Oh no, good thing you went for the test swim first!!!! After stalking some of the pictures on here, I can't wait to see the finished tail!!!! The colors look so good!!!
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Oh no, good thing you went for the test swim first!!!! After stalking some of the pictures on here, I can't wait to see the finished tail!!!! The colors look so good!!!
ugh that is like my worst nightmare.
Took the prototype out for another swim and decided to use it inside the flukes I cast a while ago. I'm going to finish the tail with my less-than-perfect flukes and fin and may swap it out later with something better. I just don't want to lose any more of the swim season because I'm picky and this way I can work out any kinks before committing to a final fluke.
I like my flukes, but I don't love them yet.
If your monofins don't turn out like you envision them, you could maybe use a Hydra instead?
also, (shameless insert) what temperature is your lake usually?
and how deep do you swim on average?
I imagine it's a lot colder a few metres below the surface.
Bummer, bummer, bummer! But you learn something with each setback. And the final result will be epic!
Hey! I wasted all my phone internet reading this thread! But it was worth it haha :P the tail looks absolutely stunning and I can't wait to see it finished!!! I have a few questions for you... I'm going to be making my own silicone tail too, but I have NO idea how much to order of anything?? How much clay, release agent etc did you use? I was looking for clay on the monster makers website, but I'm not sure if a 5lb block is enough or not :O seeing as shipping is expensive to australia I don't want to be left short >.< also, with your monofin, that's really sad that it broke!! :'( ! I was considering making my own, but that's my greatest fear :O would you say it's worth the risk? Sorry for all the questions and thankyou for posting such an amazing resource x
I am considering a Hydra, that's the translucent one, right? I feel like I need to hurry and finish this as tailmakers keep posting stuff that I've been doing :nocomment:, and it's driving me nuts! I would like to be (among) the first with a truly translucent fluke!Quote:
Originally Posted by caltuna
I'm a big chicken when it comes to cold water, so I don't go more than a couple meters/metres deep when I'm in the lake...I like the top where it's warm! But I swim hard and fast and have broken more than one Rapid just from the stress of swimming.
I am so stubborn and determined to create a working Lexan monofin! :D
I have the translucent Hydra monofin, and I really do love it. It gives great propulsion. There is a black logo on the fin, which is annoying, and it would probably show through a truly transparent fluke. But it might be possible to scrape that off or cover it up in some other way:
Attachment 22316
I have a few hydras and they are great fins ! - pretty easy to cut as well and not so likely to snap because the material is pretty flexible but durable ! would make a lovely translucent fluke ! x
My Hydra doesn't have the Black Logo on it. It swims great too I know I've posted this video once already but yeah :3 http://youtu.be/ZowLA1Y7F-0
Pearlie I swim a lot... For the last two months I've been going to the pool at least once a week for three - four hours and swimming laps... The only thing I've noticed on my Hydra are a few little stress points where the plastic has gone from clear to white is like most plastics will when you bend them. That's two tiny spots up under the foot pockets.
Nice!!!
I am definitely considering a Hydra now, to supplement my monofin options. I love how it moves in your video and am super-jellyfish over that fabulous pool!
I have a yellow Triton (kids version of the Hydra, as I have very small feet) en I really love it. The straps stay on the right places while swimming (I have a wave to, but those straps don't stay where they have to be). ;)
My wave on top of my Triton: http://mernetwork.com/index/attachme...2&d=1365872370
What came whit my Triton: http://mernetwork.com/index/attachme...1&d=1365872364
They both look great, but I am looking for a transparent/translucent fin.
Then you have to take the transparent hydra ;)
Is it me or it has been a while since we saw pictures updates of your tail? Where are you now?
can't wait to see the finished result! :) amazing work!
MERFOLK! I need your advice so I can finish this tail!
I have my prototype monofin that works, but is pretty ugly, and my fluke halves that are less than perfect, and I could get the tail done TODAY. On the other hand, I have a new piece of Lexan I can make a new monofin with (based on the prototype) and a better idea for the fluke halves - well, different color scheme, really - that I could pour and probably finish by tomorrow night (maybe not)... Should I just put the less than perfect fin in the tail now, and replace it with the new one later, or should I make the new one and skip the other one? HELP!
When in doubt, go for quality. Later you'll be glad you did.
