Finding this channel was a blessing! I love hearing the commentary of a long-time professional. Mold making is such a fun hobby for an amateur like myself, but with only producing a few molds a year, my learning opportunities are so few and far between. I've never hit the subscribe button so quickly. Providing your quality expertise on a free and accessible platform such as TH-cam is so valuable, I can't overstate my appreciation. Until now, I've only followed Brick in the Yard - Mitch has taught me everything I know about mold making, directly or indirectly. So few find the time or motivation to share their knowledge (especially without a paywall). I know producing these videos is tedious, so again, thank you!
For Halloween season this year, I plan on making a silicone mold of a pumpkin with a polyurethane shell. There aren't many tutorials on TH-cam for this, but you may get a kick out of the video "How to Make a Carvable Foam Pumpkin" by PumpkinFreak. His technique is unorthodox, to say the least. It might be outside your scope of interest, but I'd love to hear your feedback.
Hi James, Thanks for your kind words. I am also someone who benefits from TH-cam! and... It is fun to be able to share a few things from my previous years. I have seen many of Mitch/Brick videos and was sad to see that his shop had closed. I have reacted to some of his videos... they are posting soon. I like his calm mannerism, but I do have some different approaches to mold making than he does. I hope they will be helpful to you. Yes, content is expensive to make and hard to do without the paywall. It's tough to do when the channel is new and not monetized. I will do as much as I can without the dollars getting in the way. However, some of the deeper dive stuff that we have coming up may be a different story. I have to calculate the finished cost to produce and then decide. I have a professional staff, so it is a different burn rate for me. I can fully understand why many people in pro shops do not make content consistently. Everybody in the shop is busy putting out the jobs out the door so it's hard to have a camera person there to catch all. I found some amazing artists making how to videos, but they dropped off a few years ago. It is just too expensive to keep up with both jobs and content making. I think that is why we have a lot of TH-cam bubbles where people are doing something for the first time and say they are teaching. It's fine, but does not always have the expression of craftsmanship that I am hungry for. Thank for tuning in, Michael
I completely agree with you-ShapeshiftersTV on TH-cam has an incredible collection of videos, and I've been hooked on them! The way they break down the art and science of mold-making is just next level. It's not just about the technical aspects but also the creativity and innovation they bring to each project. I've watched almost every video, and I have to say, there's something so rewarding about seeing the entire process, from planning to execution. It's amazing how they share so many clever tricks and tips that you wouldn't find in traditional tutorials. You can tell that the creators put so much effort into making each video informative but also inspiring. Every time I watch a new one, I feel like I'm learning something that brings me closer to mastering the craft myself. The way they simplify complex techniques while still showing the intricacies is a talent in itself. I love how they combine artistry with practicality, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced creators alike. What really excites me is seeing how their methods have been so successful for them, and it’s clear that they are just getting started. I can’t wait to see when they decide to take that next big step and start producing their own custom molds-can you imagine how cool that’s going to be? The potential is limitless, and I have no doubt that their creativity will only continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mold-making. I'm genuinely looking forward to each new video and can’t help but feel inspired to try these techniques myself. Whether it’s experimenting with different materials or trying out some of those clever hacks they show, it’s all about pushing your own limits and seeing what’s possible. ShapeshiftersTV has really carved out a unique space on TH-cam, and I think their influence is only going to grow from here. The best part is knowing that they are building a community of like-minded creators and learners who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of their craft. It’s not just about watching videos anymore, but being part of something larger, where everyone can contribute, learn, and get inspired. I'm excited to continue following their journey, and I truly believe that we are only seeing the beginning of what they can achieve. Here's to the future of mold-making innovation-and who knows, maybe I'll even try making my own molds soon, thanks to all their great insights!
Thank you for another great video. Really enjoyed your last video on Hammerly as well so had to watch this one soon as it was released. I’m getting into making molds so really appreciate you teaching us.
That is what I want to get down, a thoroughly tested process to maximize production with minimal effort. Nice to see someone who has it figured out! I have stopped using scalpels after you have repeatedly pointed out how overly dangerous they are for what they do. There's always another way I have found that is less prone to emergency room visits!
Also bought real eye protection goggles instead of just wearing glasses for working with resin, and upgraded to a comfortable 3M half face respirator for extended working sessions rather than wear a n95. Good safety tips, I appreciate them!
