Thread: Ever tired to make scales out of epoxy?

I was wondering if anyone has tried to make scales out of epoxy? the stuff is used to make trolling lures for tuna and marlin and many people here make their own lures. Has anyone tried it?
The reason for the "looking for naked ladies" thread was to look for a set that I could use to make a mold, but now that I think about it, it might be too rigid.

The only epoxy I've ever used was intended for flexible auto body parts. That one would actually have too much flex, kinda like rubber. I could never get the right tension on rubber scales. There may be an epoxy out there with the right consistency for you.

I thought about that 'mold thing' a while back but was thinking of using a polymer to cast the scales. However, I was having trouble finding the 'cast' material. I believe Gary Alfonso (sp?) had done this a while back... You might want to try and contact him (if he's still around here).

Let us know how it works out.... I'm interested in a set of those 'purtty' scales if you get them going!

C utz

Originally Posted by C utz

I thought about that 'mold thing' a while back but was thinking of using a polymer to cast the scales. However, I was having trouble finding the 'cast' material. I believe Gary Alfonso (sp?) had done this a while back... You might want to try and contact him (if he's still around here).

Let us know how it works out.... I'm interested in a set of those 'purtty' scales if you get them going!

C utz

Thanks for the lead. i'll check him out. I've been playing with the idea for a month or so. Still have to read up and talk to a few fishermen out here that make lures. It might be a while, but I'm sure I'll get to the experiments in a month or so. Just realized that I can use other things to make a mold. Have a few other things that I'm working on right now, but I'll keep everyone posted on this one.

Oh and if I get them going, I'll definately send you a pair

If you still want a "naked lady" razor I might be able to get one for you. There is a local antique shop that had a Devil razor with naked lady scales last time I was there. I think that it was around $40. From what I remember the blade was in good condition but the scales were turning yellow. If you are interested send me a pm.

Metal-filled epoxy would certainly be strong enough, but it'd be ugly as sin!

EDIT: That said, it might complement a duct-tape wallet...

Have you considered using dental plaster for making the mold. it holds fine detail and is non toxic. since they use it to take a impresson of a persons gums to make false teeth. when dry it is very durable.

Yes Im still making the cast scales,I do all sizes and colors,and have made molds for all the naked ladies,and peacocks and many others.I make them of several casting resins,and also kevlar cloth.Your choices are pretty much unlimited.I will post some pictres when I get home on Tuesday.
Best Regards Gary Alfonso

Carbon fiber (if only for the outside layer) would be cool for that "modern" look...

Originally Posted by Traveller

Yes Im still making the cast scales,I do all sizes and colors,and have made molds for all the naked ladies,and peacocks and many others.I make them of several casting resins,and also kevlar cloth.Your choices are pretty much unlimited.I will post some pictres when I get home on Tuesday.
Best Regards Gary Alfonso

Hey Gary,

Thanks for finding the post. I'm glad you did. I was just curious to know if it could be done. Now that curiousity is gone...it can be done! What kind of resin do you use?