[Woodcarver] clay as a carving aid

[Ron Ramsey]

Hi Maura,

I would recommend using aluminum armature rod.  It's much easier to form than coat hangers. It also is larger in diameter than a coat hanger so it's easier to get it to mount in the base. Forming it is less likely to transmit enough force to break it loose from the base because of the easier forming quality. Drill a hole in the base the same size as the armature rod. Score the armature rod with a file where it will be mounted in the base to enhance the gripping surface. Epoxy the rod into the base.  JB Weld is a probably the strongest epoxy I've used. 

I would use 3/4" plywood for the base and make it large enough so that it wouldn't tip over easily in transit.  Find a sturdy box and cut the plywood to fit the size of the bottom of the box. If this isn't an option, the scrap wood should be large or heavy enough to prevent tipping.   You can also use some bubble wrap loosely wadded up to brace the model from tipping over in the box.

This may not be an issue this time of year but remind your students not to leave the model in a hot car or near a heater.

Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com


Maura wrote:

My questions: 
what is the best way to transport it back and forth without the clay model being damaged
What are the options for securing an armature to a base (some of these people do not have shops so what is available for them to use?)
Do you have any clay modeling tips that you can pass on?
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