Radio Control Foam Modelling

Average customer rating:

A Great Book

Fascinating book of highly practical techniques

Radio Control Foam Modelling

Great book for beginners and intermediate skilled modellers

Radio Control Foam Modelling
David Thomas , and Sid King
Manufacturer: Nexus Special Interests
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1854861794

Book Description

A comprehensive guide to the use of expanded plastic foam materials in model aircraft. Foam is a relatively new material for modelmakers, and many are still not familiar with all the necessary information and techniques, the latest choices available, and the associated materials, tools and glues.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Book.......2007-08-02

Anyone interested in learning the basics of foam model construction would be well advised to pick up a copy of this book. Everything is written in a clear, easy-to-understand text that takes one through making tools, cutting foam, covering and sheeting methods, and other modeling uses for foam.

It is highly recommended.

Fascinating book of highly practical techniques.......2004-10-21

Even though I just bought this book (not from Amazon), my edition appears to be the 1999 one, not 2000. At any rate, the book is really excellent. What impressed me most was the simple design of the tools employed, from the hot wire cutter to the vacuum bagger, all appear to be buildable from stuff at the local auto parts store, junkyard, and hardware store. Things like a cheap auto battery charger, old refrigerator compressor, etc. Nothing exotic.

Not only that, but after describing how to build wings from templates, he gives an explanation of how to draw the templates, with details on a half-dozen popular wing shapes. Like everything else in the book, he takes you through it step-by-step, leaving nothing out.

Overall, I think this must be one of the best "how to" books I've ever read.

Radio Control Foam Modelling.......2002-01-14

Thank you NEXUS Special Interest Books (UK) for putting this book back in circulation. If anyone is even thinking about building their first Foamie, this book is a must, for it will answer your basic questions on the "dos and don't" about FOAM, a very well though out book for any modeller's first Foam aeroplane.. Thank You David Thomas, Sid King

Great book for beginners and intermediate skilled modellers.......2001-06-07

Even though the book was written in Europe (it refers to some materials, which are hard to find in the U.S.), its quite useful and well written. I consider myself an experienced scratch builder, but I found a lot of useful information, building techniques, and construction ideas in this book. Highly recommend to everybody using foam in the airplane construction.

Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers

Average customer rating:

A Waste of Money
GREAT FOR ANYONE!

Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers
Caroline Corning Creager
Manufacturer: Executive Physical Therapy Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Therapeutic Exercises Using the Swiss Ball
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The Great Foam Roller Handbook

Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0964115336

Book Description

Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers is one of the most comprehensive foam roller books available today. This book provides more than 175 illustrated exercise options for the individual looking for a comprehensive foam roller program, or for the healthcare practitioner wanting to photocopy and create an individualized foam roller exercise program for their clients. Additional chapters include diaphragmatic breathing, stretching, case studies, and treatment protocols.

Customer Reviews:

A Waste of Money.......2007-10-07

Most of the exercises in the book can really be done without needing any foam rollers. The roller part just seemed like kind of a gimmick. I have a foam roller and it is great for my back and rounded shoulders. However, this book didn't provide any insights into exercises I either couldn't simply think of on my own or easily do just as well without using any rollers.

GREAT FOR ANYONE!.......2000-12-26

This book is a must for anyone working with rehab, mature, and relatively healthy individuals. I use this book to help target specific areas/muscles where a person may need additional strength or stretching. It is a GREAT reference to keep exercise/exercise therapy fun!

The Foam Book : An Easy Guide to Building Polyfoam Puppets

Average customer rating:

The Foam Book: Amusing and Informative
disapointed
Good book for the competent
Seems to be a good jumping off point
It's a good book.

The Foam Book : An Easy Guide to Building Polyfoam Puppets
Donald Devet , and Drew Allison
Manufacturer: Grey Seal Puppets, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Puppets & Puppetry | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0967857503

Book Description

Whether you're a beginner to the world of puppet making or an experienced professional puppeteer, The Foam Book was written with you in mind. This easy guide to designing and building your own polyfoam puppets will take you step-by-step through the creative process.

Along the way you'll pick up tips and tricks to make the puppet building experience as carefree as possible.

The Foam Book is not just a guide to puppet construction but a useful resource of suppliers of hard to find puppet-making materials.

