Customer Reviews

Reproduce Almost Anything : Basic Silicone Mold Making (Video and Workbook)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

skimpy on the details. I was hoping for more, but instead got an overview. For instance, the video did not describle how he made his first item for mold-making: the very box he uses for the silicone mold. Too much is glossed over, and he repeatedly mentions his "advanced" course that should really get you up to speed. This should have been a freebie included in the series. The piece he makes (yes, one example) is so simplistic it doesn't even come close to explaining what I need to do for my project.

All in all disappointing... keep looking.

Disappointing. I was lead to believe I'd learn how to cast low temperature metals and plastic lenses in silicone. I'm trying to restore cars that have impossible to find parts. I spoke with Ben Ridge before purchasing, and thought his video and workbook would be packed with hours of instructions and hundreds of pages of support. Not. Too bad. You could learn more surfing the web. What you get is a brief video with one example, and a workbook that is really thin. The video itself is done by some production company, and Ben should get his money back. It would have been far better if he just let his video camera roll while he made and explained things.

I taught courses in plastics technology at San Francisco State University for twenty years and I'm sure that my students throughout those years would have found this videotape and workbook of great value. Part of our curriculum involved mold making with silicone elastomers for prototypes and short run production. If Mr. Ridge's program were available at that time, I would have used it for our laboratory work. Mr. Ridge has absolutely captured the most important core concepts and has communicated those concepts with uncommon clarity and good instructional technique. There is no doubt that the use of 3D animation makes the process of information transfer just that much more easily understood. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants a good basic introduction. Its the perfect way to get started, especially for those with little or no experience. Mr. Ridge does an especially good job with safety and material handling. Also, there are valuable references for advanced study and more complicated mold and prototype projects. This program is perfect for inventors, craftsmen, artists, and hobbyists in addition to industrial and commercial use. An excellent value that can be used by anyone interested in learning about mold making and casting methods for fun and profit !

I loved this video. It provided all the basic information I needed to reproduce an existing part or component in my own home. Ben carefully describes the materials and process for accomplishing this, as well as providing sources for each of the materials. This video guides the user step by step through an easy to understand method of reproducing parts which would otherwise be unavailable. Now I can copy the 1920's drawer pull on a favorite piece of furniture. I thought I'd have to pay 100's of dollars. Thanks Ben! Good Job!

over priced video. go to smoothon.com for excellent videos.

This video will give you the basics of what you need to know to make something plastic (wax, metal, rubber are mentioned but not covered.) It also gives you sources for materials, but only making things will teach you how to make what you want to make. It's a satisfactory introduction into mold making and though it's painfully clear Ben Ridge relied on a script, I'm satisfied with what I've gotten out of it and glad I bought it at amazon rather than another source for more money.

This video is too simple, it is fine as an overview/ introduction or a promo to something with more substance but is definately not refrence material.

I'm an inventor with over 20 different products on the market. I have found this video to be excellent for producing inexpensive parts for test runs and low production runs prior to making expensive tooling. I have spoken with Ben Ridge on many occasions to help me overcome problems with making things. This man is a genius. You really need to get this book to open up your world of creativity in reproducing almost anything. I was so impressed with his knowledge of plastics and making tooling, I hired him as a consultant and he help me make my first plastic injection tooling. He has been the most valuable source of information for me. more then anyone or anything. If you had this man knowledge are access to his knowledge, you could make anything. Broken tail light len on a old car-no problem. You want to make a hood onament are what ever-get it and make it!!

I saw Ben's appearance on a local KLCS Television Station here in the Los Angeles area and sent for his video. I am a car collector and have used his video as a guide to make my first small rubber part. It was a success!

The Videotape "Reproducing Almost Anything With Plastic, Metal, Rubber & Ceramic" by Ben Ridge is OUTSTANDING! This very easy to understand videotape has superb animated graphics, simple instructions, and most importantly, "IT WORKS!" I was able to reproduce plastic prototype parts needed for an invention my first time. I went on to reproduce a clay sculptures I made, to cold cast bronze using the step by step techniques. I definitely would not hesitate to purchase this item; it is an exceptional value!