 8" 8" 8" 7 1/4" 8 ¾" 8 ¾"
Handle Diameter
Handle Length 8" 8" 8" 6 ½" 7 ½" 7 ½" Handpiece Diameter 1/4" 3"
Cutting Face 3/8" x 3/8" ¾" x ¾" ½" x ½" 1" x 1" 1 ½" x 1 ½" 1 ¾" x 1 ¾" Handle Length N/A N/A
1 lb. 3.5 oz. 3/8" square 8.5 oz. 4.8 oz. 1 lb. 1 ½ lbs. 2 ½ lbs. ¾" square ½" square 1" 1 1/4" 1 1/4"
Tool Type Pneumatic Handpiece Pneumatic Handpiece Pneumatic Wood Carving Tool Set
Item No. PHP3 PHP4 PWC5
Length 6 ½" 6 ½" 2 lbs. 9.3 oz.
Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 9 oz.
Tool Type Pneumatic Hand Tool Pneumatic Hand Tool Pneumatic Hand Tool Pneumatic Hand Tool Pneumatic Hand Tool Pneumatic Tool ½" Shank Pneumatic Tool ½" Shank Pneumatic Tool ½" Shank
Item No. WCP1 WCP2 WCP3 WCP4 WCP5 PSC15 PSC14 PSC13
Length 8 1/4" 8 1/4" 8 ½" 8 1/4" 8 ¾" 8 1/4" 8 1/4" 8 1/4"
Weight 9.3 oz. 9.5 oz. 9.5 oz. 9.4 oz. 9.2 oz. 9.8 oz. 9.9 oz. 9.1 oz.
Handpiece Diameter ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank
Cutting Edge 1 3/8" 1 1/8" 1 1/4" ¾" 1" 1 1/4" chisel 1" chisel ½" chisel
PSC6 PSC1 PCT150C Length 8 ¾" 8 1/4" 8" Weight 10. 10. 2 oz.1 oz. 2 oz. 1 oz. 3 oz. 1 ½ oz. Handle Diameter 1" 1" 1" 1" 1" 2" wide 2 ¾" wide 1 ½" 11 16 / Handle Length 4" 4" 4" 4" 4" N/A N/A 8" 10" 10" 3" 4 ½" 3 ½" 6 ½" N/A Left Edge 1 ½" pear 1 ½" triangle 1" circle 1" oval 1 ½" triangle N/A N/A 3" x 1 ½" 2" x 1 1/4" 3" x 1½" N/A 4 ½" 2 1/4" 1 1/4" point 4" Right Edge N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4" straight 5 1/4" butter knife " N/A N/A N/A 2" 3 ¾" 2" teeth 4" ¾" 3/8" 2" flat 2 1/4" flat 1" flat 3 ½" wide 113 .2 oz. 3 ½ oz. ½ oz. 2 oz. 9. ½ oz. Handpiece Diameter ½" shank ½" shank Cutting Edge ½" tooth chisel ½" point chisel cerAMic Tools Tool Type Loop Tool Loop Tool Loop Tool Loop Tool Loop Tool Potters Rib Potters Rib Modeling Rib Throwing Stick Throwing Stick Toggle Clay Cutter Wooden Potters Rib Wooden Potters Rib Wooden Potters Rib Wooden Potters Rib Item No. ½ oz.5 oz. 1 oz. 1 ½ oz. ½" flat chisel Tool Type Carbide Tip Pneumatic Tools ½" Shank Carbide Tip Pneumatic Tools ½" Shank Item No. 1 oz.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Handpiece Diameter ½" shank ½" shank ½" shank Cutting Edge ½" ¾" point tooth Tool Type Pneumatic Tool ½" Shank Pneumatic Tool ½" Shank Carbide Tip Pneumatic Tools ½" Shank Item No. PC1 PC4 PC6 PC8 PC9 121 122 123 126 127 577 116 117 118 119 Length 5 1/4" 5 ½" 5 ½" 6" 6" 4" 5 ½" 11 ½" 12 ½" 13" 19" wire 4 ½" 4" 7 ½" 4" Weight 2 oz.9 oz. 2 oz. PCT153A PCT151C Length 8 1/4" 8 1/4" Weight 10 oz. 9.
120 Length 4 ½" Weight ½ oz. Handle Diameter 4" 4" 4" 4" 4" Cutting Edge 4" blade 4" blade 4" blade 6" blade 8" blade 114 .7 oz. 246 247A 247B 247C 247D Length 8" notch 8" 8" 10" 12" Weight 1.5 oz. Tool Type Sponge Sponge Sponge Item No. 1. 1. SP2 SP3 SP4 Length 2 ¾" 3 ¾" 4 ½" Tool Type Fettling Knife Fettling Knife Fettling Knife Fettling Knife Fettling Knife Item No.3 oz.3 oz.3 oz.Appendix e: tool WeiGhtS & diMenSionS Handle Diameter 1 ½" wide Handle Length 4" Left Edge 1¾" Right Edge N/A Tool Type Wooden Potters Rib Item No. 1. 1.
. 10 lbs. 25 lbs. 5 lbs. FA-5 18" Figure 20 lbs. 25 lbs. 10 lbs. 4 gal. 2 lbs. AA-8 8" Animal 8 lbs. 1 qt. 40 lbs. 10 lbs. ANIMAL 3 lbs. 8 lbs. 2 qts. 1 gal. Apply amounts below in footnote nos. 25 lbs. HA-3 15" (5/8 Life) Head 30 lbs. 50 lbs. materials. 1 gal.. 100 lbs. 2 gal. 20 lbs. 8 qts. 2 qts. 14 lbs. 115 FREE FORM Use formula: L x W x H. 40 lbs. 2 qts. 10 lbs. 1 lb. FA-30 30" Figure 60 lbs. 3 gal. 2. 30 lbs. 1 gal. 5. 2 gal. 2 gal. 2. AA-6 6" Animal 3 lbs. 1 lb. 1 pt. 2 qts. 0 25 lbs. and 4 as appropriate. 0 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 HA-2 13" (½ Life) Head 25 lbs. 2 lbs. 25 lbs. FIGURE 8 lbs. 60 lbs. 2 gal. 4 gal. 0 0 0 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1 qt. 1 qt. HA-4 20" (Life Size) Head-Bust 35 lbs. 4. One gallon of water weighs 8 lbs. 2 qts. 2 lbs. 1 lb. one gallon of rubber weighs 9 lbs. 1 lb. 3. 2 gal. 2 qts. 3 qts. 2 qts. 15 lbs.APPENDIX MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS USAGE CHART Moist Clay Per lb. 2 lbs. 4 qts. FA-3 12" Figure 12 lbs. 5 lbs. 4 qts. 3 qts. 20 lbs. one gallon of casting filler weighs 11 lbs. 10 lbs. 2 qts. 2 lbs. 10 lbs. 1 pt. 1 lb. All figures and measurements are based on Sculpture House Inc. 2 gal. 2 gals.. 25 lbs. 1 qt. 1 gal. 2 qts. one cubic inch of moist clay weighs 1 oz. 1 pt. To calculate cubic inches . 1 qt. 1 qt.. 0 0 0 0 0 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1 qt.take height times length times width: H x L x W = cu. One cubic inch of plastilina weighs one oz. 50 lbs. .. 5 lbs. 10 lbs. FA-1 6" Figure 8 lbs. 50 lbs. 1 qt. 75 lbs. 25 lbs. in. 5 lbs. 15 lbs. 0 2-1 2-1 15 lbs. 2 gal. 10 lbs. 3 gal. 10 lbs. 15 lbs. 25 lbs. 25 lbs. 75 lbs. 2 gal. 1. 20 lbs. 1 qt. HEAD & BUST 25 lbs. 10 lbs. 3 lbs. 1 qt. 3. Plaster powder to water ratio will be approximately two pounds of plaster to one pint of water (H20).. 1 pt. 100 lbs. 1 gal. 8 gal. 1 gal. Plaster Powder for Mold Plaster • Water Plaster Powder for Cast Plaster • Water Latex Rubber Paste Maker Casting Rubber Casting Fillers Soft • Medium • Hard White Rubber Vatican Art Casting Stone Moulage F Model and Size Plastilina Per lb. 5 lbs. 10 lbs. 12 lbs. 35 lbs. 3 qts. 2 qts. 2 gals. FA-4 15" Figure 15 lbs. 1 qt. AA-10 10" Animal 14 lbs. 1 gal. 20 lbs. all weights are approximate to the ounce. 2 qts. 2 lbs. 25 lbs. 15 lbs. 1 lb. 1 gal.
.................... 5 pounds = 100 cubic inches Gallon Water ............................... 1 pound = 16 cubic inches Plaster Powder ........1 gallon = 9 pounds Gallon Casting Filler ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 pounds = 100 cubic inches Vatican Art Casting Stone ..............................................................................mold or casting ............ 1 pound = 16 cubic inches Plastilina ........................ 1 pound = 10 cubic inches Moist Clay ............................................. 1 pound = 15 cubic inches PosMoulage .................................................................................................1 gallon = 11 pounds MeAsures 16 ounces = 1 pint 4 quarts = 1 gallon 117 .....................1 gallon = 8 pounds Gallon Rubber ......................................................................................................................A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials APPENDIX G EQUIVALENCY CHART Weights Materials Weight Equivalency Mold Rubber .................................................................. 1 quart = 30 cubic inches Moulage ................................................................................................ 1 quart = 30 cubic inches Casting Rubber .................. 5 pounds = 150 cubic inches Hydrocal Powder ............................. 5 pounds = 130 cubic inches Hydrostone Powder .......................................................................................................................................
Alkali . Italy.A process that eliminates foreign particles from a clay body making it pure or refined. Acid Bath . The higher the number the finer the grit. water-soluble. Adz . and the Northwest United States. Albany Slip .Type of double-sided swing tool used to reduce large geometric areas from logs. Different component parts will result in different types of bronze.Increases speed of a chemical change.Colorless flammable liquid used as a thinning agent or solvent. Alloy .g. translucent. flammable liquid. Accelerator .A derivative of marine algae used in mold making and casting. Alcohol Lamp .A thermoplastic resin. primarily a potassium or sodium carbonate. A medium grade carving stone. created by mixing proportionate parts of plastic components together. a solvent for paint and varnish. e.Natural clay used in ceramics as a slip for decoration. Adalox Paper . used for small flat items only because of its tendency to tear or rip.A term used in heat treating and tempering of steel. a dense calcite. volatile. alcohol fueled with wick or possible spout for flame direction.Term used to describe free form nontraditional sculpture. used to thin or remove shellac from a model. marble aggregate.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials GLOSSARY OF TERMS Abstract Expressionism .Colorless.The process wherein a molecular change occurs with a moist or oil-base clay causing a physical reaction to the nature of the material. Alginate .A gypsum stone indigenous to Spain. It can be opaque. deep brown in color.Metal compounds fused together when molten to form bronze for casting. or banded. used for cast and molded parts. Aggregate .Trade name of Norton Co.Inert rock used to mix with other components to give greater strength. Alcohol . Alabaster . it melts above cone 7 and 8.Used to heat modeling tools for wax detailing. Grit paper of Carborundum ranging in mesh from 220 to 1200 used for sanding and finishing. Acrylic . colored. Air Floated .Soluble material obtained from plant ashes. 119 . can be clear or colored.. Aging . Acetone .
