How to make SOFT VINYL toys at home! Plus ROTOCAST DIGITAL 12!

We review the smooth-running ROTOCAST DIGITAL 12, make a bunch of figures, and find out if it is actually possible to heat cure and pull soft vinyl from silicone molds.
CURING PLASTISOL:
- In an old oven (not used for food), pre-heat silicone mold to 400 degrees.
- Pour liquid plastisol into hot mold and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes to form a semi-cured gel layer.
(The mold will drop well below 400 quickly, so I either set inside the oven w/ door open, or wrap with aluminum foil like a baked potato to keep heat inside.)
- Empty uncured plastisol into a spare container, to be reused.
- Place mold with hollow part(s) back into oven and let cure for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on heat. Oven should be at least 350, but not much higher than 400.
ROTOCAST DIGITAL 12 AVAILABLE HERE:
hackmakemod.com/products/roto...
PLASTISOL FOR TESTING AVAILABLE AT IASCO-TESCO:
www.iasco-tesco.com/
DCB VARIETY HOUR:
/ @dustincropsboy
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[@HackMakeMod]

It is such an honor to see the Rotocast Digital 12 featured on your channel CrafsMan!! Thank you!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Thank you so much for the opportunity, seriously! We're very grateful! I didn't want to mention it, because I know how I get sidetracked from one project to the next, but I'd really like to build something like a large Fisher Price style playset using the rotocaster! ;) :D

[@ChadKapper]

That would be amazing!!@@TheCrafsMan

[@kaitlyn__L]

It’s super cool! Is there a way to program a speed curve for the fast-start slow-finish method mentioned in the video? I’m imagining telling the Rotocast the cure time for each resin, and allowing that to stretch/shrink a standard logarithmic curve.

[@ChadKapper]

Yes! That's totally possible.@@kaitlyn__L

[@wayneswonderarium]

​@@kaitlyn__Li don't know if it's baked into the controller but it should be possible to write that

[@sealdoggydog]

I love that even though the Crafsman is so proficient in multiple crafts, he will still get so excited by something new and go on a whirlwind of exploration. I remember when injection molding caught his imagination and so now I'm excited to see what rabbit hole of discovery this leads us down 😁👍

[@andreelb]

The Rotocast is really well designed. I’ve known Chad for several years and you can tell he enjoys and takes pride in making quality products.

[@TheCrafsMan]

He's super conscientious about the machine's performance, which I admire. He legit wants to know that it does what it's supposed to. Really fine machine, and great guy!

[@DatHandle]

Lol. Loved the Event Horizon remark. 😂

[@Zenkai76]

lol me too, and I agree with him, no desire to see it ever again!

[@PerryVonVicious]

Thank you for continuing to push the limits of home-production toymaking... and then sharing the process! Your videos are so informative, while always being entertaining!

[@joshsmith4488]

Crafsman is a mixture of Bob Ross, Mr Wizard and the cinematics of Alton Brown. Pretty much perfect for my Gen X sensibilities. Thanks so much.

[@OliverPickard]

Never miss a video from the Crafs Man. You really set the bar for chill wholesome videos

[@CharacterDesignForge]

This is absolutely INCREDIBLE. I remember hitting the last page of Google search results back in the day trying to figure out how to rotocast vinyl without placing a huge order to a factory- this is groundbreaking! So exciting!

[@elenaschmidt9476]

I love how different, but still distinct your son's sculpting style is! That's really cool

[@jeremysmith4620]

You've got the spinny, flippy thing (Rotocaster) so we can finally have a toy become The Lawnmower Man. Hooray!

[@cjcarver6290]

Lawnmower Man? Stephen King's Lawnmower man?

[@jeremysmith4620]

@@cjcarver6290 That is an interesting and sticky question. The movie "adaptation" of Stephen King's Lawnmower Man, which King later sued to have his name removed from because it was a mixture of King's story and another titled "Cyber God." That name is hilarious due to the connotations the word cyber gained in the early days of the internet. I am referencing the film when Jobe, the titular Lawnmower Man, is in a large Aerotrim, or multi-axis trainer, that pilots, astronauts, and web based deities all use to train. Seeing this awesome Rotocaster immediately brought this insane movie to mind. Hope that explains it!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Haven't heard anyone reference this film in a whiiiiiiiiiiile! :D

[@JonathanB822]

So happy that my DIY sofubi method worked out so well for you! The flexible silicone looks like it is the way to go for this! I think you forgot to mention my name, but it's all ok!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Jonathan, did I not mention your name?!? :| I have it noted (from when I asked how to credit you) so I thought for sure it went into the voiceover. I hate to have missed it. I'll make it up to you since I'll be working on more soft vinyl content. Holler at me on email when you get a chance - I want to send you some of these vinyl figures.

