How to make a Green Lantern ring- including a glowing version!

Here's how to make your own resin cast Green Lantern ring.This a complete overhaul of my original instructable on how to make a Green Lantern ring, which previously only showed how a cast sterling silver ring is created. Since many people don't have access to silver casting equipment I decided to show how to cast a ring in resin and also how to make a translucent resin version that glows. I'm still showing how a silver ring is made for those that are interested in the process and have access to the necessary equipment.

Please note that I do NOT sell these (for multiple reasons-see the comments below.) All requests to make rings will go unanswered so please don't ask! You can get nice Green Lantern rings from my friend Batjeepster here- http://www.facebook.com/batjeepster.rings

Now go make your ring and repeat after me:

"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power.. Green Lantern's light!"

Step 1 Materials

Depending on which version of the ring you want to make the materials vary greatly-

All rings will require a wax pattern so for that you will need:
Jeweler's modeling wax (both ring carving shape and round sprue wax) - available from jeweler's supply stores or http://www.ottofrei.com
Dremel tool or flex shaft tool
Files/carving tools
Fine sandpaper/steel wool

For the resin ring:
X-Acto knife or scalpel with curved blade
Silicone RTV molding compound
Urethane casting resin- I use Alumilite casting resins and RTV silicone but Smooth-On is also a good company
http://www.alumilite.com
http://www.smooth-on.com

For the glowing ring:
Clear casting resin- I've used both epoxy resin and polyester resin made by Cast'n Craft- it's sold at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby
Silicone RTV molding compound
Transparent green dye- Cast'n Craft produces this for its clear resins
3v watch battery- I used a CR1025 lithium cell
Green LED- I used a 5000mcd super bright 3mm LED (part #NTE30031)
Clear 5 minute epoxy

For the cast silver ring:
Centrifugal caster
Burn out furnace
Steel flask
Vacuum table
Ceramic casting investment
Polishing motor/buffs

These are just the basics- I'll get more into materials in greater detail in the individual sections.

A note about safety- Many of these procedures require the use of proper safety equipment as well as adequate ventilation. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations reagrding safety and health warnings on all resins, paints and casting supplies.

Comments

[melcrowne]

I wanted to mold a clear epoxy sheet to put in front of my kiddos television in the playroom. The tv is 55" x 62" and I have build a wooden casing for the tops and sides. I just want a clear plastic type material in front so they do not damage the tv. I looked into plexi and such but was not impressed. Would this be an option? If so would I build a mold out of wood?

[rgsmith]

This comes a little late to be of help to you, but anyone interested in attempting to make a plastic sheet or pane should find the the instructions and photos for making a pane of "Break Away" glass (like the props used in movies) of interest. Go to this page and scroll down to the "Step By Step Video Sequences" and look for "Making a Breakaway Glass Pane"  As a sheet of acrylic is used for the bottom of the form (to ensure a clear surface), you'd likely be better off just using the acrylic. :) The "break away" property comes from the special casting resin sold by Smooth-On.

[yellowcatt]

I think you would have problems getting both sides of home cast resin perfectly flat.
You would probably be better buying a sheet of cast acrylic cut to the size you require. This should be a bit bigger than the screen to allow for fixings.

There are many places where you can buy cast acrylic
I have bought materials from http://www.westwardplastics.co.uk/index.php and found them to be reasonable, I was in Bristol and collected in person to avoid delivery charges and they let me take some useful sized bits of plastic from their scrap bin.

[Honus]

The other problem with trying to cast something that large is air bubbles in the casting. You would need to cast the entire thing in a vacuum chamber and it would never be as clear as Acrylic sheet.

[craig3]

Hi there, I was wondering if you think it would be easier to buy a wax ring tube already with the inner diameter of your finger to wear, rather than having to buy and grind out the inside to get it a good fit?

[Honus]

I'm not aware of any company that sells ring wax tubes in specific finger sizes. Removing wax from the inside of the wax tube is no big deal- it carves really easy.