basic stone carving tool set consisting of five tools and one mallet. Beeswax . Antimony . Anode .Holding support for the display of a finished piece of sculpture. and 3/8 inches. Gypsum Co. Art School . a toxic material used as a pigment or extender. Wedgwood. in gauges 1/16. 8. or other sculpting material to create a basic geometric shape.Trade name of Sculpture House.Super heats steam under extreme pressure for purification purposes. Basalt Ware .Potassium aluminum sulfate used as an astringent. 3/16. Alum .A double screw device that holds a carving block of wood secure for Almaloy Wire . A gypsum material with an extremely high absorption rate primarily used in ceramic slip casting molds.Base clay for earthenware formulas. 9. usually of an artist. 120 .Plaster disc or circle used in pottery throwing that allows the potter to remove the piece from the wheel head while still wet. Banding Wheel . Ball Bearing .To heat and cool steel so that the metal is not brittle..A brittle crystalline used when working with different alloys. Autoclave .Pliable aluminum wire used for internal support of sculptures. Ball Mill . designed to allow easy movement. Anneal . Basic Carving .Malleable light silver-colored metal that resists oxidation (discoloration such as patina). Amorphous . Atelier .Generally cotton duck canvas or leather used for protection against clay plaster and dirt in the classroom or studio. 1/8. Aluminum .A rotary top on a post or ball bearing that allows clay or a sculpture to be easily turned for working or decorating. Bench Screw . Arch .Structural make-up of human or animal body parts. 1/4.To form or bend into a desired shape as in architecture.An inextinguishable material that separates into long fibers. 3/16.A turntable. a low fire ceramic moist clay that vitrifies at cone 04. 1/4. BAZ . also used in batik. and 3/8 inches. Art Plaster . Barium .Trade name of Sculpture House Inc. derived from French. in a canvas roll. wood..Black stoneware developed by J.A sculpture that is slightly raised with no apparent undercuts Bat .An internal support to hold the outer covering of a sculpture. Aventurine .Grinding device used to mill clay and glazes. may be made of various materials such as wood.A type of translucent quartz with traces of mica throughout. Armature . secured with a piece of moist clay. Aluminum Wire .S.The negative terminal of a battery. Anatomical .A pure yellow natural wax used to dress wood or seal stone sculpture.Silver-white metallic element of alkaline earth. steel. Ball Clay . like a lazy Susan. oil-base modeling material of schoolgrade quality.GloSSAry oF terMS Asbestos .. Arc Welding . wax. Apron . stone.Studio or workshop. Artware . Base . Argillaceous . 1/8.Molding steel or metal with electrical current. but generally almaloy or aluminum wire. Bas Relief . or 10 inches in size.Trade name of U.Pliable aluminum wire used for internal support of sculptures.Containing clay or clay minerals. in gauges 1/16. with balls rotating in a container. Inc.Having no defined shape or form such as free form sculpture. with hardened steel balls.The primary removal of clay.Trade name of Sculpture House Inc.
Bone Ash . Bluing .A bronze material used for brazing a joint or doing repair work on a bronze casting.A polymer resin mixed with bronze powder to give the feel and simulated weight of a bronze cast without the expense. Bowsing/Bousing . screws into the block and into the securing device.A water-soluble pigment used in the initial cast of a plaster waste mold to alert the mold maker to the closeness of the cast. Blistering .06. Bruise . a discoloration or imperfection appears on the surface where the stone made contact. Blunger . When a piece is dropped on a hard surface.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials carving. Typical bisque firing is cone 04 .An absorbing clay used as a filler in clay bodies.A wire or bristle material used in cleaning the interior of molds and in the application of patina on a piece of sculpture.. Brazing . can be used with or without teeth.Trade name of Sculpture House Inc.Alloy consisting of copper and zinc.. pieces of steel not yet forged. Bronze Rod .Face mask showing the basic geometric planes of the facial structure. Used for direct modeling or in plaster press molds. Block Scraper . Bronze .Tribasic calcium from bones calcified in air. possibly of various grits.Trade name of Sculpture House Inc.Term used when a glaze overheats and causes bubbles to form on the pottery. Boxwood Tool .Head and shoulder showing the basic geometric planes of a figure.A clay cover over the model. a pure self-hardening clay in red and gray.A sharpening stone.Material consisting of hydrated sodium borate used as a flux or cleaning agent.Translucent white china made with bone ash and clay. After the mold and clay are removed. used in pottery making.A modeling tool made of a wood named "boxwood".Caused by the overheating or high 121 . a liquid which when mixed with plaster adds strength to the plaster.In wood and stone carving. Bisque .Rectangular steel scraping device used in leveling and cleaning molds. Brass . Bone China . the compound may vary in proportions of each.Moving an object with the use of a block and tackle." a threepart polysulfide rubber used for professional mold making. Bentonite .The first firing of a clay or ceramic piece before glazing.Instructional or informational publications giving directions or facts directly involving sculpture. Boneware . Bubbling . Brooklyn Mix . Bonded Bronze . Books . Bench Stone .A combination of copper and tin. these tools may or may not now be made of boxwood but of a similar hard wood.Trade name of Sculpture House Inc.A clay of wax material that enables other materials to adhere when they normally would not. Blocked Mask . Brush .Term most commonly used in stone carving. used to sharpen and hone tools while sitting on a work table.Also known as "Tuffy. Borax .A mixing machine used for slip and glaze. in 38 different shapes and several lengths. the mother mold is replaced and a catalytic curing rubber is poured in the resulting cavity between model and mold. usually made of hollow cast plaster. Blanks .. Blanket . Bone Emulsion .Joining of metals by use of heat. Black Rubber . private formula stoneware that turns red-brown when fired to cone 10. Length can vary. Blocked Bust . Binder .
Process whereby a model is covered with a ceramic shell investment for the pouring of bronze. or flattening. Casting. plastic.A container that holds smaller unit sizes.Ductile malleable material used as a protective coating on steel rasps. Casine .Heating to high temperatures for cleaning but without fusing. Carrara . most commonly plaster. Cast . used by Michelangelo Carving . Burnishing . stone.Slip stone made of Burma stone used for sharpening tools.Binary element of carbon with a more electropositive element.Tools with carbide cutting edges brazed and sharpened as tips for longer 122 . brittle metal. generally curved. Carbide . Calcining . a flame produces the carbon effect on metal.The act of shaping stone. Burma Slip . temperature of a kiln during glaze firing of pottery. with a flat sharp cutting surface used with a hammer or mallet to carve stone.A flat. wax.formed mold. wood. whereas other materials cannot. Calcareous .The process that duplicates a model or piece by pouring casting material into a pre. Burlap .A reproduction of an original piece of sculpture in any number of casting materials.Flame producing burning device such as an oven. and plaster by cutting with specially designed tools. Cadmium .The process in which wax is burned from a ceramic shell mold so that molten metal such as bronze may be poured. Cabinet Rasps .A small town in northeastern Italy where the Carrara marble quarries are found. in varying grades of color.A mold usually constructed as a retaining mold for casting slip. Carving Tools . Casting .A round end stone carving tool used to make gouges or furls like a cornfield.A cross checked steel hammer used to reduce large sections of stone. Calipers . Case Mold .A device of wood or aluminum. Sweep and width vary with size of the tool and the bevel is at different angles for wood or stone tools. Investment . indigenous to Carrara. one end a bush hammer and the opposite end a straight pick.To combine or impregnate with carbon. This investment or ceramic shell can withstand the high temperature of the molten bronze.An open mesh cloth used in reinforcing molds and sculptures. most commonly used in wood carving and stone carving. Burl . Carving Chisel .Silver-white metallic element of alkaline earth.A form of paint manufactured for artists.An Italian stone. Burnout .Rubbing in.Hard woody hemispherical outgrowth on a tree. or bronze. the striking end comes to a point. Calcium . plaster. used to carry artists' and sculptors' tools and equipment. Cape Chisel . high carbon steel tool. Burner . used for measuring dimensions of a piece for reproduction. most commonly impregnated with plaster. Carrara Marble .Tools used in forming wood. wood. used for reducing and finishing wood and stone. Carbide Tools . Can be made from high carbon steel.Containing calcium growing on limestone or ground containing lime. Italy. Case .Medium coarse rasps with teeth attached to a handle of wood. Bush Pick . Carburize . smoothing.Tool. extremely hard. Bush Hammer . or plaster.GloSSAry oF terMS lasting use without repeated sharpening. or clay pieces.
silica.S. while molten.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Casting Plaster .Striking a piece of wood or stone with a tool and/or hammer causing the basic geometric form to change. Cedar Heights . either casting greenware or making pottery. Chisel . made of black rubber. Checking .Cracking caused by the absorption or evaporation of moisture in wood products.Color of metal achieved in forging or heat treating steel.Earthen material that is plastic when moist and hard when fired.A natural red clay from the midwest United States mined by and trade name for the Cedar Heights Clay Co. Chasing .Unit of length within the metric system.The positive terminal of a primary cell such as a battery. a tooth chisel or rack.Hammering or shaping rough areas or seam lines.Flue of an exhaust vent in an oven to release gas and fumes. Hollow Mold . used in pottery 123 . Centrifugal Casting . Usually associated with bronze work.Chemical used in electroplating metals. Centimeter .Area that holds the shank or end of a grinding burr or handpiece. Usually beveled at 45° on one or both sides. When mixed properly with water and cast into a mold. specifically for casting. in the bronze casting process the wax is burned or melted out enabling bronze to be poured. Flexibility (hardness) from rubber band flexible to wood hard rigid can be increased or decreased by using a filler in proportionate amounts. Vital to a sophisticated method for casting metals.A powder containing marble aggregate and several types of gypsum. It is unlike plaster of Paris which is a commercial more porous plaster used in plasterboard in the housing industry. Once removed and the outer shell mold replaced. Chromium . Ceramic . and magnesia burned together and pulverized to make mortar or concrete. Centrifugal .A stone. plaster. Cherry Red . a hollow cavity is formed where a chemically activated rubber may be poured into the resulting hollow cavity thus creating a flexible rubber mold.Temperature range from 0° (freezing) to 100° (boiling).In stone carving. or wood working tool with a flat straight edge. Claw . Ceramic Shell .A type of mold made with a mother mold with a retaining blanket over an original model. Cesta . Cast Stone .Type of wood working done with handheld palm grip tools. Cement . Cavity. Produced by U.A latex rubber that is cast into a plaster mold to achieve a positive cast. it resembles Noxus marble from Greece.Acting away from the center forcing material outward.Nylon reinforced basket or pail with double handles. Chuck . Ceramist .A clay material such as earthenware or porcelain made of a non-metallic mineral fired at high temperature.A person engaging in ceramics. creating the bronze cast . Casting Rubber . Clay . used in mold making and casting. Chipping.Small sculpture or castings made with a centrifugal mold by spinning molten material. Normally used when casting bronze or polyurethane plastic where temperature will effect the mold material when cast. Cathode .A slurry coating over a wax model.A gypsum product most commonly used in casting sculpture. Gypsum Co. lime. Chimney . iron oxide.A powder of alumina. Centigrade . Chip Carving .