Inside you'll find:
* Two sure-fire methods for making a puppet head.
* A grocery list of features to consider for your character.
* Detailed descriptions for making any body parts imaginable.
* Special sections on creating animals and fantastic creatures.
* Suggestions for materials and coverings.
* Over 100 photos and drawings.

Customer Reviews:

The Foam Book: Amusing and Informative.......2007-09-11

For anyone who is interested in doing professional quality puppet building, this book is a must have. In addition to sharing some great ideas and techniques, the writing is extrememly amusing. I found a few of the illustrations a bit confusing but otherwise a very useful how-to manual.

disapointed.......2007-03-14

I have The Foam Book, but I don't believe it deals with moving lids or brows. Is not a good deal if you want to make acurate puppets.

Good book for the competent.......2006-10-31

Lots of great ideas, and I think I can probably figure them out, but the authors leave a lot to presumed prior knowledge, and I have never made a puppet. I don't like many of the actual puppets photographed in the book, but that doesn't really matter. I didn't want to copy them in any case. If you're the creative and confident type, this book may give you the boost you need. If you want clear step-by-step instructions, you will be disappointed.

Seems to be a good jumping off point.......2006-08-24

I'm a professional costumer and prop maker who is interested in learning how to make puppets (one more good thing on my resume), and one of my puppeteer friends suggested this book.

It's very insighful, concise and clearly laid out. The lists of materials and quick reference for vendors is a great feature that, sadly, many books of this sort don't offer. The only drawback that I can see is that it seems aimed at the beginner (which I admit I am) and tends to land on the elementary side. It almost reads like a children's book. I was hoping that along with the basic how-to's there would be a more advanced section with more details and higer techniques.

It seems that most books like this one are either for the beginner and are useless once you figure out the very basics, or are so advanced that you can understand them only after you've reached a level where you really don't need them anyway. It would be nice to find a book that lands in the middle.

As I said, I think this book is a great find for anyone who is curioius about how these interesting creatures are made or the beginner wanting to launch into a new form of art. However, I don't think it would take long to advance past the lessons provided.

It's a good book........2006-03-04

I like to use this book as a quick reference guide alongside the 3-peice-head and Nip&Tuck videos...as I find actually seeing these ideas implemented on video is a much more rewarding experience. That being said, it's great to have the book handy when you're working on your own creation and need some quick info. However, this book is great on its own and is filled with a lot of great ideas and information (including where to find materials, as well as a glossary of terms).

My only real complaint is the construction of the book. While I don't mind the binder style of the book itself, I don't understand the thinking behind the cover. It's basically cardboard and the way it's connected, it's bound to wear out and fall off after repeated use. Plus, it kind of gets in the way.

Still, this is a good book if you're seriously considering building a puppet (though I'd still recommend the videos, lol).

Average customer rating:

Polymeric Foams And Foam Technology
vahid Sendijarevic
Manufacturer: Hanser Gardner Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology (Polymeric Foams)
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ASIN: 1569903360

Book Description

This handbook covers the major classes of polymeric foams and discusses their chemistry, properties, preparation methods including commercial processes, and applications. Fundamental aspects of foam are discussed in the first three chapters. Specific classes are discussed in Chapters 4 to 17, and include polyurethane and isocyanate-based polymeric foams, polystyrene, polyolefin, poly (vinyl chloride), epoxy, urea-formaldehyde, latex rubber, silicones, fluoropolymers, and syntactic foams. The final chapter discusses blowing agents for polymer foams.

Since the publication of the previous edition of this book over a decade ago, many of the industry's most pressing problems, including environmentally acceptable blowing agents, combustibility, and solid waste disposal, have been addressed and significant progress has been made. This new edition addresses these developments and also presents several new classes of foam brought to industrial applications in recent years.

Information presented should interest both industrial and academic scientists and engineers who are engaged in research, basic applied development, and production of polymeric foams of all types. In addition, individuals engaged in marketing of foams or foam raw materials will find this book of practical value. It can also be used as a textbook for a course on polymeric foams.

