DIY Injection Molds (Inject plastic into silicone!) - "This changes all of it."

[@TheCrafsMan]

Steady Craftin videos are made with the help of DIRECT SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/steadycraftin (You'll also get access to the printable 3D scans of my original sculpted figures, MP3s, exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, shop discounts, and more.) My family and I are so grateful that I get to do this.

[@LinkiePup]

8:40 I think thats sweet how he left the last little “I love you” to who I assume is Craft-Mamma. It just warms my heart!

[@pl5882]

CrafSon is clearly talented.

[@j.m.s_3285]

I like how Crafsman and Crafson have a similar art style.

[@TheCrafsMan]

We sure appreciate the kind words!

[@RedTapeArtiste]

Much love to the CrafsFamily

[@stephenmartin6995]

@@j.m.s_3285 P

[@TheRainHarvester]

@@TheCrafsMan , great technique! Can you estimate how many castings you could make before the silicon wears out/tears?

[@MakersMuse]

So stoked the silicone works - it seriously does change the game!

[@thomasmacisaac1503]

This is easily one of the very best channels on youtube. I don't even do a lot of crafting, but I watch all these videos; it has that rare blend of thoughtful production quality, useful information and heaps of charm. It's the epitome of what makes youtube a great platform. Thanks, Crafsman!

[@juanhermosillo7322]

Dip me in shellac and call me glossy. Your craftiness is mesmerizing and very inspiring. Keep on steady crafting.

[@dcasillas3412]

As a trained cnc plastic injection mold maker, it is great to see you making it happen on the workbench! All the old men I work with grumbled how it was never possible in anything but aluminum and it is cool seeing it from a more open, experimental, and creative point of view. You never let the risk of failure or inexperience stop you and I am trying to adopt that mentality.

[@angelapileggi6031]

That's great! As an artist and toy maker I am over the moon by this, this is a game changer for independent toy makers :)! I'm going to buy a machine but I'm not sure if I need a larger one or not yet..it depends on the limitations of plastic. In your professional opinion how dense can a thermoplastic be before warping may occur? I had an mechanical engineer tell me that if you go beyond a half inch warping can occur (unless I heard him wrong on the size, the reception was not great). Do you know how thick something like ABS or these other thermoplastics can be shot without caving in from the internal heat?

[@BrooksMoses]

@@angelapileggi6031 : Based on my experience with styrene model kits, it depends on a lot. The biggest issues seem to show up when you have a thick area next to a thin area, such as if you have a thin wall with a post sticking up on one side of it. The wall on the side opposite the post will get a small "sink mark" cave-in.

[@angelapileggi6031]

@@BrooksMoses Thanks! That makes sense...and my best friend's husband who's an engineer was saying similar. That the variations in thicknesses can really effect things.

[@PaulGeorgeIV]

Ive considered making my molds out of 3d printed resin, but Im concerned the heat from the melted plastic will make the resin print brittle after just a couple of injections.

[@studio-stirko5596]

Of the crafsman posted a 10 hour special of him just doing, well, anything. I would watch it, and really enjoy myself!

[@ecv80]

Why does the spell checker do always things like this. How often does a sentence start with "of" rather than "if"?

[@he-mar.]

Craf man channel just keeps getting better.

[@rorylaubscher3208]

The Spin Doctors reference had me chuckling. I swear we can’t be more than 3 or 4 years apart in age - there’s just so much nostalgia in your videos. You sir, have a pocket full of Kraftonite!

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

I never would’ve believed soft silicon would keep the shape. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING. but really, we need a part three. Trying the epoxies, 3D printer molds, etc. and Crafson is already an advanced toymaker. How awesome is that?! Oh one thing, it seems like the aluminum molds have really tiny air escape tubes in them. Would that help at all?

[@JohnDoe-cj4gn]

The mold itself should have very thin escape valves. When I've designed molds digitally I usually make them virtually invisible and they function perfectly.

[@TheCrafsMan]

Tiny air escape channels are not a bad idea. They can be made thin enough so that the air escapes, but the plastic doesn't push through (creating more bits to trim and clean up later). Thank you for checking out the video, and for the kind words about Crafson! I'm excited to get more advanced with this, now that I know it's even possible. I was honestly very surprised by the whole deal.

[@Firstname137]

@@JohnDoe-cj4gn I've worked using heat press, injection molding etc.. My work used to involve making custom or difficult to find items out of all sorts of plastics and materials that needed to meet a certain threshold. I believe that the molds we used had a lot of incredibly small channels through them. So they would be easier to release. The molds, plates or whatever would have several larger channels in them we could then use to blow compressed air through them so we could release whatever we were making. The insides of some of these mold would sometimes be sprayed with different "releasing" agents like viton or whatever. We could make extremely delicate items through this method when injection molding or what we would also do was to insert whatever material we were using inside a mold and then insert it all into a hot press.