Crackle . Corrosion . to fit a handpiece shaft.Dried and refined air floated natural clay in the dry state (powder).Greenish blue pigment used in ceramics to color glazes. Cone . Cones melt at different degrees of temperature indicating the internal temperature of the kiln. Clay Bodies .A white crystalline marble. and conducts heat and electricity well. stoneware.A triangular-shaped heat testing device used in the ceramic firing process.Occurs when foreign material is introduced to a given process. Can be different degrees of coarseness. usually mixed in three stages using a catalyst that chemically cures rather than air cures. Colorado Marble . Royal. Core . Gathered from primary indigenous regions of the world having specific characteristics particular to earthenware. indigenous to northern Colorado. Clay Fence . either increasing availability or reducing availability.GloSSAry oF terMS different size burrs. Clean Clay . Claystone .Trade name of Sculpture House.Device that holds the core in place while making a casting.A natural hemispheric effect caused by water and oxygen that may result in pitting or discoloration. Contamination . Clean Up Tools . or Cold Pour Mold Rubber. For example. Collet .A separating line usually 1 inch high by 1/8 inch wide.Device used in securing the shank of 124 . Cornwall Stone .A thin liquid mixture of clay flour and water used as a release in casting and mold making.Trade name of H.A hairline cracking or shattering effect caused by the shrinkage of glaze from pottery and ceramic pieces during firing. used to divide a model into sections for the mold making process. Also known as Black Tuffy.Casting done with plastic polymers or resin. Inc. porcelain. and sometimes activating a shut-off device within the kiln to turn the heat off at a specific temperature to prevent over-firing the contents. Contained in silver ore.Different shaped scraping tools used in the removal of seam lines on slip cast pieces. a clay binder used in the production of plastilina and ceramic clay bodies.Hydrous calcium borate having brilliant colors.Mixture of different materials to form a mass used in buffing or polishing. Core Pin . See Clay Fence Clay Water .Formulas of different base clays and binders that create moist clays in specific colors.Reddish metallic element that is malleable. Countess . as needed.A casting rubber of urethane. Self-hardening clay with cornstarch hardener and cotton fiber filler to decrease shrinkage and cracking while drying over an armature. and consistency. used in ceramics. Compound . or Yule marble. Also casting done with a mixture of bronze powder to simulate bronze. Cold Pour Rubber . Clay Wall . Generally caused by incompatibility of the clay contents. Colemanite . Copper .A separating device in mold making. and ceramics. Cold Cast . firing ranges. Cobalt . M. Clay Flour . etc.The center of the mold. of medium hardness with very little veining. Usually developed by ceramists as private formulas.A type of clay flour used in private or special clay formulas for a specific effect. plaster residue in a clay ceramic piece which causes an explosion in the kiln while firing.A soft oil-base modeling clay without sulfur.
Art of transferring pictures from specially prepared paper. Density . Direct Carving . for decorative use only. Direct Metal . transferring decals onto ceramic ware. Crosshatch . nonfunctional pottery.A light.A tool made with cutting wires on each end with a wooden or metal tapered handle to secure the two working ends.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Crawling .Trade name of Adica Pongo Inc. Della Robbia . Glaze does not shrink with the clay. in stone carving.The mass of a substance per unit volume. De-Air . Inc. and wax carving. a self-hardening moist pliable material similar to clay. Or spider web effect or cracking caused by the improper fit of glaze to the clay.To separate into simpler parts. Also known as welding or direct molding with sculpt metal. For example. Das Pronto .To deprive of glassy luster and transparency. To change from a glassy to a crystalline condition.A device to create multiples of an original by stamping or pressing. Deoxidation .Occurs when glaze has been overapplied and runs in pools during the firing process.Removing the wax model from a mold.The process in mold making or glazing ceramics in which a piece is submerged to give it a coating. usually in wood.To remove vapor or gas from molten metal before casting.Ceramic base material used to enhance plasticity in ceramic clay bodies. smooth. One ounce of material equals one cubic inch. Degas . Usually used in determining amounts of clay required for a project or a piece. Custom Tools . Relatively vein free.Trade name of Sculpture House. Decomposition . Dolomite . Crucible . Denatured .The removal of oxygen as in reduction firing in ceramics to achieve a specific effect.A sticky starch used in adhesives.When the final piece is sculpted from an original source. Cream Soapstone . Decalcomania . and/or plastilina. Mathematically determine the total cubic inches of the piece to be made (height times weight times depth).. De-waxing . commonly used in wood working or.To pour from one vessel to another.To remove air from a moist ceramic pottery clay body with vacuum compression. Damp Closet . Dipping . used in clay modeling and plaster work 125 . Crystallization . stone. a tool to hold pottery when dipping it into a glaze solution prior to firing.White crystalline marble indigenous to northern California.Tools made to individual specifications to fit a customer's special needs or requirements. Usually made of tool steel with a male and female half. Dipping Tongs . Double Wire End . used with stone.In ceramics. imported from Italy.Term describing alcohol which is unfit for consumption due to modification by heating. usually accomplished with heat. Devitrify . Has a light pinkish hue. Used in mold making and casting. also used in self-hardening clays. A self-hardening clay that can be fired in a kitchen oven at low temperatures.The removal of bound water. at times. Dextrin .A container used to store moist clay to preserve its pliability.The act of becoming crystalline in form Crystal River Marble . flawless talc base stone found in India. Dehydration . Decant . clay.Container used to hold molten metal for pouring or centrifugal casting. Die .Scoring with perpendicular cuts in a checker board fashion.Working in metal where no casting is required.
An English talc pottery clay that contains grog. hydrate magnesium sulfate with cathartic properties.Occurs in kiln firing to control temperature in down draft kilns. inlaying. Boiling point is 212° above zero.Potter's wheel run by electricity either at fixed variable speeds or with variable speed foot pedals. Dresden Clay . Modeling Tools . nitrous composition to metal.Trade name of Dremel Company. Modeling Compound . Epoxelene .Colorless white crystalline salt.GloSSAry oF terMS Earthenware Clay . shaping. A medium strength modeling stand with gear crank raising and lowering device. May be run with belts or cones.Plastic modeling tools made by injection molding to make different shaped plastic modeling tools. collapsible.A flat or concave beveled blade with perpendicular handles so that the blade can be drawn or pulled toward the body of the user. 126 . Used with cold cast bronze when bronze powder is mixed with the resins.Trade name of Sculpture House. Dye . Electrolyte . or decorating with a colorful surface by fusion of an opaque. Used with ceramic glaze and in firing techniques. when mixed with a catalyst. Eldorado Stand .When a mixture contains too much clay flour in proportion to its liquid bonding agent. Clay derived from Dover area of England known for its fine talc quality. Inc.A clear curved plastic protection device with movable shield worn over the head to protect the face and neck from debris while carving stone or wood.A coloration used in waste mold casting to determine when the removal mold is coming close to the cast piece. Extruding . Owned by Sculpture House. Face Shield .Trade name of Sculpture House. used for direct casting of sculpture. Duron. in either water-base or oilbase materials. it becomes hard plastic. Inc. Dust Mask . Electrode . Duron.Capable of being fashioned into a new form. three-legged.Plastic air dry oven baked modeling material that can harden in a kitchen oven.Face device. Enameling .Screen mesh sand abrasive in sheet form in different grits or grades. Draw Knife .A multiple-part casting material. Dremel Tool . Discontinued in the early 1970's for lack of raw materials. Epoxy Resin . Draft . and finishing. Specifications will vary with the manufacturer.Mixing and forming clay or plastilina into rounds or squares for storage to allow the molecular structure to migrate. in styles ranging from cotton gauze to cylinder cartridge containers.A conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part or circuit. freezing point is Dover White .Trade name of Sculpture House. Durite Screen-Bak . Ductile .A nonmetallic electrical conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions. as in aluminum wire or almaloy wire. Inc. used for finishing or sanding. can throw up to 50 or more pounds of clay at one time. can hold 200 pounds of working material. Used in boat making and wood carving. Fahrenheit . Dryness. Electrical power tools that turn at high speed in a rotary motion.Slightly porous clay fired at low temperatures.A two-part component of plastic or resin base. Inc. Used in electroplating castings. thus preventing damage to the cast. Epsom Salt . to protect against inhalation of dust and fumes while mold making and casting. used for grinding.A thermometric scale.Covering. Electric Wheel . Short .
Firmer . Faience .In working with clay and ceramics.The temperatures at which different clays can be fired.Sanding. Feldspar . These cutting edges are usually cross cut rather than punched.Chamber that contains a heated area such as a kiln. or buffing compounds used in the final stages of sculpture. Firing Scale . Fifth Wheel . File . Fettling Knife . Fine Cut Rasps . in stone carving and sometimes in bronze casting. Finishing Material . Fimo .Section of wood prepared to be dried prior to carving.The temperature that a clay can withstand without distortion or warping either in the bisque or glaze firing. indicates a texture resulting from excessive bentonite or water.Shaping an object. Fissure . Fiberglass .When a ceramic glaze adapts well to a certain clay body without grazing. It is usually sealed and arranged so moisture evaporates naturally to prevent checking (cracking) in the future. Used in the ceramic field. The point at which vitrification occurs (merging of the molecular structure) as stated in cone number.Oil derived from animals. In glazes the dried material liquefies and becomes glasslike when cooled. Fat Oil . not always necessary when firing pottery. Firebox . Fatty .Clay that can withstand the high temperatures used in ceramics and pottery. rasping.The insulating brick or interior walls of ceramic kilns used in firing pottery. Fitch . Flaking . especially with special formula clays and glazes.The negative half of a mold or die. resembling a fish tail.A wood working tool where the sweep or cutting edge fans out on both sides. given in cone ranges. Also used to make fire brick for the interior walls of ceramic kilns. With clay the material becomes nonporous in its final state. making the material difficult to control. has a high acid content. It can be a long experimental process to find a fit. Fit.Constituent of nearly all crystalline rock with aluminum silicates.Break or crack.Smoothing and finishing tools that have close cut surfaces for extra fine finishing in the last stages of reduction. plaster and resin. Firing Range . sometimes used as a table turning mechanism to rotate live models for sculpture classes.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials 32°.Pieces of fired glaze chipping off pottery after firing.Tool with cutting ridges used to shape sculptures in stone. Fish Tail . Fettling .Ingredient which when added to a base material bonds or strengthens the mixture.The process of heating ceramic clay to a temperature at which the particles merge and become hard.Earthenware decorated with opaque color glaze. temperatures from 1418°F to 2345°F. usually caused by incompat- 127 . Clay/Glaze .In wood working a type of chisel with a thin flat blade cut at an angle. Filler . cracking or pooling. Fire Clay . forming small ground cutting surfaces. Fat. wood.Glass in a fibrous form used in making casts that are light weight but strong. generally in cone ranges 014 to 10. Female . In the early 1900's used to turn trains around to head them back in the direction from which they came.A heavy gauge ball bearing device from 12 to 36 inches in diameter used to hold and turn heavy pieces of sculpture. Firing .A self-hardening cellulose body of light weight that dries white. Fire Brick .A tool designed to shape and texture models in sculpture and pottery.
