The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: Purpleglasses on July 03, 2015, 12:26:56 AM

Title: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: Purpleglasses on July 03, 2015, 12:26:56 AM

So I recently acquired my first sea pony shell. I like it so much that I have decided to make a mold of it, so my other shell-less sea pony can be displayed in a shell and so that I can make reproduction shells for others. Of course I would modify the reproduction slightly so it would not be confused with an actual pony shell. It seems there are more sea ponies than shells floating  around, and it would be nice for people to be able to have them.

One thing I've noticed is that the original shell was cast in two parts, with seperate molds for the top and bottom parts of the shell. Later in production the two halves were attatched. My question is, has anyone ever separated the two halves of the shell without damaging either? Perhaps to clean it, and maybe using some kind of glue dissolving solvent?  I have ideas for casting the shell in one piece, but seperating the halves cleanly might make the process easier.

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: nhal039 on July 03, 2015, 03:15:06 AM

With a tug they will detach, i have had them shipped to me this way many times. I dont think the to bits r glued are glued together so no damage should occur.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: LightingElectricDream on July 03, 2015, 05:56:50 AM

Do you have swirled shells? That would be cool!

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: Purpleglasses on July 03, 2015, 11:40:40 AM

Thanks for the advice, Nhal039! I'm glad to hear it's a reasonably common practice. Does anyone have more advice or photos on how to do it, though? Do you tug up or to the side? Do you boil the shell, like you would to remove a pony head? Use floss or thread around the seem?

LightningElectricDream, I don't have a swirled shell, just the usual clam shell. But if I did I would make a mold of that too!

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: nhal039 on July 03, 2015, 01:50:02 PM

I separate them still when packing to move. Just hold near the 2 joins and pull and wiggle slightly :) one i have to pull really hard but it gets there and is fine still

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: Gizmo on July 03, 2015, 02:51:37 PM

I'd be interested in your repro shells, please keep us updated!

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: LadyMoondancer on July 03, 2015, 11:31:35 PM

Great idea!  I only have one sea pony shell for all my sea ponies.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on July 04, 2015, 08:21:32 AM

You would have a great market if you can reproduce them!  :)  best of luck figuring all that 3D stuff out!

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: hathorcat on July 04, 2015, 03:19:04 PM

As nhal has said, they come apart relatively easily and there is no glue holding them together. The fact they come apart so easy is why so many of them end up loosing their suction cups :)

I am sure you will get lots of interest in repro shells.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever seperated the halves of a seapony shell?
Post by: LightingElectricDream on July 04, 2015, 03:31:06 PM

I'll buy one!

Buy! Buy! Buy! Buy! Buy!  :biggrin: