LENHAM POTTERY MODELS
making high-fired semi-porcelain models since 1969
Seven steps to the Shire Horse Model: Step Three

This is
Step Three:
Intermediate
Mould-making

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Back to
Step One:
armature

 

Step Two:
modelling

 

Step Four:
making the
rubber model

 

Step Five:
plaster
production
mouldmaking

 

Step Six:
slip casting

 

Step Seven:
fettling and finishing

 

Back to the
Introduction

 

Making the Intermediate Mould, Page Two of Four.

Intermediate rubber mould completed.

The white silicone rubber is now about 3 to 5 mm thick. It has been built up more than this on the break lines.

There is additional information on break lines in the pages on making a simple two part mould.

The extra thickness can be seen down the spine and in front of and behind the legs. This is where the rubber mould will be cut. The surface of the rubber is left textured to provide a locating key for the plaster jacket. The model is still firmly fixed to the original baseboard. To this board are screwed the two sides of the mould box, and the top board is screwed to the sides to make a rigid box which can be unscrewed easily.
Rubber covered model boxed up. The lower side (port side for sailors) is filled with clay. The corners have been partitioned off. One reason is to reduce the amount of plaster used, and therefore the weight of the finished mould. The second reason is that the liquid slip has to be drained out of the production mould and the angles are intended to simplify the rotation of the mould on the casting bench. The clay has been built up to the break lines on spine, front and back of the legs and down the face. The half-round dimples (or natches) cut into the clay are to locate the other parts of the mould when cast. This is the set-up for pouring the starboard side of the plaster jacket.

The next page is casting the internal segments.