The respirators are good if using chemistry, but the n95s are great for dust particulates... it's important to keep those clean and not toss them on a table or leave in a dusty place where they get dirty just by being left out. I used to keep them in a large tupperware container with lid. Also, since the fabric masks irritated my skin, I used to put a kleenex tissue loosely between the mask and my skin. it looked goofy, but i was working alone so no fashion sense lost. I would just change the tissue each time I wore the mask. Also used the compressor to blow the mask clear every now and again...only blowing from the inside of mask to outside and into the exhaust fan. The interior rubber face piece on respirators can get gross as breath moisture builds up... so make sure to wipe them out before putting them back into a bag. If you have organic vapor cartridge's and leave them in the open, it shortens the life of the cartridges. People often use them beyond their effective time allotment. Stay safe! Michael
I've just recently descovered your channel, and it has been such a joy to watch. Having your perspective shared in this form is both entertaining to a middle-aged-curmudgeon such as myself as well as super educational to a wannabe moldmaker such as myself. Prior to finding your channel, I've really only watched The Crafsman and Robert Talone for moldmaking videos; In particular, I'd love to hear your perspective on the methods of the latter, for example his video titled "Break It Down - Casting Complicated Objects". Sorry, I can't post a direct link, youtube filters out any comments with links.
Thanks for the comment. I watched the Talone video you referenced and agree its a good one to talk about. I will add some business discussion into the mix as I have also done many disney projects and they are unique in ways beyond just casting. Thank you for the recommendation... I will get it into the schedule! Crafsman is also fun to watch.. he cracks me up with some of his talk. He knows a lot about the small toy world... clever guy for sure. I have a couple of his videos on the schedule as well. I hope you will watch the ceramics videos too as we are starting to add some fun historical project and studio pictures hidden into the story. Thank you for commenting! Michael
Great video. Super skilled and very professional ceramicist. As a long time fixture builder I agree with you on including two registration 'bumps' to firmly affix the handles. You mentioned hiring somebody to do the final fitting and that would make it a no brainer. As we say you'd be able to 'Lick 'em and stick 'em.
Curt is an easy watch and fun to comment on. He runs a good ship and is a great teacher. I enjoy it when people from different industries find alignment with another's process. Good stuff multiplied. Cheers, Michael
Finding this channel was a blessing! I love hearing the commentary of a long-time professional. Mold making is such a fun hobby for an amateur like myself, but with only producing a few molds a year, my learning opportunities are so few and far between. I've never hit the subscribe button so quickly.
Providing your quality expertise on a free and accessible platform such as TH-cam is so valuable, I can't overstate my appreciation. Until now, I've only followed Brick in the Yard - Mitch has taught me everything I know about mold making, directly or indirectly. So few find the time or motivation to share their knowledge (especially without a paywall). I know producing these videos is tedious, so again, thank you!
For Halloween season this year, I plan on making a silicone mold of a pumpkin with a polyurethane shell. There aren't many tutorials on TH-cam for this, but you may get a kick out of the video "How to Make a Carvable Foam Pumpkin" by PumpkinFreak. His technique is unorthodox, to say the least. It might be outside your scope of interest, but I'd love to hear your feedback.
Hi James, Thanks for your kind words.
I am also someone who benefits from TH-cam! and... It is fun to be able to share a few things from my previous years. I have seen many of Mitch/Brick videos and was sad to see that his shop had closed. I have reacted to some of his videos... they are posting soon. I like his calm mannerism, but I do have some different approaches to mold making than he does. I hope they will be helpful to you.
Yes, content is expensive to make and hard to do without the paywall. It's tough to do when the channel is new and not monetized. I will do as much as I can without the dollars getting in the way. However, some of the deeper dive stuff that we have coming up may be a different story. I have to calculate the finished cost to produce and then decide. I have a professional staff, so it is a different burn rate for me.
I can fully understand why many people in pro shops do not make content consistently. Everybody in the shop is busy putting out the jobs out the door so it's hard to have a camera person there to catch all.
I found some amazing artists making how to videos, but they dropped off a few years ago. It is just too expensive to keep up with both jobs and content making. I think that is why we have a lot of TH-cam bubbles where people are doing something for the first time and say they are teaching. It's fine, but does not always have the expression of craftsmanship that I am hungry for. Thank for tuning in, Michael
I liked this one a lot! Very informative!
I completely agree with you-ShapeshiftersTV on TH-cam has an incredible collection of videos, and I've been hooked on them! The way they break down the art and science of mold-making is just next level. It's not just about the technical aspects but also the creativity and innovation they bring to each project. I've watched almost every video, and I have to say, there's something so rewarding about seeing the entire process, from planning to execution. It's amazing how they share so many clever tricks and tips that you wouldn't find in traditional tutorials.
