>>893801I handpour resin at room pressure, large, rough pieces that can be open one side like terrain etc, I use vacuum/pressure casting for very large models that are too big (i.e thick) for a white metal spincast mould - you can cast very large miniatures in spincasting, but the sheer weight and problems caused by cooling for large parts means its not worth it. If you really want a large metal mini, break it into multiple hollow parts.
Metal minis are the mainstay of my business, I can knock them out in large amounts very quickly.
Now the garage nature of this industry means if you're going to 'contract' someone to cast for you, you will get all kinds of quotes. I do £23-30 per disc mould, with extra charges depending how much work needs doing with your master (is it a fragile 3d print, do i need to cut it up and re-jig it for multipart casting?)
I then charge by weight/time - again depends if you want 30 models (by my time), or 3000 (by weight).
Dont forget alloy is a big factor - cheaper, lead heavy alloys will capture less detail, and produce softer models. Lead free pewter alloys cost more but make better models. The good stuff shifts between £20-25 a kg as tin prices fluctuate. Cheaper alloys can be as low as £15 a kg.
The fact cheaper ones are heavier actually helps if you're 'hand pouring' rather than spinning. But as I side, the quality doesnt even compare between these methods.
Would I make recasts of another companies I.P for friends? Depends if the other company still exists/if the line is still in production. Sure Ive took cash in hand for making knockoffs of OOP Necromunda and Battletech, but I wouldnt copy models by someone who's effectively in the same business as me, even PP. Oh and if I make you a mould for knockoffs, you keep the discs. I dont need that around if questions are ever asked. I cant speak for others but I cant be the only one who'd do this...