Foam of the Daze
Average customer rating:

Great book, poor translation

WOW

Review from the Los Angeles Times (Feb 1, 2004)

Foam of the Daze
Boris Vian
Manufacturer: TamTam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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L'Ecume Des Jours

ASIN: 0966234634

Product Description

L'Ecume des jours (Foam of the Daze) is a jazz fueled Science Fiction story that is both romantic and nihilistic! Vian's novel is an assortment of bittersweet romance, absurdity and the frailty of life. Foam of the Daze is a nimble-fingered masterpiece that is both witty and incredibly moving. It is a story of a wealthy young man Colin and the love of his life Chloe, who develops a water lily in her lung. The supporting cast includes Chick, an obsessive collector of noted philosopher Jean-Sol Partre's books and stained pants, and Nicolas who is a combination of P.G. Wodehouse's fictional butler Jeeves and the Green Hornet's Kato. The soul of the book is about the nature of life disappearing and loving things intensely as if one was making love on a live grenade!

Customer Reviews:

Great book, poor translation.......2004-10-31

Beside this English translation I have read two other editions of this book (one in its original language -French- and another in a language other than English). I have to say that, by comparison, this one kinda dissapointed me. A lot of expressions and meanings were lost in the poor translation, some were downright stupid mistakes. "Foam of the Daze"?!? I wonder if this book was typed by dictation, since the correct translation would be "Foam of the Days". It reminded me of the typing on the TV's CC system, or listening to one of Beethoven's symphonies with a quasi-deaf conductor leading the orchestra.
I believe it takes someone with writing talent and command of both languages to translate superior literature like this and retain its original greatness. Yes, the story is very moving, but when it comes to writers like Boris Vian, I'd say there's much more than a story.
I wish I could recommend a better English translation, but so far I've only read this one. All I can do is warn you about the poor quality of the edition presented here.

WOW.......2004-10-01

I will put it in a simple way: I have read and re-read this book in French, in Spanish and now in English more than fifty times and still find it to be the best love story ever told. Vian characters are straight, pure, honest and passionate in a way that we only can dream about. They are so full of life that you can actually cry when they die (I know, sound commonplace, but how often do you really mourn a character?). Vian draws this paradox of life and death better than anyone I know. Oh, you may wonder why I've read this book so many times... well, you know, Vian is actually telling you a different story every time you lay eyes into this book of marvels. Another commonplace would be to say that your life will change dramatically after reading this book. Ok, don't take my word, just go for it yourself. And, if you can, share your thoughts...

Review from the Los Angeles Times (Feb 1, 2004).......2004-06-22

A legend throughout Europe - French musician, translator of Raymond Chandler and seminal science fiction writer, poet, songwriter, novelist and screen actor - Boris Vian remains little known in the United States. Los Angeles-based TamTam Book aims to correct this, having published a paperback edition of Vian's landmark thriller "I Spit on Your Graves" in 2001 and now a new translation of his masterful "Foam of the Daze" (L'Ecume des jours"), with the first translation of "L'Automne à Pékin" to follow.

There have been two previous English translations of "Foam": Stanley Chapman's 1967 British edition, "Froth on the Daydream," and Jon Sturrock's U.S. version, "Mood Indigo," which appeared shortly thereafter. Chapman's is by far the superior, admirably transposing Vian's rhythms into English and finding equivalents for his multi-level puns and wordplay. But Brian Harper's hip new translation, edged toward the modern U.S. reader, may well become the standard.

This is a great novel, mind you. Though on its surface, the simplest of stories - Vian summed it up as "a man loves a woman, she falls ill, she dies" - beneath are a host of ambiguities, digressions, levels of meaning. Not quite beneath actually, for subtexts keep erupting to the surface. It is in many ways a novel built of eruptions.

Simply, then, this is a tale of two couples: Colin, a rich and rather superfluous man, and Chloe, a woman dying from a lily growing in her lung; Chick, whose life is ruined by his collecting of Jean-Sol Partre's books and memorabilia, and Alise, who tries to save Chick from himself by murdering Partre. As the lily grows in Chloe's lung, Colin does all he can to keep her alive. But her bed sinks closer to the ground and the room grows ever smaller. Because Colin has no money left to pay for burial, Chloe's coffin is simply thrown out the window.

