pattern making materials

[900steve]

i'm interested in making a male pattern to pull off a female mold from. the pattern only needs to be used once or twice (hopefully no more than that!) but as for CNC routing the pattern, i'm looking for some relatively cheap materials for the pattern (renshape is probably out of the budget range).

has anyone had experience or luck with home depot lumber of first cut quality, not the cheapo 2x4s? i'm not opposed to laminating boards to build up enough stock since i'm only shooting for 3.5"x7"x26"

also, is there anywhere that will sell me a piece of renshape of this size so i dont have to buy a whole sheet?

-steve

[turmite]

Steve go to your local cabinet shop and ask them to cut enough mdf to size to laminate to thickness. Mdf will carve smooth as butter and makes a solid buck to take your mold from.

Mike

[High Seas]

One of the members had some foam board cut offs cheap but sorry can't recall. May have some to fit your requirement. With any luck they'll see the post!
The CADCUT chap offered a boat load years back - might check his member postings inshoreboats or something may help- best of luck -
Jim