Furnace . Fuller's Earth . Its primary use is to reduce stone for sculpture. and ceramics to smooth the surface of wet plaster or moist clay.P. plaster or wax is heated and shaped. Flexible Bowls .Making flow like a liquid. is cast into sculpture.A mold that can be removed from a cast by stretching.A substance used to promote fusion in ceramic and welding bronze sections of a mold. as in mixing plaster or ceramic slip for casting. Formula . casting.Bottom section of a piece of pottery generally raised from the base of the pot or 128 . Can also be a break in a boulder to be used in stone carving. Usually sprayed on a movable object where flexibility is desired.Known to sculptors of the early 1900's as a fine quality smooth modeling clay for marquees or models of their sculpture. even a stone.A component used in making glaze and glass of varying meshes and colors. Flashing . variable speed. rotating. Flexible Mold . used as a filler in certain clay bodies to bind other plastic clays together. wood.M.A combination of different materials blended to achieve a desired effect in clay. Fluidizing .A clay that lacks plasticity. The flashing is removed by cutting. somewhat like a waffle iron.'s and horsepower. usually bronze. Replaced in the 1990's by Hugo Grey Clay.Defect in a cast or forging. that renders the material unusable. scraping.Oven in which tools or metal are heated making them easy to shape to specific designs. Flat Chisel .Tool with multiple pointed cutting edges on a squared surface. Flexite Gelatin . plastilina.The temperature at which an item or material will combust. Flash Point .Rubber bowls of varying diameters and sizes used in mixing plaster for casting and for repair work. and finishing. Flexible Paint . Frit .A chamber used to fire pottery or enamels at high temperatures. and plaster casting). Flint . In sculpture used when working with wax or bronze.To shape to resemble a vision of thought or sight. The process by which a tool for working in stone. Foundry .Mass hard quartz. Footing . and glazes.Paint that expands and contracts with an elastic effect when applied to a rubber casting. Flourspar . Flux . Motors are available in different R.Used as a flux in making glazes.A web-like residue on casting material where the seam lines meet and the casting material has escaped. Fracture .A studio wherein molten metal. mounted on a hammer type handle. wax. Free form is an unconventional shape inspired by an inner vision. Form . Flaw . Casting material is easily removed by flexing the bowl.Flexible reusable horsehide glue. Electric. Co. ible clay and glaze. common in most castings ( bronze.A tool with a straight flat cutting edge used in wood and stone carving. usually occurring in bronze casting or ceramic firing.To break or go beyond the limits or tolerance of an object. Forge . heavy duty grinding machine with interchangeable handpieces. Used in the production of hollow cavity molds in the early 1900's. It may vary in dimensions from ½ to 2 inches. used as a binder in clay bodies. use of the material has been discontinued in mold making and casting. slip.GloSSAry oF terMS bowl. Foredom Tool .Trade name of Foredom Electric. Also known as a kiln. Frosting Tool . Flexible Pallet .A thin scraping device used in mold making. French Clay .
Fired clay ground to small mesh and added to clay bodies to enhance their strength for working in large pieces. casting plaster. become active and malleable.A "u" shaped tool used to cut a furrow in stone or wood.The tip of a tool or wire that has been hardened or tempered to perform a specific cutting job. Hand Made Tools . wire ends. Glaze . wood.Series of vents that allow gases to escape from the mold in the casting process of molten metals to avoid air pockets.Horsehide glue used in the early 1900's for hollow cavity molds. discontinued since the mid 1980's.Liquid sealer used by artists over canvas for better adhesion of oils and paints. Gesso . Gild .A precious or semi-precious stone used in jewelry. Hammer . and Hydrostone. Co.Heated container used to melt gelatin pellets to a liquid state for mold making in hollow cavity molds.In ceramics.Also known as Paris craft. Mesh (granular size) varies from powder to sand grit and larger.A thin-blade. the first casting of items prior to firing. It has been replaced with chemical and natural rubber materials. Gypsum . Hacksaw .To coat or cover with glass or silicates and pigments that will fuse together for decorative effect on ceramics.To coat iron or steel with a thin layer of zinc. trade name of Johnson & Johnson. damage. When set they form a strong hard plaster piece. Can also be used in sculpture as a sealer for molds.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Fuse . Hard Edge . Impregnated Plaster . Used in ceramics for glazes. Also used in the medical profession for plaster casts. Grinder . Gemstone . pottery plaster.A transparent or translucent substance consisting of a mixture of silicates. Galvanize . used in sculpture creating a type of patina.. Glass . Gouge . Glue Pot . Handpiece .Hard natural igneous rock used in building and monuments.Attachments to tools providing a working hand hold and securing hammer heads.A single vent used to allow gas to escape during casting of sculpture.An electric or foot powered device used to shape or sharpen steel tools for stone. Greenware . such as latex and polyurethane. Granite . Gauze. Hydrocal.A percussion instrument of soft iron or steel used in sculpture. Wood carving and stone 129 . and plaster work. Gate. hand-held saw for cutting small thin pieces of material. Handles .In electric or pneumatic usage. also gives texture. Gelatin . Gauze strips impregnated with plaster which when soaked in water. Gating System .Custom designed modeling or carving tools shaped or fashioned by craftsmen by hand rather than by machine. Gating . Width of its cutting edge and sweep (depth of curve) vary in size. Designed for use on stone so the impact will not injure the stone.To join together as in ceramic slip firing of glazeware. Grog . A series of gates and vents are used with more difficult pieces where air bubbles may form.To overlay with a coat of gold. Occasionally used by stone sculptors for carving but due to its hardness is not considered a primary carving stone. the piece of machinery that holds the working blade or tool. or even explosions. or wood carving tool blades.Hydrous calcium sulfate primarily used with plaster products. Bronze or plaster pieces that cannot be cast in a single piece are fused in sections to make the total casting complete. The items are fragile and porous and the seam lines must be cleaned and repaired before bisque firing.
130 . an outer layer.A gypsum material that can withstand high temperatures. A strong gypsum material used for casting rather than mold making.Molded block of solid material (lead. it is the largest stand of its type and can hold up to 750 pounds of working material. become active and malleable. oak. Gypsum Co. trade name of Johnson & Johnson. Impregnated Plaster Gauze .The center piece of a log. Humidity . Made in the United States. Gypsum Co.Formed by solidification of molten magma. and boxwood are hardwoods. Inc. A gypsum product of the greatest hardness. sculpture or pottery clay. and mahogany are considered base woods. In The Round . purple heart. Used to clean horses' hooves in Austria and Germany. Inc. Insulating Brick . Tools that have been honed are usually covered with a protective plastic that can be removed by striking the edge on wood.) so fashioned for storage purposes. silver. Hercules Stand . discontinued since the mid 1980's.Razor sharp finishing done by hand or machine as an extra step in the sharpening process.Wood that has sure hardness greater than that of normal base woods. and plastic. volcanic rock. or fuse into an incision in wood.GloSSAry oF terMS Hugo Grey .Gelatin pellets melted to form a glue for mold making in the early 1900's. stronger than casting plaster but not as strong as Hydrostone. used for walls of an electric or gas fired kiln. Hydrocal . smooth.Three-dimensional piece of sculpture. gray in color. generally of stone or wood. or coating that can withstand the heat of the bronze after the wax model has been carving tools have different hardnesses depending on their use. Hydrostone . not mold making.Also known as Paris craft. Replaces French modeling clay as a sculpture material in that it is well suited for modeling since it takes shadows well and is pliable. although not so high as to be able to cast bronze. Lignum vitae.Trade name of U. Investment . Hot Metal Plaster . Heartwood . birch. Ingot . etc. When set they form a strong hard plaster piece. Heat Treating . Igniter .S. Hollow Casting . Co. This material has been replaced by latex and polyurethane rubbers. Horse Hide Glue . Inlay .In bronze casting. tin. A heavy duty sculpture stand raised and lowered by cranking.Trade name of U. used for casting only. Also used in the medical profession for plaster casts. slurry.Device used to start a kiln (wood or gas) torch.Thin layers of casting material built up on the inside of the mold to make a hollow rather than solid casting. but also used in wood carving. Gauze strips impregnated with plaster which when soaked in water.S. Hardwood . bronze. Hook Knife . whereas walnut. it can cause discrepancies in setting or drying times of certain mold making and casting materials..Is measured by the moisture in the air.A bath or chemical process used to harden steel. metal.A knife with a curved cutting edge and severe hook on the tip end. Plaster can also be cast solid. Honing .. beat. in bronze created by the wax thickness but with plaster casting the interior walls are built up to form this hollow casting.Trade name of Sculpture House. Igneous Rock .Trade name of Sculpture House. and pewter can be cast into this plaster material. or stone. but fires white at cone 6.To rub. Lead. such as a salt bath or electrical induction.Material made of fired clay.
or wood burning oven or chamber that can be heated to extremely high temperatures for glazing and firing ceramics or pottery. Loop Tools . The base of the wheel or flywheel is formed of cement bricks or heavy metal.Hardwood from Haiti used to make carving mallets of heavy weight and long durability. Key. Sometimes used for casting but its cost is limiting. Leather Tip . used in the ceramic field for glazes. Kwik Metal . Kick Wheel . A coarse stone used for carving. available in many shapes and sweeps. Kerf . posts. Lithium . although high in price.White clay used in pottery and ceramics as a filler or extender. Kits.For work in ceramics. At this stage. wood. Leather Hard .Gas. Jolly King . used in the firing process of a kiln.Potter's wheel turned manually by kicking with the foot.The finest tools available.A revolving mold on which ceramics are made. Italian Tools .Tooth rasp rounded on one end and shaped like a knife blade on the other. Jasperware . Jigger . Limestone .Trade name of Sculpture House. Iron Oxide . for example.Shelves.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials melted away.Formed by accumulation of organic remains . the piece is trimmed or footed before bisque firing. Latex . stone. Sculpture .A width or cut made by a cutting saw or torch.The lightest metal known of the alkali group." Lime . electric. Available in triangular. not meant to wash the kiln. 131 .generally shells and coral. Kiln . Availability is like "the fish catch of the day in the Sahara. Kiln Wash .Used on the interior walls of a kiln so glazes and clay will not adhere to its shelves or walls. Key Groove . Junior Power Arm . Lignum Vitae .Handle of a wood carving tool made of leather to soften the impact of the blow of the carving mallet. a handmade rasp where the teeth are punched in one at a time.Calcium oxide used with plaster in building materials for strength. have been made by hand for centuries by Italian craftsmen.Sets of primary tools designed for specific uses in various sculpture fields such as ceramics.The first stage in drying pottery or ceramics where the outer skin becomes tough but not hard. Lead . Kiln Furniture . and holding devices for pottery and ceramic pieces.A natural rubber extracted from rubber trees and processed and vulcanized into a paintable liquid. tools with heavy wire ends used to cut or trim leatherhard pottery.Colored stoneware with white raised decorations. Kaolin .A cold solder for metal glazing and metal filling.Any of several oxides of iron.. an oil-base school grade modeling clay that does not contain sulfur. square. stilts. specifically designed and produced for wood and stone sculpture. Usually used in wood working.Device that forms the same shape repeatedly by the use of a die or forming mechanism. used in mold making. and wax. Long Bent Tools .Wood carving tools with a long sweeping curved shape that cuts deeply into wood. Jig .Bench or table top holding device that secures a piece of sculpture so it can be rotated to various angles.Heavy soft malleable ductile metal used in low temperature casting. It is a dry material. Dark outer and light inner characteristics. Inc. Knife Rasp .A square or circular indentation made in or on a mold wall to prevent the halves from shifting while casts are being poured.
