Making molds?

Question

I'm trying to make some metal gauntlets similar to the ones used by batman in Batman begins? How do I make a mold of those? But if oyu have a better method can you tell me?

okay but who could make these gauntlets for me? Because all they have online are ones made of plastic and leather. I want gauntlets that are made of metal.

Answer 1

I would use metalsmithing of a sheet of copper. Only good if you know what you do and have some tools, training and practice.
Also as you probably want them as a part of a halloween costume they ought to be comfortable. I would make them out of ducttape. Or you can google them and buy some for about $10 on the internet. You would spend more than that for mold making materials and a lot of time.

Answer 2

Well, you have gotten two extremes of answers - plastic that looks like metal and can be worn and cast metal that is rigid and probably can't be worn.
I will offer a few more ideas and suggestions
If you want flexible metal gloves like are worn by knights and truly of sheet metal, you are in for serious metal work and a lot of training or money spent. Each finger has a joint and metal must be hammered for each part.
On the other hand, if you want the look of metal and the clank of metal, then you could use aluminum sheet or flashing to make the cuff up to the wrist and for a section over the back of the hand - these can easily be formed by hand. Then you can use several layers of aluminum foil to form the parts over the fingers, but don't try it make them flexible - make the shape with the hand partly cupped and only a joint at the fist knuckles. You could "mold" this by using your hand with first layer of thin or heavy duty aluminum foil formed over and sprayed with 3M spray adhesive and work another layer of foil into place, then spray again and work another. After easing it off your hand, let it evaporate (dry) over night and trim.
Try http://science.howstuffworks.com/batsuit1.htm
or
http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWE,RNWE:2004-15,RNWE:en&q=batman+gauntlets&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi

Answer 3

You want to find what is called an "Artists' Foundry" as opposed to an industrial foundry. They will make the mold and cast it for you. I am lucky to live near one in Berkeley California. It is called ARTWORKS FOUNDRY. Google it to find their website. The last time I had someting about that size done in bronze, it was about $200 a few years back , but my object was in wax which requires less mold making. If you want to sculpt the gauntlet yourself, buy VICTORY BROWN wax. It is available mail order from DOUGLAS AND STURGIS in San Francisco Ca. Once again , Google it. The wax is easy, and fun to work with. It becomes soft like clay with the heat of your hands, and the surface can be "polished" by briefly touching it with the flame of a propane torch. to find out more, Google the phrase "lost wax casting" Hope this helps.