[OldRestorer]

So I have finally gotten the time to work on making this new grill mold and I now know why no one has done it. It is a complicated mold but I have been piecing it together to see where there would be issues and finding ways to work around them.

I have received my load of mold supplies from smoothon.com and have begun forming the clay layer for the bottim half of the mold.

                   

[TimC]

Will be watching.

Don't overcook my rib-eye!

[morzh]

I was afraid there for a sec you were about to throw some broken cabinets to make charcoal.....whew!
OK, its THAT grill.....

[OldRestorer]

Yes, It is the Grill I was trying to rent, buy, get photos of, get measurements of, and so on. I finally got to just buying the whole radio and ripping it apart to get the grill.

I purchased smooth-on rebound 25 But after pouring it I think it might be too soft. I am going to demold the piece later today and see how the extra thickness I added has done for the dexterity of the bottom half of the mold.

Unfortunately, I only bought the $30 size and had to use it up. Now I will have to buy the $200 size but I will wait to see how strong the mold is.

[OldRestorer]

Hey all,
Ok I have demolded the bottom half and I was correct in my thinking. Although it is a good copy of the grill, it is too soft to keep a perfect form so I will be reordering Smooth-on OMOO 25 or 30 in the larger size to make the mold.

You have to buy non-vacuum press 1 to 1 mix ratio!!

Good thing is that with the tiny alterations I made to the grill, there are no issues in the de-molding process as long as I use a mold release. You really don't need one with silicone as it is a very non-porous almost moist surface but it cant hurt.

I purchased their 2 part plastic and got some brown and black dye.
Hopefully when I mix 2 separate batches of light and dark brown and pour them in together they will swirl like the original.
I also am going to purchased the translucent mix.

No more progress until I get all the new supplies but here is the finished bottom half of the mold.

[morzh]

You are on you way to fame!

[TA Forbes]

+1 !!!

[radiohenry]

Kirk,
Very interesting . Thanks,
Henry

[Radioroslyn]

Hey Kirk
How's the grille coming along? haven't heard anything in a while. Have a nice 42-854 waiting for a new grille. It's a kewl set portable covering the AM BC and SW bands. Roll top front cover.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53710524@N06/10005103205/
Terry

[OldRestorer]

funny you should post. I was going to update it this week. I am in the process of trying to make the grills but the mix of brown and black is not working out. I may have to make plain brown grills. The white and tan ones are easy but I don't have any produced and pictured. just a few failed tries.
I should have them being made within the next 30 days when I get a free minute, lol

[Jamie]

You can make them and sell them! Then you'll have more money for radios!

[OldRestorer]

I actually just listed a bunch of the radios for sale to try to even out my spending. I already have almost 30 radios and that was $2000.00 (including parts, tubes, caps, resistors, and refinishing products.
Thought it would be less since I only buy cheap poor condition radios right now.
So I have entered the sellers market, UGH. Mostly since someone local offered me a radio collection but I have to buy it all or nothing. I should ask for some pictures, maybe it would be worth it?

Anyway I will be making them to sell on the eBay but for you guys I will only charge double.

What colors should I make?
I have brown, white and tan-ish so far.
I was gonna do black but I don't think there were ever any black.

[Radioroslyn]

I think I'd go with brown and white. The white is not a stark white but more of an egg shell. I think there is a caramall colored one also. The brown has a bit of a dark swirl. You may just what to do a quick scan though epay under Philco portable. You should be able to find lots of deformed grilles
Tnx for taking a stab at making these grilles. The Philco community really appreciates it! Hopefully you can come up with some pricing that will good for both maker and buyer.
Terry

[OldRestorer]

Well on here I will charge for supplies. On ebay I think about $40 and see if I sell any. I have looked online and the tan and black swirl is most used and warped. I cant do the swirl though.

[Ron Ramirez]

The most popular Philco that uses this grille, the 41-226 "Sled," uses a dark brown grille. That would probably be your best seller. Too bad you can't do the swirl, though - that would sell very well also, I think.