Dreads - The Continuing Saga...

The BJB TC-266 I have the most experience with is speced at 48 kg/cubic meter which is 48 grams/liter so what I am using is a little less dense than what you mention but not by much. With most of the polyurethane foams I believe you can play with the mix ratios and achieve different densities and feel (softness). I suggest you give it a try. Sounds like it would work fine to me.

Steve
 
ok thanks hope to get lucky with this foam
 
thanks
 
I will make a silicone mold in a pvc pipe as you did is a great idea, but cut the mold in two parts, no matter the line of section.
 
regards
 
agh_12 said:
ok thanks hope to get lucky with this foam
 
thanks
 
I will make a silicone mold in a pvc pipe as you did is a great idea, but cut the mold in two parts, no matter the line of section.
 
regards
There's no need to split it in two parts.  The silicone will be fine with only one split.  The biggest reason people make silicone molds is for the single seam.  Splitting a silicone mold in half is a waste of expensive material, not to mention if you do split them, you're going to have a difficult time getting the two halves matched up without and keys in them, which can leave you with 2 very bad seams.  If you're set on a two part mold, go with epoxy (best) or ultracal.  Both of those are much cheaper.  

Brian
 
wonko said:
There's no need to split it in two parts.  The silicone will be fine with only one split.  The biggest reason people make silicone molds is for the single seam.  Splitting a silicone mold in half is a waste of expensive material, not to mention if you do split them, you're going to have a difficult time getting the two halves matched up without and keys in them, which can leave you with 2 very bad seams.  If you're set on a two part mold, go with epoxy (best) or ultracal.  Both of those are much cheaper.  

Brian
if you feel you're right I was mistaken. 
a single division
thanks
 
Foam seller says the foam is a yellow-cream,
I'm buying a black pigment
 
what do you think of pigment used in the foam?
 
regards
 
In my experience with all the same foams Steve has used, and a few others he hasn't, straight pigment isn't enough to turn them a dark black (with the exception of the FF X  with a different mix).  Steve described in this thread what he did to help solve that without having to rely on plastidip.

Brian 
 
ok thanks
 
when  i will make silicone molds will inform you and will put some pictures
 
regards
 
agh_12 said:
ok thanks
 
when  i will make silicone molds will inform you and will put some pictures
 
regards
If you do, you should probably start your own thread so as not to hijack Steve's.

agh_12 said:
how much amount of product must be used for dreads of 50 cm (20 'inches)?
 
regards
I believe Steve has already posted that info here as well.  I can't answer that because i don't know if you're using back pressure, the density of your foam, or the diameter of your dreads.  You're going to have to experiment with it to find what works for you.  Remember, there are probably 20 different variables that need to be taken into account, and what works for Steve may not work for you.  I can tell you that Steve is only a little higher in altitude than I am, and his results were very different from mine with the same foam.  Humidity and temperature play a very big part of it too.  This thread is probably the most well documented one I've seen, and Steve has done a great job at laying it all out.  Maybe re-read the entire thread and take some notes for future reference...I do that allot :)

Steve, I'm not trying to over step here, (sorry if I did) so from now on I'm gonna let you answer the questions in your thread ;)~

Brian
 
Not a problem Brian. You are more experienced with all of this than I am. I hope to have some more silicone soon so I can finish my molds and hopefully get down to business. There are many variables but they can be managed to produce relatively consistent results. In my 19" long mold which is about 1-1/8" in diameter with no back pressure it takes about 27 grams of total foam (A and B combined). I am planning to try the FF6 but have not had much opportunity to play with the foam laltely. Once I get the molds done I am sure I will be able to do more experimenting. I need to get my butt in gear and start making some dread ring molds to go with these but have kinda' hit a bit of a deadband perhaps caused by too many irons in the fire so to speak....

Steve
 
alphatech686 said:
Steve, everything alright over there? It looks like you haven't been here in a while and what is a "deadband"?
Hey Jeff, I am still here but life has been very busy. It makes it difficult to do much with my projects. Thanks for inquiring though. I am sure you are not familiar with "deadbands" as you are constantly working on something...and never seem to get in a rut or as I call it a "funk"...AKA temporary loss of Mojo...I am sure it will pass in time but I need to focus on what I have going on as I do not like to leave things hanging. I definitely want to finish this project but am having to wait on materials. I am kinda' also working some on a side non-pred related project as well which is too early to disclose just yet.

Steve
 
Steve, I do know about funks. Come on, I've working on Topknot for 15 years. This could be the longest single build on the lair. It is a weird thing I try to do a little each day even if it is only 15 minutes . If I don't all of the sudden a month has slipped by. Another weird thing is that when I am working on something I have have a hard time stopping, I think it's sort of a catch 22. I know that when I get on a roll I can't stop so sometimes I just don't get started. It has really helped sticking to my "do a little each day" mato. Stick with it dude, try the 15 or 30 minute thing. You might be surprised as to what happens. Hey remember who wrote this as someday you may have to write it back to me. 
 
Yeah Jeff, I too have a hard time stopping once I get going unless something causes a hard stop like running out of materials. Then it takes me a bit to get going again. Just think though, one day when you are at a con wearing Topknot and people ask how long it took you to make it you will have the incredible opportunity to say "16 years" and see the priceless expressions on their faces... :D Don't worry buddy... I will keep prodding you along. I and everyone else on the Lair who have been following your build want to see Topknot finished as much as you do.

Steve
 
All looking good Steve! Try the ff6, and the 266. Seems more for me to make a few casts, some days they come out great and i will keep going. Other days some minor issues and do something else. Foam seems very sensitive to many things day to day.
 
The Wonka factory is eerily silent as Willy develops his new products..lol.
Look forward to seeing the new projects Steve and love your determination with the Dreads.

Sean
 
seahunterr said:
All looking good Steve! Try the ff6, and the 266. Seems more for me to make a few casts, some days they come out great and i will keep going. Other days some minor issues and do something else. Foam seems very sensitive to many things day to day.
Thanks, you are absolutely right on the day to day sensitivity of this stuff...


sulaco1967 said:
The Wonka factory is eerily silent as Willy develops his new products..lol.
Look forward to seeing the new projects Steve and love your determination with the Dreads.

Sean
No one goes in...and no one comes out. :ninja:

Steve
 
BonzRus said:
Thanks, you are absolutely right on the day to day sensitivity of this stuff...



No one goes in...and no one comes out. :ninja:

Steve
What are you talking about Steve, I live there!  :p.  I know you'll get these things done.  This thread is actually the reason I quit updating mine...don't make me have to go update mine.  I agree with Seahunter as far as the FF6.  It gives pretty consistent results and is pretty forgiving.

Brian 
 
hey guys, great post! I just wanted to ask is the foam you use already black or do you add something to it?
 
No it is an off white material and you have to tint it. They make different color pigments for it (typically a thickish liquid in a bottle) that you add in the recommended amount.

Steve
 
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