Mixing Bowls .Hollow cavity produced around a subject for use in creating duplicates of that subject in plaster. Dried plaster will not adhere to the rubber and its flexibility makes the plaster easy to remove. The mold is considered the negative and produces a positive cast.In sculpture the original model which has been cast and set aside after producing a mold from which casts are drawn. in single or multiple pieces.Natural or synthetic rubber used in the mold making process to repro- or snub nose shapes according to function.Liquid separating agent facilitating the easy removal of a cast or separation of the mold from the model. Model . usually made of wood.Glow of reflected light or sheen from a type of glaze used in ceramics or pottery decoration. Made of high carbon steel tempered for hard stone. etc. from which reproductions of the original can be made. 132 . Marble . Microcrystalline Wax .The original sculpture or human model used in making a sculpture.Trade name of Sculpture House. Micro Wax . Master Model . Inc.Protruding or positive side of a mold or die. the first cast. cast stone. Mold Lotion . The 3 inch diameter size is most commonly used for repair work. Melting Point .GloSSAry oF terMS Minarettes . Miniature Tools .Packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to liquid.Process in casting where the model is converted into wax and then melted from the mold in which bronze or other casting material will be cast. Majolica . Mold Making . as opposed to a hammer which is metal and used in stone carving.Occurs when molecules in a formula have migrated over a period of time to give the optimum performance from the combination of ingredients. to cut rubber.Rock with a crystalline content produced by high degrees of heat and pressure.A striking tool with a rounded head. Small stone carving tools designed for detail work and finishing. Available in various shapes. Handles are made of wood and the blade is continuous through the handle for strength. Used in wood carving. Mold Rubber . Arguments have raged for years whether or not the actual sculpture. Used in mixing plaster or slurry for mold making and casting. As the mold deteriorates another mold is made from the master mold and casting continues.In sculpture flexible containers made of rubber ranging in capacity from 3 ounces to 5 gallons. Inc. plastilina. Maturing . or the master is considered the original. and to clean mold walls.See Microcrystalline Wax. plaster. Male .Temperature at which a metal or material will melt. while the 5 gallon size is for batch mixing for casting. and clay. A series of small steel metal tools used for fine detail work in wax. Malleable . Luster . Mold Knives . Luting . Metamorphic Rock .Earthenware covered with a thin opaque glaze for a special effect.Trade name of Sculpture House. Mallet . Extensively used in casting bronze.A nut brown wax derived from crude oil. or coating. Mold . shell. they are hand ground and forged. soft medium hardness modeling material also known as Victory Brown wax. bronze.Able to be shaped with mallet or by hand.Constructing a covering. Lost Wax .Crystallized calcium carbonate from limestone formed under extreme pressure.Heavy steel high carbon knives with four or six inch blades used to remove mold sections.
Used in the side walls of a plaster mold to prevent shifting when casting is poured. Opaque Alabaster . Wire used in firing ceramic beads. The handle's shape gives the user a good grip. Without the mother mold elasticity of the rubber can distort dimensions of the cast. plastic. Organic Materials .Medium hard grade carving stone. Parting Agent . Mottling .Striking or hitting a stone or wood 133 . Comes in different sizes with varying angles or degrees of slope. Peeling .Coloring of a sculpture in plaster. inexpensive. Pantograph . through which light cannot pass. Noxious . Molten . Oxidation .A "v" shaped wood or stone carving tool. Monochrome . Ochre .Metal that can withstand high degrees of heat.Reddish medium brown color used as a pigment for glazes.Color change in metals due to exposure to oxygen.State of a substance impervious to rays of light. Caused by the mismatch of the clay body and glaze formula. Organic Forms .A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials duce multiple. Monumental . normally round.Picture with a single hue. Oxblood .Harmful to humans.Having spots or blotches on the surface. also referred to as a veiner.Liquid state gained from heating a metal so it can be poured. generally over 2 inches in diameter. Original . long lasting casts. Mother Mold .A binary compound of oxygen with another element. Oversized Handle . indigenous to Italy and the western United States. Reusable flexible mold rubber derived from alginate. Oxide .Spray liquid or paste that assists in the separation of the model from the mold or the cast from the mold. Moulage can be reused.An extremely fine grain sharpening stone from the southern region of the United States used to sharpen wood and stone carving tools. Opacity . Patina . such as air bubbles in bronze and plaster casting. Parting Tool . Octagon Handle . etc.Materials produced without chemical aid. The natural bronze patina on statues is caused by oxidation and the weather. by heating it and adding water. bronze. Nickel . Notches . up to one hundred times without adverse effect.Outer casing or securing mold to hold rubber to its natural shape when a cast is being poured. Nonferrous . normally applied to sculptures over 8 feet high. Percussion .Yellow iron used as a pigment in clays and glazes. Ozark Stone .Trade name of Douglas & Sturgess.Containing no iron. with acids or pigments.Containing carbon.First model or cast produced by a sculptor.Metal used extensively in alloys as a catalyst. Nichrome .Larger than life. also known as a pointing machine.Large.Machine used in enlarging and reducing sculpture. Used in mold making of the human body and delicate pieces.Areas not used properly resulting in loss of that space. forms a patina or coloration on bronze statues. Variations are countless due to the variety of color mixes.Occurs when the glaze does not adhere to the clay after firing. Negative Space . Moulage .Wood handle with 8 sides used for wood carving tools and rasps. handle used for wood carving with the larger sweep tools.
A cleaning process for bronze and other metals. They have flexible ends so they can flow with the material when wet. Generally used when severe undercuts are present. Used in mold making and with casting materials such as Pliatex Mold Rubber and Pliatex Casting Rubber.Generic name for oil and wax based modeling clay. A clay body is water permeable when it has not vitrified and water leaks through the piece.Used to express acidity and alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14.Specially designed rasps used for plaster work in sculpture.Generic name for oil and wax base modeling clay.Trade name of Sculpture House. Used material is refurbished by adding oil. Pink Alabaster .Steel tools used in working plaster.Trade name of Philadelphia Resins. carving tool with force to make it function. Plasteline . Plaster Tools . Plaster Scrapers . Pin Holes . The professional grade becomes more pliable with age and is sought after by professional sculptors especially after it has been used for 20 or more years. Pliatex . They are designed to look like a cheese grater so that dried plaster can be removed without clogging the tool. 7 being neutral. but causes the high quality effect.GloSSAry oF terMS and porosity.Metal or wood dowels that secure a sculpture to the base or pedestal. See plastilina. Plaster Of Paris . Permeable . A two-part epoxy resin used for direct modeling. Pins .A pointed dual-sided stone carving tool used to reduce a basic geometric stone form rapidly. professional and school. See plastilina. See plastilina. Comes in two primary grades. a light pink medium hard grade stone with minor to medium veining.An oil. Also called bush and pick. or hold sections of the sculpture together.Resistance and smoothness of a clay body. wax. Made of high carbon steel. sometimes with wood handles.Tools for plaster work specially designed to work against heavy resistance in the material.Small holes formed on a glazed piece in firing caused by incompatibility of the clay and glaze or by the firing temperature being too low.Mold made of multiple sections for ease of construction. facilitating storage by foundries.A generic term for industrial grade plaster or gypsum found in hardware stores. Plasticity . Plastilina . Plasticium . Inc.and wax-base non-hardening modeling material. casting or sculpture.Common to the western United States. Pig .Low cost injection-molded tools in the primary modeling shapes. because of its softness 134 . Not recommended for mold making. pH . The professional grade material often contains sulfur which inhibits certain mold making materials.Solid volume of raw material in bulk. multiple-part rubbers. and at times clay binders. Pliacre . Pick . Sometimes with a crystalline structure and often with iron deposits or fragmentation from dirt. Plastic Tools . All pieces created with this material must be cast.A state such that water or moisture can pass through. For example. Plasticine . pigs of bronze. Pietrasanta . May also occur when mixing chemically activated. Plaster Rasps . usually has a long handle ranging from 10 inches to 12 inches in length. Pickling . Estates have auctioned quantities of old plastilina at five times its original purchase price.Generic name for oil and wax base modeling clay.Small town in northwestern Italy renowned for its sculpture studios and bronze foundries. Piece Mold .
A fine grolegg clay formula which produces an off-white translucent fired clay at high temperatures. A catalytic setting two-part rubber used in mold making.Laying clay in a mold to gain a positive by applying pressure and to achieve details of the mold. Sizes vary in diameter from 3/8 inch. Sizes vary from 18 to 42 inches.Created on the top or sides of a mold for a pouring and for material removal access in the mold making process of larger pieces. Pow-R-Tron .An extended section at the top of the mold that enables liquid to be poured easily into the mold without losing material.Trade name of Permaflex Mold Co.Mixing machine used in pottery to 135 . in plastic. Potash .Caused by too great a build up of glaze.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Plug . that enables a potter to produce pottery using a flat level rotating disc head on a circular pipe device.Operated with air. Polymer . Discontinued in the mid 1970's.Various polymers used in mold making for flexibility and as an elastomer. Pooling . Porous .Electromagnetic percussion hammer run by electricity used in stone carving. and larger.A lightly veined pink marble with slight fractures and markings. May also be a type of casting resin. ½ inch.The percentage of moisture absorption capability contained in a material. Potter's Wheel .Used in duplicating a sculpture or in enlarging and reducing pieces. The finest ceramic pieces and most difficult to achieve are made of porcelain.Sharp stone carving tool for quick reduction of mass material from its bulk geometric form. in finishing a piece of sculpture.A chemical compound made up of repeating structural units. Pour-A-Mold . Polysulfide . Proportional Caliper . Polyurethane .Colorful decorations on pottery created with stains or glazes.The ability to absorb liquid or moisture. either hollow or solid. Term is used in ceramics and plaster working. Point . mix ratio of one part catalyst to one part base rubber. Polishing . This material can become thixotropic with use of a third setting agent.Hand held device used to calibrate exactness for enlarging and reducing sculpture.Devices used in kilns to hold shelves when bisque or glaze firing.The process by which a cast is made in a mold. Pooled Glaze . Potter . Pneumatic . either electric or foot-powered. or plaster.The final process. with a high crystalline structure. Pneumatic handpieces are used in sculpture as are rotary sanders that run on forced air from a compressor.Caused by a build up of glaze (an excess of liquid on ceramics or pottery) which melts when fired and pools in a settling area.Potassium carbonate from wood ash used in pottery and ceramic glazes. a build-up of glaze due to its over-application on a ceramic or pottery piece. Pug Mill . Posts . Portuguese Marble .A wheel. Pouring Gate . Pouring .A compound that contains sulfur atoms.A person who makes pottery either by hand or on a kick or electric wheel. Material may be wheel thrown or slip cast. etc. Polymer Clay . if desired. Porcelain .Plastic modeling material that is moist when modeled and can be fired in the kitchen oven to cure and become permanent.Also known as pooling. Pointing Machine . Pressing . Polychrome . Porosity . bronze. Puddle .