[@pherja]

You legit do not understand what you’ve done. You broke down the giant iron doors of sofubi and opened the kingdom to EVERYONE. I’ve had this idea in my head for a while now, but couldn’t figure out the heating part. I don’t have the space for a large oven (japan…) so it wasn’t something I could test. But you could, and you did, and it works. I feel validated. I’m figuring out now how to get a small oven shoved in here somewhere… 😅 Wow. You have my eternal thanks for this. 🙇‍♂️ (you also basically made rotocasting unnecessary)

[@TheCrafsMan]

Hey, thank you SO MUCH for the encouraging words! I really do get a lot of motivation from comments like this. ALSO... before getting an oven, consider taking a look at the chemical/"fryer" type units. This is the next thing I want to try, because it's closer to what's done overseas, and I have a feeling it releases less fumes than oven-curing (although I do have a vent pulling fumes through a carbon filter to outside, as well as a respirator). I'm wishing you success!

[@TheOneTwitchingDeadGirl]

"I have mo desire to ever watch again" 😂 The amount of times I've said that about a "blockbuster" film.

[@KaijuSommelier]

It's amazing that home-made sofubi are a reality! Thank you for this wild and exciting video and all of your work on this!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Hey, thank you for the motivation along the way! I'm still pushing to make it better (I think incorporating metal will maybe help). :)

[@rainbowditto9033]

Hearing crafsman get so excited at the successful vinyl pull had me grinning from ear to ear! The joy is infectious!! :DD cant wait to see what you guys do with this awesome new method of making toys!

[@wiresmith2398]

Crafsman, that is very very Event Horizon - especially 'cause we don't need eyes where we're going, we can play with them nice soft figures with our fingers!

[@NubbyEvo]

I didn't not expect a reference to The Pixies "Where Is My Mind?" in a Crafsman video!

[@katstorm13]

He's mentioned some of the music he likes before, and there were some that leaned alternative like The White Stripes, and I might be mis-remembering, but it was that Depeche Mode was a favorite. As someone who got Violator...(on cassette lol) for a high school graduation gift that resonates.

[@volttherobot]

I think the fumes finally got to him... heh

[@babaganoosh1969]

Ive seen sand casting...lost wax casting...even a guy who rotocasted plaster to do metal parts... there's always options or a way...not going to lie...im a little jealous of the new rotocaster....lol

[@idontknow46]

You can tell the crafsman is pumped for this, he’s talking faster. Big ❤crafsman

[@willhook3689]

wow these videos are incredible. Not only are you great at communicating and educating. But the detail and quality of the video production is also top notch. Great work

[@derekrife9214]

Love your channel Crafsman. I'm so happy that you can pursue your passion in this way. Just got my stickers in the mail. Thank you so much. ❤ I am blessed by having you here. Thank you.

[@_end3rguy_]

I remember getting a little soft vinyl alien dude at an arcade a long time ago

[@oddsparten13]

Please do more ASMR in the shop! It is some of the most relaxing stuff on the planet!

[@gedion4000]

I need to thank you for making these videos. I have been thinking about making my own toys like this for a while now and really didn't know where to start. even contacting some of the other sculptor/casting KZbinrs seeking advice has left me with an empty inbox. i really appreciate all the work you have put into this.

[@Lee-Dixon1987]

Also, I don't know why, but super 8 style footage (I wouldn't be surprised if you used a real super 8 camera for that) is so satisfying!

[@arvaniaconstructions]

I love how much you get excited about this topic! It's interesting and I really enjoyed this relaxing, yet teaching episode, Crafsman!

[@TimothyONeill_84.]

Love it when you do that retro 70's style filming.

[@Gamma7DroidSecurity]

The soft figure saga continues! Can't wait to dive into this one, Crafsman!

[@honey_bee_live]

I always feel like I’m settling in to watch my favorite TV show when I see a post from TheCrafsMan!

[@GaryOshust]

Awesome work from you and your whole Craft family!

[@TheFeralFarmgirl]

Doll and figure creators rejoice! 😁

[@doublezero7850]

So exciting to see you working on this stuff! I'm definitely in the market for a benchtop rotocasting machine, and that one definitely fits the bill. And that VINYL - So amazing to see a DIY version!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Hey buddy! Thanks so much, as always! I really appreciate you. And I neglected to show in the video, but the inner and outer rotation speeds can be set independently. :)

[@mowermanone1621]

The smooth easy listening of the craftman. I enjoy your videos, thank you for your work.

[@davidalau]

I was thinking to make a comment suggesting using metal dust to impregnate the si molds. Then a moment later the magic sock was adding copper. Brilliant. I may never make sufubi but watching your and Craftsfams progression is a wonderful thing. Thanks again for sharing your excitement with us all. I’ve had an exciting idea about tesselating motion sculptures that need molding skills… I’m too shy to ask.

[@TheseAreShapes]

What Crafsman!!! The shoutout I wasn't expecting that LOL I just flipped out

[@aaronyap3249]

holy sh*t how timely!! making toys rn, and this upload is what I needed. TQ CrafsMan

[@HandleToBeDetermined]

Finally, a soft-vinyl-at-home video! There's surprising few resources on it on YT. Glad that you decided to try a hand at it!

[@nexviper]

Opening with Event Horizon and closing with the Pixies. Class.

[@volttherobot]

SO EXCITED about this!!! SOFUBI! xoxo

[@TwospotzArtAndCraft]

These lil critters are adorable! Glad you found a good way to make them in vinyl! 😊

[@CryptoRulz]

Two of my favorite channels working together!

[@CarlKeeling1881]

Just sit the jars of resin in a dark place if they're in clear jars or in brown paper bags in a cabinet.

[@crackin2000]

You are a toy astronaut who happens to also make toy astronauts. That's deep stuff right there.

[@djperezestrella]

I miss you crafsman!!!! So good to see a vid of yours pop up to me again, you where one big help for me to go thru the pandemic!!!!! Cheers froms Brazil!!!

[@heathercrumly1083]

I gotta just give it up to Caftsman and CraftsFam for making this content. Thank you for sharing your art and also being willing to show the failures and process!

[@joaomiguelxs]

big love to the one and only. big love!

[@BRUXXUS]

Ooh! I’d never even considered rotocasting could be viable at a hobby/small scale before! I would just sit and watch that thing and be mesmerized by the movement. 🤣 Just like with my 3D printers… 12 years later and I still love watching them print. I wonder if there’s a way to combine rotocast with heating the vinyl suspension stuff. 🤔 Heated spinning vats of liquid may be a little too spooky. Haha

[@Catbox_Monster]

Heheheee, you're so excited and happy, this was a blast to watch xD So happy for you, Crafsman, can't wait to see more!

[@HavasiP]

Was that a little bit of Pixies - Where is my mind? Lovely video as usual. You're excitement is infectious.

[@slumbur-]

wonderful to hear your son involved in the process, that shirt figure looks so cool!

[@znbrtn]

Fantastic, entertaining, educational video, as always. You do such wonderful work, Crafsman. How often did you have a failed figure once you got the gang molds running?

[@TheCrafsMan]

Usually it'll be a situation where the whole batch is under-cooked, or either they all worked. I HAVE had a couple times where the end figures in the gang mold cured better than the inside, but like I said, it's usually all or none. It will depend on your mold size/thickness as well as oven capabilities (ie. is it a convection, etc.?). We've also thought about whether or not an "air fryer" would work.

[@Lee-Dixon1987]

So psyched this came up during my lunch break! Always worth the wait, sir! God bless!

[@sablemoreno5095]

I have no idea how i got recommended this video but im fascinated and have to check out all the other ones now

[@bobsmith5088]

Amazing dedication to experimentation.

[@DarkWheel]

Amazing. Simply amazing. Thanks for breaking down the soft vinyl wall!

[@TrevorAndersen]

Wow, Crafson is really talented!

[@Guy-Vs]

"..a movie that I never want to watch again." Yeah, that one gave me nightmares for years. Lol.

[@garybuettner7920]

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Crafsman more… he goes and quotes The Pixies.

[@andy-in-indy]

Pewter would melt at the temperatures you are using but Zamak (zinc & Tin) melts around 700F and can still be molded with high temp silicone molds. You might look into a Zamak sleeve/shell/matrix for your silicone gang molds. Also, Zamak molds will hold up longer than silicone or resin for injection molding.

[@TheCrafsMan]

Thank you! Zamak! I bet that's what they use in a lot of the Mexican injection molds, as I've seen them make some from pewter (or plaster then pewter). I appreciate the info, Andy!

[@BrooksMoses]

Small pedantic point: Zamak is zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper -- thus the name, which is an acronym. (In German, so it's Kupfer rather than Copper). For people who don't know: It's what most diecast toys are made out of. And you have to be careful about impurities, because otherwise it will get "zinc pest", which is what causes some old diecast toys to crack and crumble. Nifty to know that it can be cast with high-temp silicone! A zinc-tin alloy might also work for this; it looks like you can get those as solder, and melting points range from 300F to 650F depending on ratios. Interestingly, the primary use is for soldering aluminum, which I didn't know was possible. I'd guess Zamak is cheaper, though.