You can tell that the creators put so much effort into making each video informative but also inspiring. Every time I watch a new one, I feel like I'm learning something that brings me closer to mastering the craft myself. The way they simplify complex techniques while still showing the intricacies is a talent in itself. I love how they combine artistry with practicality, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced creators alike.
What really excites me is seeing how their methods have been so successful for them, and it’s clear that they are just getting started. I can’t wait to see when they decide to take that next big step and start producing their own custom molds-can you imagine how cool that’s going to be? The potential is limitless, and I have no doubt that their creativity will only continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mold-making.
I'm genuinely looking forward to each new video and can’t help but feel inspired to try these techniques myself. Whether it’s experimenting with different materials or trying out some of those clever hacks they show, it’s all about pushing your own limits and seeing what’s possible. ShapeshiftersTV has really carved out a unique space on TH-cam, and I think their influence is only going to grow from here.
The best part is knowing that they are building a community of like-minded creators and learners who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of their craft. It’s not just about watching videos anymore, but being part of something larger, where everyone can contribute, learn, and get inspired. I'm excited to continue following their journey, and I truly believe that we are only seeing the beginning of what they can achieve. Here's to the future of mold-making innovation-and who knows, maybe I'll even try making my own molds soon, thanks to all their great insights!
Pashbro in the house!
Thank you for another great video. Really enjoyed your last video on Hammerly as well so had to watch this one soon as it was released. I’m getting into making molds so really appreciate you teaching us.
Thank you for your kind words. More fun stuff is scheduled... we will be releasing on Tuesdays and Fridays. Cheers, Michael
That is what I want to get down, a thoroughly tested process to maximize production with minimal effort. Nice to see someone who has it figured out!
I have stopped using scalpels after you have repeatedly pointed out how overly dangerous they are for what they do. There's always another way I have found that is less prone to emergency room visits!
Also bought real eye protection goggles instead of just wearing glasses for working with resin, and upgraded to a comfortable 3M half face respirator for extended working sessions rather than wear a n95. Good safety tips, I appreciate them!
Safety high five and judo roll on that! Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference! Michael
The respirators are good if using chemistry, but the n95s are great for dust particulates... it's important to keep those clean and not toss them on a table or leave in a dusty place where they get dirty just by being left out. I used to keep them in a large tupperware container with lid. Also, since the fabric masks irritated my skin, I used to put a kleenex tissue loosely between the mask and my skin. it looked goofy, but i was working alone so no fashion sense lost. I would just change the tissue each time I wore the mask. Also used the compressor to blow the mask clear every now and again...only blowing from the inside of mask to outside and into the exhaust fan.
The interior rubber face piece on respirators can get gross as breath moisture builds up... so make sure to wipe them out before putting them back into a bag. If you have organic vapor cartridge's and leave them in the open, it shortens the life of the cartridges. People often use them beyond their effective time allotment. Stay safe! Michael
I've just recently descovered your channel, and it has been such a joy to watch. Having your perspective shared in this form is both entertaining to a middle-aged-curmudgeon such as myself as well as super educational to a wannabe moldmaker such as myself. Prior to finding your channel, I've really only watched The Crafsman and Robert Talone for moldmaking videos; In particular, I'd love to hear your perspective on the methods of the latter, for example his video titled "Break It Down - Casting Complicated Objects". Sorry, I can't post a direct link, youtube filters out any comments with links.
Thanks for the comment. I watched the Talone video you referenced and agree its a good one to talk about. I will add some business discussion into the mix as I have also done many disney projects and they are unique in ways beyond just casting. Thank you for the recommendation... I will get it into the schedule!
Crafsman is also fun to watch.. he cracks me up with some of his talk. He knows a lot about the small toy world... clever guy for sure. I have a couple of his videos on the schedule as well. I hope you will watch the ceramics videos too as we are starting to add some fun historical project and studio pictures hidden into the story. Thank you for commenting! Michael
Great video. Super skilled and very professional ceramicist. As a long time fixture builder I agree with you on including two registration 'bumps' to firmly affix the handles. You mentioned hiring somebody to do the final fitting and that would make it a no brainer. As we say you'd be able to 'Lick 'em and stick 'em.
Curt is an easy watch and fun to comment on. He runs a good ship and is a great teacher. I enjoy it when people from different industries find alignment with another's process. Good stuff multiplied. Cheers, Michael
You should see vantiki, he is amazing too
@@berkaydede9557 Next Friday, vantiki video posts. It's a funny one.