Site where stone is gathered. These are the primary glaze ingredients such as iron oxide. For example. Rod . Inc. Rasp .Flat one-sided sculpture.Fence that separates sections of the mold.Addition of metal or wood cross sections either on the outside of a mold or in the casting of delicate pieces where extra strength is required. Raw Glaze . also called bas-relief. Resin . without alloys. Regulator .Tool used primarily by potters for shaping wet clay that has been thrown on the wheel. Quench .Taking a large sculpture and making it smaller using a pantograph or reversing 136 . metal. Term used in the tempering and heat treating process to harden steel tools. not often. Reduction Firing . stone. Pure Metal . Raku . Pyrometer . shellac is cut by alcohol before applying to a model in mold making. Retaining Wall .Polymerized vinyl compound condensed into a liquid state. Rack . Western United States.GloSSAry oF terMS the enlarging process. but because of its high cost. Stone suitable for carving is found in specific sites in Italy. tie dye clothes. The rod should be non-corrosive so rust will not bleed through the final casting. plaster.Grinding a material to a given screen mesh or fineness.Material fired to a high enough level to withstand the high temperatures of firing in a kiln used for shelves and posts. It is used to dress wood sculpture. Pulverizing . Pure Beeswax . ochre. Reducing Agent . Reinforcement .Plastic casting resin.Device that controls the flow of a material into a mold.Used to strengthen internal sections of a cast. Constructed of various materials such as wood.A drying device or structure for clay pieces not yet fired that allows them to dry with the least amount of distortion. etc. Italian formula plastilina made in the United mix and extrude a clay formula from either dry or moist materials. or plastilina.Hand tool with teeth rather than serrations. ROMA . Pumice .Wax extracted from bee hives. Respirator . PVA-Polyvinyl Acetate . Can also be used for leveling or scraping.A powder that is mixed with water for use in a last abrasive polishing. Rib . Vermont. clay.To cool metal by submersion in oil or water. Quarry . etc.A single non-bonding metal. Refractory . Relief .Device that measures the temperature in a kiln for ceramic and pottery firing. It can be double-ended or single ended with the opposite end attached to a handle. Also known as a jeweler's rasp.Plastic liquid material designed for casting into specially constructed rubber that can withstand the heat of the curing process. Riffler . Reducing . and seal wood.Glaze formula component without additives. PVA-Polyvinyl Alcohol . used for wood. or metal. Size and coarseness of the teeth vary. outside area on a relief mold that restrains mold making material to a given area.Trade name of Sculpture House.Safety device worn over the nose and mouth to protect the lungs from harmful dust or vapors.An additive that cuts or thins a base material.Method of firing a special Raku clay body for a desired effect.A gritty volcanic ash.Firing process whereby oxygen is regulated to create a special effect on the fired clay or glaze. Teeth are hand punched and sharp. See Grog. Pumicite .Small rasp type tool with fine serrated cutting edges used for finishing stone and wood. Sometimes used as a direct modeling material. Available in a variety of materials and designs.
Salt Glaze . Rust .To remove material with a sharp edge. The bags are secured with Velcro or string. Roman Wax . Roughing Out . Used in clay bodies for strength and texture. Used by professional mold makers and casters.Brown. Inc.Trade name of Sculpture House. Sizes vary with the manufacturer. it is the most difficult joint to make.A build-up of glaze that flows beyond desired boundaries. Sand Bag .Green wood that still contains its original sap. Sand .A procedure in which steel is heated and treated to harden or temper it.Round cape-shaped stone carving tool.Liquid plaster poured before the material sets. also applied to clay and plastilina.and wax-base modeling material preferred by professional sculptors.Canvas bag filled with sand used to hold stone or wood in place when carving it.Reddish coating formed on metal that contains iron. either a wire tool or a rectangular steel scraper. 137 .Granular material caused by disintegration of rock particles. Sager . School Tool .Square locking section on a model or mold to keep it from shifting.Process to clean stone and bronze using high pressure forced air and fine particles of sand. Running Plaster . The bags are sold empty. Usually used for fine detailing before casting rather than for direct modeling. Rondel . A double wire end modeling tool.Creating the basic geometric form from a large natural piece of wood or stone. Salt Bath . Scrapers . Scrape . Inc. deep red.One of the older and more difficult methods of making waxes for bronze casting. moderate in price. smaller than gravel but larger than silt. or black mineral that gives a brilliant metallic luster to ceramics and pottery when fired in a glaze. Porcelain clay formula containing English China clay made exclusively in the United States. Clay is fired at cone 10-12 and produces a translucent effect. Screen .Hard casting wax used for the investment process in the lost wax casting process. Rutile . It is the most difficult clay material to throw or fire due to its delicate nature.Glaze containing amounts of salt to produce a unique effect when fired. Specially designed sand is used to pack the model before the waxes form and the pieces go to the foundry. Sandstone .To sieve or run through a mesh to isolate larger particles or to remove unwanted materials from a formula. Salt Firing .A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials States using the highest grade materials available. Also known as pooling. Oil. Used for buildings and stone sculpture.Trade name of Sculpture House. The salt is added during the glaze firing. Roman Joint .Occurs when flakes or small pieces of metal fall from an original cast or metal sculpture. Royal Porcelain .Heavy duty steel tools used to remove rough resistant material such as plaster when working directly or after casting.Process wherein salt is added when firing pottery to create an unusual effect. designed for use in elementary and college classes. Sand Blasting . Sapwood . Scabbing . Rods that are galvanized. A type of fire clay used in producing high fire pottery.Box made of fire clay where ceramic pieces are fired. Sand Casting . caused by moisture. when inserted into a cast will sometimes rust through the cast plaster piece.Sedimentary rock of quartz sand bound by silica or calcium carbonate. Color may vary from purple to black but its brittleness will remain the same. Running .
Separol . aluminum. this line occurs in all types of casting.Rubber from silicone base material and elastomers used in the production of molds to cast polymers or resins. Also known as the mother mold. 138 . Short .A modeling tool with only Sculp-metal . Seam Line . and must be removed before firing or finishing.Occurs when particles added to a liquid drop to the bottom of a container. May be polished or left flat.Trade name of Sculp-Metal. a ceramic shell into which molten bronze can be poured without damage. Plaster sprinkled over water should be left to settle on the bottom of the container to absorb water. Shelves .Piece or section of broken pottery. tin.Impure forms of salt that generally occur in crystalline stone. Sculpt Thumb . Set . or hardness of a rubber used in mold making.An object created by a sculptor. etc. Add patina or leave plain. May be brass.GloSSAry oF terMS Shell . Setting . it is a bonding agent in ceramic and pottery clay bodies.A separating device to divide sections on a model when the mold is to be made. who has knowledge based on formal study. Sedimentary Rock . These molds can withstand the heat of the casting materials when they are mixed and poured creating high temperatures due to their natural reaction . wood. Also used in mold making as a sealer. gives an uneven look. Silica . Shard . Shrinkage . Single Wire End . creates deep quick cuts in wood.Coating material used in mold making and casting when modeling material containing sulfur is used. clay.Trade name of Sculpture House. Sculptor. but not necessarily cured.Ceramic furniture that holds pottery and ceramics when fired. This hardening must be removed by a second or third mixing prior to packaging. Sculpture . Inc. Shank Ring . Shapes and sizes vary depending on the manufacturer. where the tang in front of the blade acts as a stopper when attached to the handle.Clay or plastilina that is dry and cracks easily when worked. Academic . Settling . ceramic.A person who creates sculpture.End of a tool used in wood carving or stone carving. flexibility. Shivering . Shore Hardness . a condition caused by mixing improper proportions of liquid to dry material in the formula. Co. Shellac .The time required for plaster or resin to become solid.The line where the mold sections join and through which casting material escapes. No longer available. Pulverized.The percentage a material contracts at different stages of firing. Silicone . can withstand the high temperatures of the kiln.A modeling tool designed to extend the working ability of the sculptor's fingers or thumb. plaster. Sculptor . or plastilina. term applied especially to fragments found in archeological digs.Wood carving tool with a curved cutting edge like a "u" in the tip of the tool.Rigidity. Short Bent . bronze. university or academy.Design made in ceramic ware or pottery with specialty tools.An effect of glaze on pottery fired at high temperatures. Ceramic clays may shrink up to 20% from the original to the final fired glaze piece.A sculptor who is associated with a school. Sgraffito .A form of organic rock.The outer coating of hard set plaster of a mold. Shim . In bronze casting. A releasing agent for use with plaster molds.The initial hardening of plastilina after mixing and extruding. A semi-liquid aluminum direct modeling material that when dry hardens like metal.
A white polyurethane two-part mold rubber chemically activated for use in hollow cavity molds. such as plaster. Slake .To cause to fuse together with heat. Spur . Spatula .Iron alloyed with carbon. The wax is coated with the material before being burned out so the bronze can be cast.The refuse of metals or ores. to rejoin. Eskimo stone.Thin covering over latex rubber at the initial setting. Slag . Steel Wool . and clay.Process in which slip is poured into a mold and left to set to form a layer that can be removed and fired. Size .Sodium carbonate used in ceramic glazes. Sinter . Slip . Available mostly in green and black.A liquid composition used in ceramic shell casting. Smooth-On . the opposing end acts as an extension of the fingers in modeling.Professional scoop or spoon used to remove air bubbles from the surface of a mixed solution. Spraying . Black .To treat with water. Soapstone .Natural or synthetic absorbent material used for smoothing and water absorption in pottery and ceramics. Spodumene .Diagonally cut carving tool for wood with a 45° angle for cross cutting. Steatite . Sizes vary from 1/8 to 3 inches. Stain . Sketch .Extremely hard talc base stone indigenous to Virginia.Trade name of Smooth-On.Joining sections together with a soldering gun or by welding with a torch. Slip Casting . also known as talc block or ore.Glutinous material used to fill pores and as a sealer prior to applying gold leaf.Emerald green monoclinic mineral used in ceramic glaze. Usually suspended with a binder to facilitate setting. Slurry . wax . before casting. as in slaking plaster before casting. Steel Tools . To attach sections of a sculpture after they have been cast. 1095C high carbon steel is used for stone and wood carving tools. Soapstone.Soft porous section of wood that develops early in the growing season on the annual ring.Sculptors' tools made of high quality steel shaped and formed for specific uses in working with plaster.Hole through which liquid enters the major cavity of a mold when poured into a gate. Steel . polishes to a deep black color.Process of loading a kiln for firing. Soda Ash .Used in ceramics and pottery to give a dull or matte effect in firing.Salt. Also known as serpentine. and steatite.A fusing alloy of lead and tin used to join metal. Soldering . Solder . May be thixotropic. but without melting.A liquid clay used in casting ceramic pieces before firing. Sponge . Skimmer . Creates a hard cutting material with hardness determined by the carbon content. Also used in patination applications as a base coloring.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials one cutting end. Stacking . used to smooth models or casts and interior mold wall sections. Sodium Chloride . placing ceramic ware so it is not inadvertently affected by other pieces. Skin .Harder form of soapstone but with the same talc base.Rough design or model of a sculpture used as a guide to create the final work. Springwood .The softest carving stone. Skew .Using an air powered tool to coat pottery with glaze or spray rubber in mold making.Flexible oval or round steel tool varying in size.Various grades of fine to coarse soft steel shavings used in smoothing and fin- 139 .