In Vian's world, nothing is simple, nothing may be taken for granted. Because people they love have died, mice persuade diffident cats to kill them; bells detach themselves from doors to come and announce visitors; neckties rebel against being knotted; some broken windowpanes grow back overnight while others darken from breathing difficulties; a piano mixes cocktails to match the music being played upon it; armchairs and sausages must be calmed before use. When Colin puts Duke Ellington's "The Mood to Be Wooed" on the phonograph, the O's on the record label cause the corners of the room to become round.

In Vian's books, the world becomes ineluctably strange, the world as a child or a madman might see it. And that's the recipe for "Foam of the Daze," a novel with paradox at its heart, as critic David Meakin has observed: one part light-hearted fantasy, one part tragedy. Add wordplay and romance to taste. Your heart will be broken. You will be confused and confounded. You will laugh aloud. And at least for a time, however hard you try, your own world will refuse to be what you think it is.

Here is Colin in church after Chloe's death:
"Why did you have her die?" asked Colin.
Oh... said Jesus, drop the subject.
He looked for a more comfortable position on his nails.
She was so sweet, said Colin. Never was she bad, neither in thought, nor in action.
That has nothing to do with religion, mumbled Jesus, yawning. He shook his head a little to change the slant of his crown of thorns.
I don't see what we've done, said Colin, we don't deserve this.

He lowered his eyes... Jesus's chest was rising softly and regularly, his features breathed calm, his eyes had closed and Colin could hear a light purr of satisfaction coming from his nostrils, like a sated cat."

Vian died June 23, 1959, at 39 as he sat watching a film version of his thriller "I Spit on Your Graves." He'd neglected to take his heart medications that morning and as the first frames ticked by on screen, he is said to have uttered, "These guys are supposed to be American? My ass!" and collapsed.

Vian's was a short, very full, very strange ride, like that of his ever-youthful characters in "Foam of the Daze."

Book Description

Metal foams are at the forefront of technological development for the automotive, aerospace, and other weight-dependent industries. They are formed by various methods, but the key facet of their manufacture is the inclusion of air or other gaseous pockets in the metal structure.

The fact that gas pockets are present in their structure provides an obvious weight advantage over traditionally cast or machined solid metal components. The unique structure of metal foams also opens up more opportunities to improve on more complex methods of producing parts with space inclusions such as sand-casting. This guide provides information on the advantages metal foams possess, and the applications for which they may prove suitable.

Offers a concise description of metal foams, their manufacture, and their advantages in industry
Provides engineers with answers to pertinent questions surrounding metal foams
Satisfies a major need in the market for information on the properties, performance, and applications of these materials

Customer Reviews:

Help for the uninitiated.......2002-11-19

I have been using this book for my research for the past year. Over all the this design guide by Ashby is excellent. It is well written for those who do not have any background in design using metal and polymer foams. The chapters are short and concise. If, after reading this book, you want to dig deeper in the world of foam, then read Cellular Solids by Lorna Gibson.

Let's get foaming!.......2001-04-24

Ashby et al have made a timely and very useful contribution to the literature of metal foams. The book will provide an essential resource to designers, developers and researchers in this exciting emerging field. The coverage is very thorough with material on manufacturing methods, design, economics and current applications. The section on web resources is very topical.

On a Roll @ Home, Home Exercises for Core Strength and Massage on the Foam Roller

Average customer rating:

Wow! Who knew?!
On a Roll @ Home is fantastic!
Ready to roll
On a Roll is right!

On a Roll @ Home, Home Exercises for Core Strength and Massage on the Foam Roller
Donna Gambino
Manufacturer: Infinity Health Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0977977900

Product Description

Finally, A book that explains the mysterious uses of the foam roller for the average exercise enthusiast ! On a Roll @ Home will teach you how the foam roller works to improve your core strength, what your core muscles are and how they work. You will learn how to achieve good posture, how breathing can help improve your workout and the ABC's of fine tuning your exercise technique. Learn how the roller can help decrease neck and back pain, and lastly learn massage techinques to rid you of muscle tension after a long day at your desk. This easy-to-follow manual gives beginner to advanced exercises, with precautions, clear directions and pictures.

