I'm baaack! With a new and challenging project.

It's been quite some time since I posted here. I've been busy with other projects not related to ventriloquism.

I also have been dealing with an allergy problem with the chemicals I use for casting, and that has kept me out of the workshop. I think I might have the problems solved. Time will tell.

The point of this post is to announce that I am about to undertake the construction of a small rotocast machine, one big enough to cast heads and hands. I got the idea from discussions with fellow figuremaker Les Lamborn. He sent me a link to a website that tells how to do it. I also read everything else I could find on the Internet and watched every youtube video I on the subject.

I have not decided whether to motorize it. A hand crank would be acceptable if I did not plan to make a lot of casts. But then why bother making a rotocast machine for only a few projects. I'm back and forth on this one.

I made a commitment to the project to the extent that I have ordered all the parts I need. The other materials—wood, hardware, special tools—will come from the local Lowes or Home Depot.

It looks to me like the woodworking and hardware installation requires a certain precision that I might not be ready to undertake, both in skill and tool inventory. This contraption cannot be allowed to bind up as it spins around. Not to worry. I have a close friend who builds radio controlled model airplanes. He has every woodworking tool imaginable and is skilled in their use. I will tap into that resource as the project proceeds.

And, of course, I will let you know how it goes.