[@sminstudios]

Smoosh in 2 inches of fishing line when forming the silicone. Touching the model & taped to the aluminum escape tube. Embed it in one silicone half or the other, so that exact fit-nicity is not required. There’s some old fishing line outside the crafs shed, I guarantee!

[@anonymouse527]

1:00 I only see the air escape channels on the bottom-left mold. The three vertical lines.. seems a bit overkill, no? However in other molds I only see the injection channel. And Crafsman's silicone mold also had no additional channels, at least he didn't mention it. And so I thought, how does the air escape when you inject plastic in it? Does it escape in between the mold halves? Hmm. Crafsman, help!

[@theBoonarmies]

Crafson makes some extremely characterful, alive sculpts. His work is amazing.

[@Hihomme153]

Your a very entertaining teacher Crafsman! Thank you. :)

[@liam_ashton01]

"Oh my goodness, anti-gravity!" It's always the smallest things that are said that develops the biggest smile on our faces, thank you so much CraftMan 😌❤

[@ABC-ji1lq]

Craftsman I wanna thank you for the content you put out. Your channel makes the internet a better place.

[@fractilians7]

completely agree! He just calms me down and makes me want to buy all sorts of art supplies,....hehe

[@ABC-ji1lq]

@@fractilians7 I may sound a bit weird but his videos are almost therapeutic.

[@fractilians7]

@@ABC-ji1lq Totally agree...his voice is hypnotic:)

[@Adam-ew7uv]

“Well dip me in shellac and call me glossy” -Crafsman 2020

[@radioactiveferrets]

I just had an anxiety attack a few minutes ago and as soon as I heard the intro, a wave of calm washed over me. This is seriously the best channel I know of that can calm me down

[@benju2438]

Dip me in shellac and call me glossy! I have been waiting for this! Thank you craft Man!

[@Schnydes]

CrafSon is KILLING it with his sculpting!

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

Based on the music references and the collectibles that show up in these videos, I really think the crafsman may be my spiritual twin.

[@kl8077]

If these videos ran two hours I’d happily zone out to them. They’re so fun and relaxing. Just love this channel.

[@tcat6163]

I've recently gotten into injection molding. I've done a lot of research and as far as I can tell, you are the only one out there who has tried this technique. Looks amazing. I have some mold Max 60 coming in the mail and I'm going to give it a try. The next step is 3d printing, but I love the idea of being able create a mold with some flexibility. I kind of wish you would do some more injection molding content. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for what you do.

[@mixiekins]

I wonder if we all could convince Lofty Pursuits to recreate Cinn*a*burst for Craftsman? If anyone could make the flavor crystals, it's them!

[@sftraub]

I just love listening to your smooth tones when you speak. It calms me during these crazy worrisome times. I donkt do injection molding but I learned something while being soothed. Thanks Crafsman!

[@TheCrafsMan]

This really means a lot to me! Thank you!

[@sftraub]

TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin you’re most welcome! I even got a laugh from the Star Wars Fred’s parody you did a year ago. I bounce around viewing in your catalog. Keep crafting!

[@wittsullivan8130]

The Crafsman is today's Bob Ross. Watching your videos makes me feel better at the end of the day, they're soothing and empowering.

[@omegaiteration]

I see you upload, and drop everything. I enjoy you brightening my day friend.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

10:56 - That reveal was so satisfying!

[@PropellerSteve]

I'm going to use the "Dip me shellac" phrase at work tomorrow.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Should be “dip me in shellac...”

[@bignicktex]

That line had me in stitches.

[@sarahb2004]

Please come back and let us know if it was successful or if it bombed.

[@stormyeffects4795]

How’d it go?

[@ScottRipley]

CrafsMan know what a prince and lover ought to be

[@BellaFleurElise]

CrafsMan reminds me of someone who would live on the old Sesame Street.

[@f.d.6667]

Totally... every time I watch a CrafsMan video, my mind wanders of to this fuzzy universe of kind and unique creatures. I actually think there might be a hidden pathway under the CrafsMan's desk connecting the two universes...

[@marcbaker3947]

Just enjoyed a little magic moment clicking the like button to take it from 999 to 1000 😁It’s the little things. Great video- thanks Crafsman

[@jewabeus]

Thank you for making this video to click on & enjoy. You, sir, are greatly appreciated.

[@austinroberson8]

I love your sense of humor and your ingenuity! Gotta follow you now.

[@marianorainmaker]

im 40yrs old, Crafsman is ma host of happiness

[@jameshansen1903]

14:20 Gotta love the Spin Doctors.

[@intothecalm420]

Loving this series. I really have no interest in injection molding for myself but it is a joy to watch you kind sir.