[craig3]

aagh I see, think you for the tip then. I've never done wax carving before so I was just wondering, thank you again. :) You've made me want to carve my own red lantern ring

[Honus]

Cool- I haven't seen a red lantern ring yet. Be sure to post pics when you're done! If you need help or have any other questions just let me know.

[Gnechanic]

Do you know any work around or substitue for having to buy/use the wax sprues. I don't think my michaels store will carry them and that's where I'm going for my supplies. couldn't you just use some left over modling wax to make some up or use some plastic tubing (thinking of my spare air tubes for my fishtank). What I know about silicone is that it's nonstick, it shouldn't stick to the plastic during curing and the model being molded doesn't have to be completely wax, right -other materials can be used: metal, plastic, etc.? thanks. first timer molder-caster.

[Honus]

You can use whatever you want to shape the ring model and sprues- you could even use modeling clay.

[merice1]

hey honus i just follow you said and i modify my green lantern ring and it came out awesome dood im gonna post this in this website check it out

[Honus]

Cool- I keep an eye out for it! I'm working on modding the new movie rings right now. :)

[Gnechanic]

thanks, nice to know modeling clay wil work; I get them free at the school sometimes :D compliments on your craftsmanship! Those wax rings look so smooth!

[matt_and_nick]

instead of carving a ring by hand, or sculpting it out of wax, you could take a ring with the basic shape you want, and put it in ballistic gel, remove it, and fill the cavity with wax.

[ItssRubiie]

Where can i find a LED light for this?

[dread]

You can get 10 green LED flashlight keychains that include batteries and free shipping to anywhere at DealExtreme for under $5. They wouldn't fit as they are but the parts might if you carefully extracted them.

[supernerd335]

radio shack , its where i got mine when i made a iron man arc reactor

[GL1881]

Try Radio Shack they have all kinds of them

[Honus]

I bought mine from a local electronics supply but you could try online suppliers like Digikey.

[ItssRubiie]

Thannkk Youuu!

[TheAlmost]

and how durable is the glowing one also?

[Honus]

While the resin is somewhat resilient it's definitely not an everyday ring.

[TheAlmost]

How does the glowing ring look with the light off?

[Honus]

It just looks like a plain translucent green,

[Drewbaccaa]

I have a gas forge that gets to 2500f how hot do you need this to be for silver.... I also have a kiln... which would be better?

[Honus]

That's easily hot enough- the trick is that the burnout oven has a ramp up cycle so it goes from 300 degrees and holds it and then up to 600 and holds it and then goes up to 1300 for burnout and then goes back down to around 900-1000 degrees for casting. All of this happens over several hours- I usually set up the oven so it turns on around midnight and then I'm ready to cast in the morning. Melting of the Sterling Silver is actually done using a gas torch- I've never cast Silver using any other method. Sterling Silver flows around 1650 F depending on the exact alloy.

[BrianBattier]

I plan on making one of your resin rings, and i was curious as to how durable they are. Once it's made how durable are they?

[Honus]

They're pretty durable- it can be worn every day but it obviously won't hold up as well as a metal ring. If you were to step on it you would probably damage it.

[pandaboy292]

if you made one out of gold it would be the coolest thing ever haha.

[Honus]

It would be cool- and expensive!

[clee-1]

I love ur rings!!! its so pretty... I want to have them... do u have any other simple ones that I could use for my science project?? >_<

[Honus]

Thanks! I don't currently have any other designs.

[Slayerfan666]

Green Lantern is the best.

[mr.squeakers]

why dont you sell these

[Honus]

Because DC is extremely protective of their intellectual property.

[AwesomeSwordGuy]

how do you get that jewelers wax?

[Honus]

It's listed in step 2.

[zach1080]

where you buy ring wax?

[Honus]

The supplier and part number are listed in step 2.

[TheAlmost]

do you embed the LED into the finished ring? wouldn't that be difficult to carve without breaking?