Customer Reviews

The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What do you want to know about molding and casting? It is probably in this book. How to work with Plaster, how to work with urethanes and resins. All about mold making, all about casting materials. From the simplest to the most complex. The book even explains how to do vacuum molding. I've just begun to do molding and casting and so far everything I've needed to know came right out of this book. And it is a lot of fun, too.

Until I found this book, I made every mistake possible in moldmaking. The illustrations and descriptions are perfect, and the many mediums covered make it the only book a moldmaker needs.

I purchased this book as a sculptor....and thought it might be too focused on theatrical uses. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did it apply to the art sculptor but that it was more descriptive than any sculpture books on the same processes. The photos and directions are very clear and informative. The author gives a list of sources for ordering materials and supplies( though there are now many more sources available since this was published).

Since there are few printed resources available on the topic, the book deserves credit for treatment of this increasingly popular approach to art- and propmaking. And to be fair, James does a pretty good job of it, covering a broad range of techniques and materials. However, as an instructional text the book leaves a great deal to be desired. The photos are of mediocre quality, often underexposed and composed in a way that poorly illustrates the step at hand. In addition, certain elements of the mechanics and process in moldmaking deserve diagrammatic illustration which are absent from the text (e.g., undercuts are not explained or taught clearly at all; choosing the way in which to split a mold into multiple parts is important and almost wholly neglected). As a university art instructor the book is a valuable source of information, but I will not offer it as a class manual; it's simply insufficient as a teaching guide.

Clear and knowledgeable coverage of many aspects of mould-making and casting. Good safety information, and though now a few years old, still current. Any prop builder will be glad to own this book, whether a seasoned professional or someone just learning the trade.

Covers many different types of molding/casting materials and release agents depending on the job at hand. Good photographs that illustrate the step-by-step process. Has important detailed sections on safety and how to handle various chemicals. The author also includes a section on how to build a vacuum-form machine and a selection of vendors to contact to order materials discussed in the book.

This book was an interesting read. They do show a wide variety of techniques that are used for the stage...but they only give you a small taste of the process...The vacuum forming section is good. Read this book to get an overview of some ideas... but know that most of the technology shown is past its prime. I know stagework is seen at a distance... but you will not be impressed with the craftsmanship of the projects. Heads up on some safety issues...they skip right over that. Oh my.

My book is all dirty, and worn since its always around im my studio as I go about doing my molds and casts.
I used it all the time. Now not so much since I have memorized almost everything.
A must for anyone that want a book that is really practical with accurate information.

I've read many different books on the subject of molding and casting, and by far this is the most complete. Almost every practical approach is covered including plaster, paper mache, fiber glass and even vacuum molding with thermo plastic. Each step is clearly detailed and explained along with the appropriate warnings and cautions for hazardous material.

Not only does the author describe how to do each step, he takes the time to explain why you would use one technique over another. It is very obvious he has years of experience in the field.

If I had to criticize the book at all, it would be the strange two column layout. Instead of always reading down the column, it jumps across columns when there is a picture in the text.

You can buy this book with confidence and know that you will find the information you need inside.

This book was very interesting and would be a good book for beginners in casting.The vacuum forming machine guide is very thorough however if anyone needs recipes for the casting materials then this is the wrong book for you however the book explains how to use items from a hardware store to cast items.If you need information on lost wax casting ,this is not the book to buy.If you need information on the various casting methods that do not use any heat source such as kilns,then this is a good book to start with.the information on the various methods are invaluable.I did not like the fact that the pics are in black and white ,never the less it was very informative.