[@MechanicalPencilGirl]

Awesome video. Even after finding out the entire Sofubi making process I decided that I'd still want to go the way of the silicone mold. I think I will consider an electro-plating setup for doing chrome and metal on plastics. Video actually helped figure out some things I wasn't sure about. Thank you so much!

I love these videos. Such a chill style and awesome to see the rotocast digital 12 in action 😊

[@bonce]

'..a movie I have no desire to ever watch again' Me too Mr CM, me too. Glad I watched it, bad movie to watch when exhausted though.. very bad.

[@vinylwonder]

Crafsman you are a genius!! This is mind blowingly cool man

[@cjcarver6290]

Thank you so very much for discussing safety! Listen up, y'all.

[@bryandavis2070]

Finally, somebody that feels the same way about event horizon as I do!

[@Skeptycx]

I look forward to these every time.

[@sonikboom007]

The crafsmaaaann cracked the code!

[@sclogse1]

Event Horizon is our Thanksgiving day post dinner relaxation with the family moment. What a spook show. Amazing sets, and then chomp chomp chomp....

[@mattmadolah]

@thecrafsman , You make the bad days brighter. Thank you for being a springwell of inspiration to creatives, and a positive encouraging role model to other creatives. STEADY CRAFTIN Friend!

[@GDub1958]

Wow your channel is such a positive vibe while learning something new! This is what our model should be for our school systems CrafsMan

[@Arkie80]

Thank you again for sharing what you learn with us. Bless y'all CrafsFamily.

[@ClayThrower]

look at Crafsman out here networkin!

[@user-my1vi8wt8g]

I love the fact that Crafsman and Crafson watch One Punch Man and anime. That is awesome to hear.

[@crazyanim8tion]

Casman steady castin'

[@moi5219]

Ma, been watching you for ages. Your vids always give me the good vibes. Thanks! ❤

[@Tandem-25]

It is ALWAYS a pleasure to watch your videos. Also, I to would like to never sit through Event Horizon again. Ever.

[@danthemakerman]

Man you can hear the excitement in your voice at the very beginning of this video. I knew it was going to be a good one! Then again, they are always good!

[@marcbohlen7105]

Love me some Pixies……and some Crafsman of course. Once again happy to see you get excited about your new toys.

[@chadsshow2010]

Its been a while. But glad i caught this video today. I am not the one that sent him that. Just a subscriber and enjoy watching Steady Craftin in progress. Like Bob Ross. Aloha.

[@id7484]

Crafsfubi! I'm soo psyched for this

[@TheRetroTinker]

Absolutely mind blowing stuff Crafsman!! Fantastic video!!

[@gogglesfpv7986]

hands down your production is amazing! Thank you for your work!

[@danjaworsky]

I always love seeing these videos. Makes me happy

[@StudioHannah]

2:09 HAHAHA I got about two minutes into that film and gave up on it right then 😂

[@drdiabeetus4419]

Hey Crafsman, I got a neat trick to calculate volume in in weirdly shaped molds. Just fill 'em with water or another liquid of your choice and then pour that into a measuring cup.

[@rustedfriend]

Yep, a tree is definitely what I thought Dustin was casting when I first saw that open mold. Nothing else at all.

[@jonbauml225]

You make us all so proud

[@RuthlessMojo]

I use liquid latex and mix it in with my acrylic paint. I also add some clear polyurethane and some polyethylene glycol to improve flow. Works great on soft and hard plastic epoxies.

[@Komplexitet]

I love learning about toy making! It's so interesting! :)

[@PKTCrafts]

Been listening to «Roads That Bend» now and again ever since your cabin intro video Craftsman

[@bucklalonde9529]

12:32 Dustin's glove mold looks uuuuuhhhhhh interesting.

[@gingerdog8203]

This is so cool! I love learning about this kinda stuff as a doll artist. I wanna ask by the way, Is that your real voice? If u reply, please heart the comment as i do not have reply notifications on

[@s0david]

"Event Horizon, a movie I have no intention of ever watching again." ... Fair.

[@starboy71]

Take my money!

[@SianaGearz]

Impressive. PVC is tricky. It is chemically not very stable so it breaks down rapidly at elevated temperatures. Thus the browned castings when you overdo it.

[@UncleJessy]

Oh man rotocasting is so friggin cool

[@Moy129]

I found your channel today, just loved it. Great job Crafsman

[@clownymoosebean]

I wish Crafman was my shop teacher.

[@StandyEmerson]

It's here!

[@edm00se]

Great work as always.