Sculpture .Trade name of Sculpture House.Steel. Template . Stratification . usually with a concave resting area on which the stone can be rotated. Talc .Process in which steel carving tools are hardened. Studio . or cast caused when the ingredients have not been properly mixed. stone.To hit with a hammer or mallet to remove material from a given area. Stun . stone carving tool most likely beveled. the molecules merge to form a hard material. Straight Gouge . Used with polyurethane rubber mixes. less porous part of the annual ring of wood formed during the summer months. Stop Cut .Device that copies an original. 140 .Forming layers in casting.Tool used to make an initial hole or indentation.Degree of heat an object or container can withstand.GloSSAry oF terMS Summerwood . and costing far less.Scale used to determine tare. Temper .Shock treatment. Carborundum .Shaping a stone into a piece of sculpture either by hand or with pneumatic tools. Inc. Streaking .Where amateur or professional sculptors work.Polystyrene plastic of different densities used for casting and direct modeling because of its light weight. Temperature . Also known as an atelier. The base ingredient of baby powder. Tare Scale . Stone.Magnesium silicate used in various ceramic and pottery formulas as a binder for plasticity. teachers. Tacky .Wood or stone carving tool with a straight flat edge. used as a master form.Heavy duty wood stand used to support large pieces of stone for carving. Releasing agent for plaster molds. Symposium. a harder material than the earthenware clay bodies due to the fermentation and sedimentation of its base ingredients.Artificial wax made with oil.Heavier. generally caused by pouring non-continuously so the levels cool at different times. Styrofoam .Heavy or off-balance coloration in a material. Johnson Atelier regularly sponsors such events. Tapdrill . and bronze sculpture. Stone Carving .Strength of an object beyond which applied pressure will cause it ishing wood.Not yet dry or set. from the French. Tensile Strength . Tanol . Stilts . the weight of a material found by deducting the weight of the container holding the material from the total weight.Hardness of steel when the molecular structure has been altered by heat.or ceramic-pronged holding devices used to support glazed pottery when being fired to prevent the glaze from sticking to the shelves. and students to discuss and demonstrate sculpture techniques. Synthetic Beeswax .The curvature or angle of the cutting edge of a tool.Ceramic clay fired to high temperatures and becoming non-porous. as in dipping hot metal in oil or water in heat treating and tempering. used in mold making or wood sculpture.Meeting of sculptors. as the temperature of a kiln for firing pottery or rubber for casting resin. The base of soapstone ore used in carving. A sticky state of rubber before setting or curing. patina. Stone Carving Stand . Stoneware .A polishing or finishing material made of Carborundum. Strike .A cross section cut in wood and stone perpendicular to the grain or a cut that stops the normal progression of removal of wood in a specified area. Under heating treatment. Sweep . with the characteristics of natural beeswax. Tempering .
Triple Beam Balance .Tools designed for trimming pottery. Terra Cotta . a red clay with grog or a base color for patina. One textures sculpture in a cutting fashion. Thermocouple . Tin Oxide .Ethyl ester of carbonic acid used as a solvent in an anti-plastic agent.A strong metallic element used as a binder in refractory materials such as in kiln shelves and posts.Used in a kiln to measure the temperature of the interior so one can adjust it as required. Turning Tool .Parting or veining tool used in wood working at 45º and 60º angles for furrowing in wood and stone.Long-handled high carbon steel wood working tool used to reduce wood forms to the desired effect on a lathe.Adding a layer or coating of slip or glaze over a ceramic or pottery piece for decorative purposes.Cutting clay away from a piece of pottery or from a footing on a bowl in the leather-hard stage before firing and glazing.Platform. Tiger Eye .A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials to break. Tungsten Carbide . also known as the cutting part on a rack or claw chisel.That part of a stone carving tool that cuts a small section.Process by which a piece of wood is shaped on an electric lathe. a carving stone. Larger tables on ball bearings are used for large pieces of sculpture.Diluting a base component part by mixing with a reducing agent.A hard alabaster stone from Sicily with gray. Thinning . or red markings like a tiger's eye. Turntable . Titanium . Used as a component with bronze and lead. Inc. generally round. Used as a filler and bonding agent. Tulons . Trailing .Small round turntable for working with smaller ceramic objects and sculpture.Trade name of Sculpture House. Wooden tools for burnishing and shaping clay.Low melting alloy that is malleable at ordinary temperatures. Thermal Shock . Vacuum . Turning .Brown earthen mineral used in coloring glaze and clay in ceramics and pottery. Throwing .Able to transmit light. Torch . as shellac mixed with alcohol. Urethane .Visual or tactile surface of a body or substance.An orange red color in sculpture. Most accurate commercial scale used in ceramics.An overhang or protrusion of a relatively smooth plane that hinders removal of the mold. its fuel base is alcohol or propane. Undercuts must be worked around when mold making and casting. Tongs .Stress or reaction caused by heating.Flame producing device used in wax working and bronze casting.Tool used to securely hold a material or ceramic piece while working on it when hand holding it is not feasible.State resulting from the removal of 141 . Trimming Tools . Trimming .Powder polishing compound that creates a deep luster finish. as in translucent alabaster. Turnette .Producing pottery on a potter's wheel (electric or kick wheel) by centering and forcing the clay to take a desired shape as the wheel turns. Translucent . yellow. the feel of a certain material. Umber . made of wood or metal that turns as one decorates pottery or ceramics. Tin . Used in molds and casting material. Tooth . Hardness of fired clay and cast plaster objects. May affect clay when firing or steel carving tools when being tempered. Undercut .Scale used in measuring gram amounts of chemicals and glaze materials for formulas.High melting ductile metal used in hardening steel. "V" Tool . Texture .
Plaster based slab with a wire cutting device at a 45° angle for cutting pieces of clay to be wedged. A bronze cast will result when molten bronze is poured into the cavity. Warping .A moisture absorbing silicate used as a filler in clay bodies. for instance. a process of shaking the mold or container to eliminate air bubbles in the rubber or plaster.GloSSAry oF terMS Volume . Vitrification . Vent .Cutting or rolling a clay body to force out internal air which can cause an explosion or damage when the clay is fired. Raw materials used in formulas.Steel tools designed and produced for working with wax. Artificial casting stone made of gypsum and aggregate to simulate marble. using the ratio: one cubic inch to one ounce of material.Silicate of sodium and water.A hard. used as a protective coating. the wax coating applied to the interior of kiln walls so glaze will not adhere to the walls in firing. Wax Tools . and plaster. Positive . Available in different base colors.When pouring rubber or plaster. They absorb heat and are especially shaped for their functions. Victory Wax . Wax .Trade name of Sculpture House. Vapor . Vanadium . Vermont Marble . applied to molten bronze. Vermiculite . To find the required amount of clay or plastilina for a model. For example.Process of aging outdoors resulting in various colors or patina. used for modeling and casting. Wedges . Water Glass . Volcanic Ash .To cause to pass off in vapor. air from rubber or clay before use to avoid air bubbles in the final piece. Vermont is its center of production. In sculpture.Amount of space occupied by a model measured in cubic units. Viscosity . other castable metals.Gripping device with jaws to secure a piece of sculpture or wood that is being worked.Gaseous state as opposed to a solid or liquid state. Effects will differ depending on geography and climate.The extent to which items or masses may differ. may vary in quality from year to year depending on the mining level. pliable. multiply the area's length times width times depth to get cubic inches. you will need 25 ounces of material to fill the cavity. Barry. Vatican Art Casting Stone . Wax Resist . May also be made without the cutting wire. Wax.Substance derived from petrolatum refined to be soft.The process by which a clay body is heated until it becomes non-porous. Inc.In pottery and ceramics. Vibration . Wedging . vein-free marble from Vermont. calculate the total number of ounces required to make the model.Polyvalent metallic used as an alloy as in vanadium steel.The rate of flow at which a liquid follows a given path. Derivative of petroleum.Soft brown wax or Microcrystalline Wax used in bronze casting and direct modeling. Vise . if a cavity of a mold is 5" x 5" x 5" (or 25 cubic inches).Wax cast from the mold that will be invested or coated with slurry then melted out. white. a material used in ceramic glaze formulas. Volatilize . and by overfiring in ceramics.A channel or opening in a mold through which air and gases may escape thereby preventing damage to the cast or air pockets in the cast.Produced by volcanic eruption. 142 .Distortion caused by moisture or lack of moisture in wood. Variation .Triangular shaped wooden pegs that help secure the tightening of mold straps when casting large pieces. Wedging Board . Weathering .
Highly toxic powder or paste with great binding ability. Wonder Stone. wood turner.A finishing material of Carborundum made in different coarsenesses from extra fine to coarse. wax. etc. Sometimes used in ceramic glazes and house paint. Josiah (1730 -1795) . Woodworker . Whittler .An extremely soft (metamorphic) stone. African .Person who works wood either by handheld or powered tools. Used in one of the final steps in polishing stone.Metallic element of intermediate hardness that becomes ductile with slight heating. White Rubber . 143 . Wet-Dry Paper . White Lead .Prominent English potter and manufacturer instrumental in raising the manufacture of pottery and china to a fine art.A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials Wedgwood.One who works on handheld wood pieces with a small knife. used with water or dry. Zinc Oxide . Weld . The color is solid and there is no veining. clay.Metallic element with a high melting point and resistant to corrosion. as in jointing plaster. at times with a reddish tint. Zinc . or bronze sections to form a completed piece. as a cabinet maker. Zirconium . Used in refractory shelves and posts in the ceramic industry.To bring separate parts together.Person who carves wood in three dimensions with tools and a mallet. dark gray or black in color. Woodcarver .A two-part polyurethane rubber with a catalyst setting agent used in making rubber molds.An infusible white solid used as a pigment in compounding rubber and ceramic glaze.
72-73. 60. 15. 33 Checking. 5. 15 Head-Bust. 34-35 Animal armature. 45. 43 Chisels. 62 Carbide coated rasp. 13 Almaloy wire. 30-31. 15. 6. 76 maintaining pliability. 31 Blocked Bust. 77. 33 College Stand. 71 Buffing. 12. 61 C Cabinet rasp. 13. 35 Blocked Masque. 35 Anatomical Horse. 77 Ceramic tools. 41. 35 Bonded Bronze. 51 Beeswax. A Adalox Paper. 59 Crystolon stone. 76 145 . 6. 13. 71 Ceramic clay. 34 Burma gouge slip. 15 Artware. 17 Aluminum. 71-72. 78. 12 Basic carving set. 42. 30. 33. 14 Canvas roll. 21 Coloring plaster. 59 Armature.16 material requirements. 50. 14. 69-71 Cracking. 51 Carving stone. 47-48 Casting. 27-31 Casting plaster. 77 air-hardening. 5 self-hardening. 80 Chasing. 51 Bush hammer. 7-8. 5 cracking. 42 Casting materials. 6 non-firing. 53 Carborundum. 34 Coloring air-dried clays. 67. 1. 76 Brent Wheel. 37-38. 67 Bevel. 45. 5 drying. 74 Crystolon. 74. 27-29. 32. 11. 8 Combination stones. 59 Burma stone. 35 Anatomical study figures. 76 Ceramic firing. 113 Cesta bucket. 61 Burlap. 5. 79 Casting rubber. 5-6 Alabaster. 5-6. 115 Aprons. 76. 69 Bisque firing. 60 Carborundum wheel. 49-50 Clay. 7. 69-70. 78 Cedar Heights. 71-72. 68 Bronze. 16 Head. 6 hardness. 76 Claystone. 51. 62 Arkansas (sharpening)stone. 79 Boneware. 43 Crazing. 59-60 Cone. 27-34 Casting filler. 69-71. 16. 76 Bentonite. 68 Anatomical Head. 33 Bone Emulsion. 89 Animal. 13. 15. 44. 47. 44 Carving sets. 16 Figure. 71 Automatic shutoffs. 76 Cold Pour Bronze. 34. 85 Carborundum stone. 77 Amaco two speed. 33. 7. 90 Brooklyn Mix. 61. 15-17. 31 Casting foundry. 60 Adz.A Sculptors Guide to Tools and Materials INDEX Please refer to the Appendixes (pages 75-117) and Glossary (pages 119-144) for additional information. 6. 30. 56 Calipers. 80 Alcohol lamp. 30. 15. 79 Aluminum wire. 5-6 coloring. 11. 61. 37-38 Bronze casting. 13. 45 Block scraper. 50 Butcher's wax. 48. 14. 55 Carbide tipped tools. 60 D De-aired. 67 Della Robbia. 59 Bush and pick. 30 B Back bent. 44 Air-dried (air-hardening)clays. 41 Banding wheel. 77 Blade. 41. 30. 35 Anatomical Figure. 85 Carving knives.
