Studio-N Report post Posted February 9, 2009 Hello. Please take a look at this picture. It is the saddle tree from the old Tandy Ranchero saddle or lamp kit and is about 4 inches long. I picked one of these up on eBay and would really like to make more than one of these. The leather part is easy, but since these are no longer available getting another tree is the problem. However, it occurs to me that obviously this is resin to start off with. So does any one know where I could get this cast commercially to be able to make multiples? Or perhaps there is someone here that might want to make some? Of course the horn should probably point the right way. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArtS Report post Posted February 9, 2009 What size is that tree? Thanks, Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted February 9, 2009 It is only about 4 to 5 inches long. It was part of a mini saddle kit for display and also reused in a lamp kit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted February 9, 2009 (edited) Contact Dale Grabowski at Grandpa's Pastime. At one time last year he was setting up his gear to make them. Grandpa's Pastime Regards, Ben Edited February 9, 2009 by gtwister09 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted February 9, 2009 Thank you Ben, I will contact him and let everyone know. I'd still like to know if any can makes the molds. I'd think I'd trying to cast them as well, 'cause I just don't have enough hobbies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted February 9, 2009 Thank you Ben, I will contact him and let everyone know. I'd still like to know if any can makes the molds. I'd think I'd trying to cast them as well, 'cause I just don't have enough hobbies. Dale's I believe are out of wood but I may be wrong. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorsehairBraider Report post Posted February 9, 2009 I make molds, but not that big - ~! One thing, you should check the casting over and see if it is stamped anywhere. If someone brought me someone else's work to make a mold, I would not do it, because I'd fear to get in trouble for it, especially if it was stamped. It would be considered stealing someone else's work. However, if you changed it somehow - did an original that you based on this for example, that would be perfectly legal. Once you have an original that you yourself had made, or altered this one in a way to make it your own (change the swells, maybe) then you could perhaps take it to a crafts department or arts department at a local school or university. I know that people can make molds to cast resin, and do them in their own home. So I know it's possible, and my best guess would be to talk to a local school about it. I make molds for jewelry, and they are smaller than what you want. I have a mold frame to make a big men's cuff bracelet, but it would not be big enough for that tree! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArtS Report post Posted February 9, 2009 If you find someone to do this I'd be interested in a few. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casey Jordan Report post Posted February 9, 2009 I have 4 or 5 of the original ones from the Tandy kits and they are all wood. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think the one you have is a mold of one of the wood ones. I don't think the sold them in a resin like yours. Casey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted February 9, 2009 All I can say is that it all came in the original Tandy packinging. I've seen several others sell on eBay since and all the pictures have always been resin. I did see the one that sold last night on eBay and the picture was wood. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cem Report post Posted February 9, 2009 If you had been in Australia I probably could of helped as I've made molds that big and larger, but the postage would be fairly steep and you should be able to find someone closer to home. If you do want to try it yourself give this place a look www.smoothon.com they sell silicone and resin and have a few tutorials on how to do them I believe there is also a list of moldmakers on the site somewhere. I've used a few of their products and found them to be very good. Before you go ahead with this though check that it isn't stamped like HorsehairBraider mentioned, people in the resin/silicone industry don't like recasters and aren't likely to want to help you if they spot a stamp even if the piece is out of production. If it isn't or you can modify it enough, try and look for the old mold lines as this will help you in making a new mold. As this is a fairly complex piece it will need to be multi part. I wouldn't tackle this on you first go at moldmaking start with something simple, watch Smooth Ons videos and work your way up to it. Silicone and resin are fairly expensive and you want to get used to mixing the stuff first, building mold boxes, making pour holes and figuring out parting lines. Hope this is of some help Cheers, Clair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomBanwell Report post Posted February 9, 2009 I could make a mold for you. My real business is makinging custom rubber molds and resin casting. It would run about $50 for the mold. www.lumicast.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted February 10, 2009 I could make a mold for you. My real business is makinging custom rubber molds and resin casting. It would run about $50 for the mold. www.lumicast.com Thanks Tom, I'll be in touch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