[@eowarion]

I always enjoy your videos. They are educational, fun, and you have such a calming voice. It's like the crafty Bob Ross.

[@btlxguitars7606]

LOVE your videos Crafsman... I could listen to your voice all day, it's so soothing and relaxing... It's like you're channeling the spirit of the late great Bob Ross...

[@danbishopaz]

At just shy of the 4 minute mark, I believe I saw an original Blackwing pencil! The Crafsman is the coolest.

[@backyardsounds]

I LOVE CRAFSMAN!! 'CAUSE I'M A CRAFTINAUT!

[@peterdibble]

SteadyCraftin is the flavor crystals in the Cinnaburst of life.

[@nathanielowensleigh7513]

I love you too, Crafsman! This video opens up so many possibilities!

[@mattakudesu]

Awesome, I'm glad that silicone molds work with injection molding. I suggested making your own pewter molds, but it seems theres no need to go through the extra work.

[@fernandofranco9067]

Love your work Crafsman 😍

[@markswaggerty4958]

I can’t believe how much I need these videos.

[@wild-radio7373]

I absolutely LOVE these lil characters!♡♡♡

[@linzertube]

I like that both you and Crafson make charming, quirky figures that don’t frighten me...I’m not good with scary.

[@macadelicmusic]

Always a joy to watch.

[@RvnKnight]

Nice Spin Doctors reference. I love your videos; they inspire me to make more stuff and to design/sculpt my own toys/models.

[@ageoftheatom154]

Thank you for the video! I would love to see more experiments with plastic injection machine. Keep up the great work Crafsman!

[@JasonP6339]

Daaaang CrafSon!!! I hope you are very proud of him because he is extremely creative and talented! I think he's going to give you a run for your money Crafsman!

[@KiwiComics97]

I had to comment, I love all of your videos and just watch them on repeat every day. but when I saw crafson make walkie talkie figures I had to laugh. I was literally days away from making some walkie talkie figures for a coffee shop that i live by and the coincidence of him making those just made me laugh.

[@Blinkation]

this video couldn't come in a better time, im currently building a machine that does exactly this, and the first thing i wanted to try is silicone molds, been searching everywhere about this subject but couldn't find any info. great job.

[@sylkz4438]

Crafsman, greetings from Australia!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel. You have taught me so much and I appreciate you greatly, thank you for your excellent content and efforts...

[@Dukefazon]

Thank you Craftsman, now it's been confirmed that it was worth following you. A friend of mine had a walkie talkie when we were kids and as a grown up always tried to find what model it was. But I only found new and modern ones. You said "vintage" and it lead me exactly to the right search term and I found it! For years I've been looking for it on and off. Thank you!

[@gardenfork]

Ms GardenFork often checks in on me as well. - Eric.

[@MrRandomlamer]

This is lowkey the best channel on youtube even if youre not into crafs

[@andy_warb]

I love y'all too crafsman. Hope you keep steady craftin for ever!

[@FitBoy3D]

you are a mad genious!!! i am actually shook. crafsman you are always surprising me.

[@cluhendrix8432]

I feel ya on cinnaburst. I have a liking for tangerine altoids and gatorgum myself. Man, I miss gatorgum. *Looks away longingly.

[@mixiekins]

The closet I've found to the altoids ones are Torie & Howard Blood Orange drops. I'm surprised that Lofty Pursuits hasn't crafted some of their own yet.

[@cluhendrix8432]

Cari Garafalo never seen those, will have to check them out.

[@cluhendrix8432]

Cari Garafalo is it blood orange and honey?

[@bibbidyboptothetop4470]

Warning: This is a paragraph! Mr. Craftsman, I'll be honest. I've only joined your channel about two or so weeks ago, so I'm pretty new here. But I want to say that I love this channel. Usually, I don't think I would be into channels like this and the first time watching this, I laughed because I didn't understand what this was about. All the other youtubers I watched were always yelling, laughing, and overall just really loud. So when I came here, I thought this channel didn't make sense since it was just a guy making crafts. Boy, was I wrong. This channel has a calming aspect to it that makes me calm down and take some breaths and forget about my surroundings. Words literally can't describe how relaxed I feel, because nothing else I have watched has made the world around me fade away. When I'm really feeling stressed and I want to cry, I turn on one of your videos and just... sit. It helps me feel a lot better. Keep doing what you do, Mr. Craftsman. It truly does help people.

[@johnmyrick8623]

Your videos are my only source of happiness

[@Curegirl0023]

You have no idea how much your videos relax me ♡ thank you ♡

[@Spoot401]

"You can just use a buttload-- 'scuse me -- a whole lot..." Crafman, watch that language! ;)

[@Pigeon_FX]

Blackwing 602 Pencil, truly a man of class!