41. 29 Industrial grade plastilina. 43. 27 Grinding. 61 Jewelry wax. 15-16 material requirements. 25 Mesh carbide screen. 49. 80 Master cast. 15-16 material requirements. 79 L Latex molds. 27-29. 85 Heat treated blades. 21 Hercules Stand. 54 Dresden. 85 French Wax. 50. 44. 35 Handle. tool. 12-13. 74 bubbling. 36. 69 wood fired kiln. 20 High fire kilns. 7. 71 Drying (air-dried materials). 61-62 Fast Cast. 70. 90 Grolegg clay. 47 J Jewelers rouge. 42. 69 F Face shield. 54 Forging. 60 Hook knife. 71 Artware. 69 Gelatin. 30 Metal casting. 33-34 Leather tip handle. 70 Firing ranges/temperatures. 27 Glaze. 69 glaze firing.index Diamond shaped chisel. 78. 3. 62 G Gas fired kiln. 42 Micro wax. 71 Eldorado Stand. 31 Finishing materials. 69-71. 48. 44. 7 Microcrystalline Wax. 71 Malone Red. 79 Hydrostone. 32. 72 Lost wax process. 79 Hugo. 30 Gouge. 85 Grog. 41 Flexible palettes. 8 Dover White. 48 Green plaster. 71 Van Dyke Brown. 74 crazing. 1-4. 71 Marble. 43 Foredom Power Tool. 69 Electric tools. 5-8 Modeling ribs. 54 Elephant ear sponge. 62. 79 Lead casting. 35-36 Expansion plaster. 26. 30 Lock casters. 74 flaking. 85 Honing Oil. 75. 71 Cedar Heights. 78. 90 Latex rubber. 50 Fish tail. 68-69 Kiln dried wood. 49 Discoloration. 60 Metal. 75 Head armature. 12 Miniature stone tools. 76 Frosting tool. 78-79 Lead. 115 Head-Bust armature. 45 Dremel Motor Tool. 69 Kwik Metal. 69 gas fired kiln. 53-54 Foredom Power Tool. 13 Flinch. 20 Long bent. 76. 69 Honing. 85 Heavy duty adz. 43 Kiln setters. 6 Hardening (plastilina). 51 Figure armature. 59 Granite. 29 H Hand from David. 44 Helsinki Stand. 69 high fire kiln. 51 M Mallets. 3. 29. 77 146 . 71. 28. 60-61 Firing. 71 Draw knife. 69 Kiln shelf. 7. 7071 Fish head. 26. 43-44 Malone Red. 73 Kiln Wash. 43. 60 Dust mask. 7. 45. 69 electric kiln. 42 Liquid metal. 67 Gypsum. 29. 31-32. 73 automatic shutoff. 71 Fifth wheel. 80 Mixing plaster. 51. 9. 71. 69 Enlarging sculpture. 29 Fettling knife. 33 Low fire kiln. 8 Durite Screen-Bak. 71 Hydrocal. 45. 77 Minarettes. 54. 41. 41 Loop tool. 10-11. 33. 81 Italian alabaster. 1 International Sculpture Center. 102 Modeling materials. 77 bisque firing. 72 Fiber Clay. 71 Terra Cotta. 15 material requirements. 72 Modeling stands. 31-32. 45. 54 Dremel Motor Tool. 79 Jolly King Stand. 115 Filler. 7. 74. 30. 71 Dresden. 21 K Kick wheels. 44 Hot metal plaster. 72 Enameling kilns. 70 Kilns. 69. 83-84 Hardener. 79 Modeling accessories. 36. 19-22 I Industrial grade plaster. 42. 70 Gold. 74 Glaze firing. 6. casting. 33-34 Metal tip handle. 115 Heat treated. 21 Electric kiln. 69 enameling kiln. 30 E Earthenware. 69 low fire kiln.
7 Pyrometer. 77. 85 Roman Casting Wax. 78 Rubber mold. 30. 78. 29 Professional grade plastilina. 25-27 Mold making and casting. 27 Pliatex. 43. 51 Pug mill. 42 Ozark round edge slip. 1 non-sulfur. 35 Eye. 56 rat tail rasp. 2 industrial grade. 2. 79 Pottery plaster. 28. 78 Pneumatic handpieces. 77 Potters ribs. 83-84. 26. 47 Openkote. 35 Lips. 61 Round edge slip. 53 Paste Maker. 2. 78. 51 Rotten stone. 27-29. 1. 26. 21 Hercules Stand. 28 Plaster piece molds. 67. 93 Mold knife. 35 Nose. 77 O Opaque white alabaster. 72 Nut brown micro wax. 68 Brent Wheel. 36. 68. 81 Needle nose point. 72 Negative. 26. 16. 76 school grade. 26-27. 27. 31. 27. 11 Plaster tools. See plastilina Platinum Silicon Rubber. 68 Shimpo. 35 Reduction firing. 56 miniature rasp. 6-7 Porcelain. 36. 35 Human Skull. 87-88. 11. 78 Non-firing clay. 21 Modeling tools. 34. See plastilina Plasteline. 57 Rat tail rasp. 62 cabinet rasp. 27. 20 Torino Table Top Stand. 78 Negative mold. 77. 72 Pedestal.T. 56-57 Rasp brush. 32. 78 Molds. 34-35 Anatomical Figure. 20 Jolly King Stand. 68 Pottery clay. 27. 56 riffler file-rasp. 73 R R. 33 Plaster scrapers. 9. 56 Plaster reproduction mold. 21 Notch knife. 34. 11. 90 Plaster rasps. 3 how to soften. 3 how to harden. 3 how to restore. 9-12. 79 color. 59 Rubber. 32. 34. 27 Rust Proofing Oil. 36. 1. 71-72. 8. 56-57 Rifflers. 68 Spinning Tiger. 32. 7. 31. 67 Pure Beeswax. 79 Plaster casting. 59 P Palettes. 35 Hand from David. See plastilina Plaster. 25-38 Mold rubber. 53 Rasp. 30. 41. 76 Plastiline. 25. 60 N National Sculpture Society. 106 Plaster waste mold. 26 Mold making. 1-4.A Sculptors Guide to Tools and Materials College Stand. 21 Norska Stand. 69 Replacement filters. 21 Eldorado Stand. 36. 52 Rockwell Black Diamond hardness testing. 34. 33 Respirators. 62 Resin. 34 Pear corer. 30. 49. 13 Pantograph. 21 Stone Carver's Stand. 35 Ear. 55 Red rubber. 71 Parting Tool. 1. 35 Plaster mold. 90 color. 56 carbide coated rasp. 7 Rondel. 80 Plaster of Paris. 25. 37. 17. 25-26. 31- 147 . 25-27 Mother mold. 1. 90 Plastilina. 69 Placticine. 57 knife rasp. see ceramic tools Potter's wheels. 49 Rotary wheel. 71 Positive. 72-73. 26. 49 Polishing. 2. 61 Polymer clay (plastic). 20 Helsinki Stand. 5 Norska Stand. 35 Blocked Bust. 68 Amaco two speed. 34 hardness. 51-52 Pneumatic tools. 78. 86-87. 78 PosMoulage. 35 Paper Clay. 90 Positive cast. 55-57. 41.V. 60 Ozark stone. 69 Pyrometric cones. 26. 20. 62 Ribbon blender. 30 Pit firing. 75-76. 51-53 Point. 76 Professional stone carver's set. 60 Oversized handles. 26. 21-22 Studio Stand. 35. 3 hardness. 37 Resin casting. 55 plaster rasp. 1 professional grade. 55 circular half round rasp. 26 Paste wax. 50 Needle tool. 72 Potter's tools. 32-33 Plaster casts. 30 Rake.. 19 Pewter. 36 Moulage. 30 Reducing sculpture. 61 Patina. 79 32. 37. 61 Pristine White Casting Plaster. 67 Riffler file-rasp. 28 Powdered pumice. 55 rifflers.
103 Wet-Dry Paper. 70. 9. 14. 29. 50. 61 Whet stones. 71 Brooklyn Mix. 47-48. 72 Slip. 52. 51 Stoneware. 13 block. 71 Samson Throwing. 11. 72-73 Tin oxide. 41. 57. 78 Wire end modeling tools. 3 Sigma blade mixer. 45. 53. 14. 71 Super Cal. 53 Short-dry material. 27. 11 Sculpmetal. 71 Standard Buff. 43. 2. 49 Straight skew. 45-46. 14. 29. 15.C. 86. 47 Trimming tool. 71 Dover White. 59-60 Burma gouge slip. 71 S. 45 Steel tools. 86. 73 U Ultracal. 10 Shimpo. 21 Translucent white alabaster. 29 Tuffy. 41. 11. 11. 31 plaster. 41. 7 W Waste molds. Stoneware. 42 Temper. 41 Victory Brown.C. 42. 50. 41. 1. 53 Straight gouge chisel. 48-54 Stone rasp. 71 Throwing sticks. 59 combination bench stone. 42. 81 Sculpture Review. 26. 72 Tuf-Cal. 30 Silver Metal Clay. 68 Shims. 6 Sculpture Magazine. 61 Samson Throwing. 13. 47 marble. 83 Wood. 47-48 Italian alabaster. 26 Wax. 47 opaque white. 73 Stone. 7 Shellac. 107 Wood fired kiln. 76 Scrapers. 21-22 Stone carving. 47 Tang. 59 Sharpening tools. 41-45. 51. 49 Speckled Stoneware.index S S. 3. 71 Studio Throwing. 62 Wood carving. 73 Tooth chisel. 47-48 Stone Carver's Stand. 71 Vatican Art Casting Stone. 60 Ozark round edge slip. 67. 59 Sheet waxes. 8. 13. 104 Stilts. 45. 61 Toggle clay cutter. 75 Silicone rubber. 48 granite. 79 Short bent. 70 Wax tools. 71 Sand bags. 29 Sweep. 45. 71 Safety goggles. 69 T Talc block. 42 Terra cotta. 47-54 Stone carving hammer. 79 Veiner. 27. 85 Tempered. 30 Silver. 68 Standard Buff. 41-46 Wood carving mallets. 79 V Van Dyke Brown. 9. 49 Torino Table Top Stand. 59 White rubber. 34 Studio Stand. 75 Specialty tools. 49. 77 Turning tool. 71 Spinning Tiger. 2. 43-44 Wood carving tools. 20 Studio Throwing. 71 Straight chisel. 60 School grade plastilina. 54.M. 71 Steel. see steel tools Steel fracture. 14. 43. 10. 68 Soapstone. 30 Turnettes. 48 soapstone. 59. 60 round edge slip.M. 11. 75. 41. 85 148 . 76 Wax Resist. 71 Hugo. 15. 47 translucent white. 51. 5-6. 41 Strengthening casts. 81 Self-hardening clay. 43. 71 Speckled Stoneware. 80 Softening (plastilina). Stoneware. 50 Stone carving tools. 76 Sharpening stones. 7. 43 Wood carver's bench screws. 62-63 Sandpaper. 53.
Second edition Plastilina Direct MoDeling Materials MoDeling tools anD accessories arMatures MoDeling stanDs MolD Making & casting WooD carving & stone carving rasPs & rifflers carving accessories Pottery & ceraMic clays HoW sculPtors' tools are MaDe Material requireMents usage cHart $21.95 Price subject to change without notice ISBN 0-9631867-2-8 .
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subset: commoncrawl