For my first time molding and casting, it was not so bad.
To start I measured out a 4.5:1 ratio (by weight) of water to alginate. Using 6.75 ounces of water and 1.5 ounces alginate. After combining the two, I mixed throughly until all the clumps were gone and the mixture began to thicken. Then, I stuck my fingers in the mixture and let it harden for ~8 minutes. With that, the negative impression was done.
To make the positive impression I measured out a 1:3.5 ratio (again by weight) of water to Rockite. Mixing 10 grams of water and 35 grams of Rockite thoroughly, resulted in a much smoother aqueous solution. I poured this new solution into the alginate mold, used the 3D printed jig to add screws in the base, and came back 24 hours later.
- Silicone cups = $13 https://www.michaels.com/product/silicone-measuring-cup-by-celebrate-it-10712027
- alginate: $12 for a pack = $12 https://www.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies/clay-molding-sculpting/molding/perfect-mold/p/80766750
- rockite: $8 for a pack https://www.amazon.com/Rockite-Expansion-Cement-15-Min/dp/B000VBRB00
- water: free w/ OEDK access
- screw: 2 out of 100 screws for $10 = $.2 https://www.homedepot.com/p/8-x-1-in-Philips-Pan-Head-Wood-Screw-Coarse-Thread-Black-Phosphate-100-Pack-ROKS8X1PPCBP-100/309570006?g_store=566&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US
- jig: 1/10 of a $13 roll = $1.3 https://sunlu.com/products/over-6kg-bundle-sales-1-75mm-sunlu-pla-metamacaron-colors-3d-printer-filament-1kg-roll?currency=USD&variant=49285702222106&stkn=98fc28031836
- Labor: 2.5 hours at $10/hour = $25
Total = $59.5