You have worked so long and hard on this beautiful tail, I agree with Galene. Another day or so is well worth a tail you'll be happier with :)
Thanks! You both make a good point!
I'm just chiming in to say I agree as well. I've mostly been lurking here but I know how long you've spent making sure your tail is perfectly exactly how you want it; another day or two won't kill you :)
Now I know what mountain climbers mean by "summit fever".
It won't kill me to wait. And I'll put the prototype into a fabric tail! Maybe sequins! :dance:
Save that sequin tail if you make it--seems like I lot of people want to buy them this week! :rotfl:
I am hoping that you waited? Your work is SO gorgeous and you have put so much time and effort into it. Stay true to your quality :)
I am only on page 13 of this thread and in tears. Its so beautiful and inspirational and i simply must must must keep reading. You are such a wonderful person I cant put it into words.
Pearlie you post videos and pics like crazy when it's done! I need to see this beauty
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HOLY SHELLFISH!! I just read the entire thread. On page 13, and looking at how FAST you were making progress, I thoughtI would get to the end of all 65 pages and see it beautiful and complete and raved over. But, I am left gasping in breathless suspense and admiration. Your work here is a testament to creativity, detail, hard work, and problem solving. I also love that you shared all your processes and resources, they are so valuable to have in one place. This reinvents and innovates tail making as I know it. This method will shore-ly be the prized top quality construction to come. Keep it up! I have become yet another stalker of this thread!
Pearlie, I was considering attaching individual scales to a nylon covered neoprene backing, but looking at your work here it seems that it would be just as easy to go full silicone rather than messing with the neoprene. Until I re-read this thread it wasn't quite clicking in my brain how you were laying these out, but tell me if I have it right: Mold and cast each scale. Pour scales, pigmenting as you go. Wrap duct dape dummy with powermesh. Apply scales to powermesh with a thin coat of silicone on each scale. Turn the tail inside out when finished and lightly coat the inside. Turn it right side out and do a thin shiny coat of Dragonskin on top... So the only real difference between putting scales on neoprene and doing it full silicone would be coating the inside, right?
That's basically it! I don't know if there's a curing issue with silicone over neoprene, but I guess not, because isn't that what a hybrid tail is?
I sure wouldn't bother with neoprene unless you plan a lot of cold water swimming. Powermesh is thin as lingerie. I used it as a base because it seemed to me that it would keep the silicone alone from stretching to the point of breakage. I wanted a lightweight foundation.
Thanks, Angie! I hope I didn't shoot myself in the fin giving away my process! I do hope to be a pro tailmaker soon! With all the treating of materials along the way, the second tail should go much faster!
OOHH DO YOU HAVE A TUTORIAL OF HOW YOUR DOING ALL THIS BECAUSE ITS SUPER INTERESTING AND I WANT TO SEE HOW YOU DONE IT!!!
*SITTIN ON EDGE OF SEAT*
great news!Quote:
Originally Posted by PearlieMae
if I ever get the funds, I'll order from you.
while there's the possibility some might want to take advantage of your freely shared tailmaking info (shrouding the kinks in mystery is always good :p ), knowing the theory and doing it in reality will always be two different things :cool:
Ashley, there's no 'tutorial', per se, just 65 pages of this thread on how I made this tail! :rollover:
I would love to make you a tail! With the individual scales, the possibilities for replicating and extrapolating on your favorite snake would be a wonderful challenge!Quote:
Originally Posted by caltuna
:drool:
ahem.
the monofin for that would be difficult though, unless you make one to go with it so it fits.
in any case, I'll keep it in mind- I have relatives in the US you could send it to, so we'd save on shipping & taxes :p
I'd make you a custom monofin! Part of what's taking so long to finish this tail is the development of the monofin. I made one last modification to the prototype yesterday and took it out for a test and it was as if the fin was part of me! The best fit and feel of any fin I've ever used in the past seven years I've been swimming with them!
And no, no tutorial on that. I'm filing for a design patent.
:thumbs-up:Quote:
Originally Posted by PearlieMae
That's fintastic PearliMae! :dance:
I wouldn't fear--having an idea of how to do something is one thing. Possessing the astounding artistic ability you have is another! Your thread will help others in their tail making journeys but I seriously doubt there are many mers out there with your astounding combination of untethered creativity and diligent patience!Quote:
Originally Posted by PearlieMae
*joins the buyer line* :money:Quote:
Originally Posted by PearlieMae