[@alisonhenry820]

I love your use of song lyrics randomly!! You're the best Crafsman!

[@geniarome]

Thank you again sir 😊 just for being you 🙏

[@Muzi_Art]

gosh i absolutely love your channel. wanted to let you know to keep doing great work and keep on being wonderful!

[@RonColeArt]

This was a tremendous help. Thank you!

[@MisterBones223]

That's absolutely amazing! CrafsMan, you are by far the most brilliant toy maker I think I'll ever have the pleasure of knowing about!

[@Transitooooor]

Thank you crafsman just what I wanted to know keep the crafy crafs coming my man!

[@CatDandy]

A whole family of crafin talent! Love it

[@tetsuoswrath]

Don't make me feel old with a Spin Doctors reference Crafsman. I'd like to see you do a video on using the 3d printed molds at some point. Makes me want to get an Injection Molding machine too. :{

[@tetsuoswrath]

@Kneon Knight thanks for the info. How much did the machine cost you to build? :{

[@tetsuoswrath]

@Kneon Knight wow a $100 for all the parts needed to make the IMM is great compared to $1800 for buying it premade. 🍻 :{J

[@tetsuoswrath]

@Kneon Knight cool. Yeah I can handle all those well enough. It will be great to get one going and be able to make a homemade action figure. Thanks for the links. 🍻. :{J

[@f.d.6667]

Awesome! Bonus credits for mentioning Little Green Army Men!

[@justinlynn]

TheCrafsMan, it's *always* a great day when I see you've posted new content. :) Thank you

[@AnnaMBanana]

That water trick is so smart!

[@jeromeriedl]

Crafs man, I have been thinking about how to do home brew injection molding for years. Thank you for making this video

[@212caboose]

SmoothOn makes more dense rubber molds for casting "low temp" metals (I think you've already made a mold from this kind of rubber). Maybe give that a try too?

[@theblindbuildergrandminuti5648]

This is great! Thanks for taking the plunge so we can learn how it turns out!

[@herosbazaarart1072]

I've been wanting to reproduce an action figure o designed and the videos you make HELP so much! Thank you. GODSEND

[@complexcat1742]

Dear Crafsman Craftin Steady. Enjoyed watching you get the mold ready. The whole vid's a good vibe, so gave it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. 👍

[@TheCrafsMan]

Awwwwwwww yeah! :D Thank youuuuuuuuuuu!

[@Sicnus]

It's here!

[@Sicnus]

Also if you want, come join us on the /r/SteadyCraftin discord: discord.gg/vAXcMZR I really wish the Crafsman had an official discord (I'd be willing to turn this one over to him; I know I said I'd do that for the /r/SteadCraftin mods but... I mean, Crafsman!) anyway... Back to the video!

[@indiealch5524]

Amazing video

[@genie5264]

I love the two princes reference at the end

[@eric3dee]

I'll second seeing a part three with the 3d printed molds! Would also like to see you injection mold softer/more rubber plastics if its possible! Thanks so much for this video!

[@ScientificallyStupid]

Even if we never heard about CrafsSon, we would you know you're a dad from your puns. We love you and keep on Steady Craftin.

[@scottstielow9500]

Glossy!!!!! Love watching you work, thank you,

[@waskito3443]

this is all so amazing to me, what a time to be alive.

[@Harlequin619]

Love to hear more of the different types of plastic and what are best for toys. I've been wanting into on that myself for a personal project and the only plastic I think would work would be ABS. What I'd also like to know is about painting these figures. Great work Crafsman, another great video. 👍

[@jungijunsa6311]

this changes everything. thank you crafsman

[@nottelling6598]

You could make some vents that are the same diameter as the plastic pellets. It would let you do more complicated molds with less risk of air pockets, and you could recycle the sprues by cutting them up into the correct size. Flush cutters are basically made for cutting sprues.

[@ninjapancakes9435]

First time I've seen one of your videos. You seem like quite the personality, I enjoyed it.

[@nozaihaus7053]

Just discovered this channel because of video. Your channel is awesome man!

[@mikemorris6380]

The more stuff I see you do, CrafsMan, the more I wanna try it! :D

[@Eralen00]

Crafsman, have you thought about using JB-weld for the molds? Maybe just around the immediate area where the plastic will be injected, and fill the rest of it in with the silicone. JB weld is very strong and can withstand up to 550ºF

[@jpaganeng]

Listening to this is so relaxing 😊

[@machineman6498]

Stunned and Inspired! Visa, here we come.....

[@fixins]

Spindoctors reference from Crafsman. Awesome.

[@Gorlokki]

THIS IS IT! THANK YOU CRAFTMAN!!

[@nemmrrc]

Pressurizing all our positive abilities to smoothify our craftin'. That's alright right there.