Making a concrete mold, am I on the right track?

[djarboe]

I want to make a mold to pour concrete pieces for a garden border. I want to put a pattern on the face of the pieces. Of course, my CarveWright came to mind for the face portion of the mold.

Consequently, the carving needs to be "inverse". I just gave it a try with a pattern, set the depth to "0", and the height to a negative value. According to the image on screen, this seemed to do the job.

Has anyone tried this? Does this seem like the right approach?

I've learned it's better to ask this forum before, rather than trust my poor judgment. Saves a little wood, time, and an lot of frustration!

[spalted]

There is an invert pattern button, just to the left of the little drill symbol. It will do it for you in one click.

You know we are going to want to see photos of your casting don't you?

[djarboe]

There is an invert pattern button, just to the left of the little drill symbol. It will do it for you in one click.

You know we are going to want to see photos of your casting don't you?

Excellent observation. Hmm, guess I should check out all those buttons.
Thanks for the tip! Will post the results, and any suggestions after my trials.

THANKS!

[Kenm810]

Take a look at this thread of post for some ideas
First Concrete Casting ( 1 2 3 ... Last Page)

They might help a little

[djarboe]

Take a look at this thread of post for some ideas
First Concrete Casting ( 1 2 3 ... Last Page)

They might help a little

This was actually a lot of help. While my project will produce blocks only about 1.5" thick, the conversation about some sort of mold release for the concrete was quite useful.

THANKS!

[Icutone2]

Please show your work. I have been contemplation this for some time.
Thanks
Lee

[rjustice]

Depending on how big, and deep, it would probably work quite well to carve your shape in delrin. This material machines very well, has a little flexability, and is somewhat slippery, which may eliminate the need for mold release. It can be found in different thicknesses and sizes at McMaster Carr, or US Plastics. Corian may also work well too, although i think the Delrin is a little more slippery. You will need to put a couple strips of tape on the bottom to give the belts, and the tracking wheel something to grip too as well.

Hope this helps, And i would love to see how it comes out as well...


Happy Carving,

Ron

[TerryT]

I started to make some molds with a thermoform machine I built. Seemed to work well except the plastic sheets I was using were too thick and didn't form very well. I still plan to get some thinner material and try again.