I thought I would prepare for pouring Hydrocal bucks this weekend by doing a few pulls after work tonight. My "few pulls" turned into eight pulls. They turned out pretty good for pulls from just foam bucks. Now remember, the plan is (was):
1. to create cheap bucks out of 1" insulation foam,
2. shape the foam into the armor forms,
3. plaster the foam bucks to prevent them from melting during the vacuum process,
4. vacuum the pieces and pour hydrocal in the pulls,
5. take these rough hydrocal bucks and smooth and finish them, and
6. lastly, use these final hydrocal bucks for smooth armor pulls.

So, even though some of these pulls look pretty rough and uneven, these will be the starter forms for the bucks. I definitely got better at the heating and pulling as the night went on. Practice makes perfect. Right now I'm estimating that it will probably take about 3 sheets of plastic (4'x8') which cost about $35 a sheet. Not too bad for a set of armor.

On to the pictures!!