Need a carving material

[TarheelRick]

I am going to try my hand at doing some carving to possibly make a resin mold for my personal use.  However I am not sure what material is available for some intricate carving.  I remember seeing someone mention a product, but I cannot remember the name, seems I remember it beginning with "ren".  Any help will be appreciated.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Product name is renshape.

[TarheelRick]

Great, thanks,  Now where is it available - Hobby Lobby, Michael's or some other source?

[Mark]

I've never seen it available at any hobby or craft store. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

One of the best sources for advanced modeling materials:

https://www.freemansupply.com/products/machinable-media/renshape-modeling-and-styling-boards

[Mark]

That's where I have gotten casting materials in the past.  I've got a "sample pack" of Renshape material, not sure if I got it there though.

[LDO]

Try eBay.

Edited October 27, 2019 by LDO

[Rider]

Man that stuff is stupid expensive. 

[FredRPG]

A decent substitute is the fake wood trim from Home Depot or similar place.  I think there are different kind of composites but the stuff they have in 1x4 in the moulding section carves and sands easy.  I've been successful glueing several together for larger/thicker pieces. I seem to remember someone mentioning the composite fencing end caps being nice big blocks to work from as well.

[Pete J.]

On 10/29/2019 at 6:16 PM, Rider said:

Man that stuff is stupid expensive. 

Yup, that is true but you might try a local pattern making shop.  They may have some scrap they would sell you cheap or even give them too you if you are nice.  

[Deuces]

We have a pattern shop in our building that uses wren stock... But there's a sign on the door that sez "pattern shop employees only ..... ???

[randyc]

Might try a sign shop and see if they have any "sign foam" scraps.  Scraps would likely work.  It is high density Urethane (HDU).   It is very "carveable".   Comes in sheets form but can be glued up to make whatever thickness you need.  Very tight cell structure, sands nicely and can be painted with most anything to completely smooth for mold or final painting.  

 

[Dave Van]

Look at Balsa foam too.  At one time Dick Blick carried it,  It is manufactured near me but unless I buy a truck load they will not sell it there. 

[Phirewriter]

Balsa foam isn't a cheap date either. I worked with a guy who was carving vac formed masters for slot and R/C car bodies and he used expanding foams from both Smooth-On and Alumilite. Basically pored into a box approximately the starting size he needed and carved away once cured. Not too expensive compared to some of the other ready to use products. Otherwise the suggestion of sign foam is good, shouldn't be too hard to find a shop to give/sell you some cut offs, just look for a shop that offers 3d signs and chances are they're working with it.