From: wyverne-AT-kdsi.net
Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 14:46:50 -0500
Subject: Re: PUPT: tricks with neoprene?


At 05:30 PM 7/16/99 -0400, Christopher Hudert wrote:
>Hi Monica,
> Were you on the crit for the past long threads on neoprene?

I have saved neoprene threads since subcribing to the list in November 97,
so I probably have most of them? I hadn't seen anything on joining and
deforming cured neoprene though, mainly just basic casting steps, and tips
on avoiding leaks and bubbles.

>If not you
>can check the arcives or email me directly, I've saved most of it and can
>send it as an attatchment.

Thanks anyhow.

> Also, more exact questions would be helpful and
>easier to answer than general as there is so much to share.

I had lumped my specific questions into a fairly general question. My
error. I have been specifically after info on joining and deforming cured
neoprene, but I am eager for any other useful neoprene tricks as well.

>As to joining
>pieces - if you don't need them to move you can join with a patch of
>neoprene and fabric, or using an epoxy putty.  If they are to move you can
>create a soft or hard hinge depending on the need.  Ah, I should mention
>that the method of joining pieces depends on the strength needed as well.

The source for my neoprene-joining question came from my discovery that the
dozen or so different neoprene masquerade ball masks from the film
Labyrinth were all made from just 3 or four molds. The mask-makers cut and
attatched sections of different masks to each other to create a larger
variety of shapes.

>  Distorting can be done before the neoprene dries/hardens through a
>variety of methods. A ballon inflated inside, stuffing, squashing, using
>wire or other things to hold the position until it hardens, etc.

I have done a bit of distorting of neoprene while it is still soft by just
bending, squashing or stretching it. The wire is a good idea though, I will
have to try that.

>I
>personally have not done too much distortion after the piece has hardened
>past a couple of days, but I understand Jim G has thru heating the piece
>with a heat gun or oven.  Email him for more info if needed, I'm sure he
>will help.

Thanks for your advice Christopher. :)

> Are you going to the Seattle fest?  Jim will be doing a workshop there.

The Seattle fest is a few too many thousand miles away for me I am afraid.
Ah well. Maybe another year?

-Monica


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