Customer Reviews:

Wow! Who knew?!.......2007-07-18

Give up your balls and other contraptions! This thing is the best! There are so many ways to use this item. I highly reccomend that you buy the book On a Roll @ Home, Home Exercises for Core Strength and Massage on the Foam Roller which shows you great excercises AND massages and stretches. This is an integral part of my fitness routine now. I look forward to using this after my cooldown or anytime I need to unknot. A chiropractor could not get my back cracked better than this item. My spine just pops into alignment with this. I love it! PLUS, you know with the Yamuna balls how you can massage the front of your thighs? (Mine are tight as tree trunks) well with this item I can get a larger area and with much more ease. It takes less time to get the same effects with less effort.

On a Roll @ Home is fantastic!.......2007-01-30

This is the most thorough "how to" relative to the foam roller that I have ever read or used. Donna Gambino, a successful physical therapist, is uniquely qualified to guide the reader safely and in great detail through the steps required to accurately perform the exercises and massage techniques described in On a Roll @ Home. I love this book. I have incorporated it into my workout regimen. I highly recommend it. Gayle Kendall, Vice President, Pilates Suit Corporation

Ready to roll.......2006-10-09

With this organized, fun, and inspiring book we can all get ready to roll! Fitness professional or not, On a Roll@Home is a great source of information. The posture and anatomy chapter holds just the right amount of information without being overwhelming. I find that the warm up exercises also can be used to wind down or energize after a long workday, yet my favorite part are the massages - which quickly become addictive! The workout, which focuses on the deep core muscles, is sure to provide a challenge for everyone irregardless of fitness level. With this book we can all learn to integrate foam rollers into our daily lifes.
-Josefin Ekström, Pilates Instructor

On a Roll is right!.......2006-09-11

As a PT and an RN and a regular workout fanatic, I love Donna Gambino's book. The exercises are clear and easy to follow,and the author gives you important tips that only an expert can give.

Stop-Motion Puppet Sculpting: A Manual of Foam Injection, Build-Up and Finishing Techniques

Average customer rating:

For completists only!
Great book
Adequate description of stop-motion puppets but overpriced
Overpriced - Not Comprehensive
Stop-Motion Puppet Fabrication

Stop-Motion Puppet Sculpting: A Manual of Foam Injection, Build-Up and Finishing Techniques
Tom Brierton
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Stop-Motion Armature Machining: A Construction Manual
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ASIN: 0786418737

Book Description

Stop-motion puppet animation is one of the most unusual and demanding art forms in the world. It uses a variety of skills, including design, sculpting, metal work, mold making and casting, taxidermy, filmmaking, storytelling and acting, and can be seen in the simplest commercial spots on television to more complex animated shorts and science fiction and fantasy feature films.

This work explains research and design of puppets, and details the fabrication of stop-motion puppets around a metal armature skeleton using the build up and foam injection processes. The former technique uses pre-cut blocks of foam formed with a pair of scissors or other instrument into the shape desired and attaching them to the armature. In the latter technique, the character is sculpted in clay over the armature. This clay sculpture is then replaced with foam by using a plaster mold and injection gun techniques. Finishing techniques described include the making of hair, eyes, eyelids, teeth, horns, nails, and chitinous (insect-shell-like) surfaces. The manual also covers the process of creating replacement heads using rubber molds (such as RTV) and urethane castings. A glossary and bibliography complete the extensively illustrated work.

Customer Reviews:

For completists only!.......2006-09-28

I am not sorry I purchased this book but I must agree with several other reviewers that the information contained in this book is rather shallow and the poor quality (printed on cheap paper, muddy b/w photos, etc...) only underscore the problem. The same info can be had in a number of superior quality books that also feature sections on other aspects of stopmotion filmmaking (storyboarding, lighting, camera work, etc...) for a lesser price. Also I must say aside from the poor photo reproductions featured the actual work on display is less than inspiring. The majority of books available on the subject feature cartoony characters this book attempts to present a more balanced example by demonstrating the construction of a fantasy monster creature unfortunately the results reveal a distinct lack of artistic ability in reproducing lifelike dynamic anatomy and detail.Also the chapter on sculpting employs a TERRIBLE and bizzare nude female character that seems inapropriate for the purposes of casting a workable model, this assessment is borne out by the fact that no model derived from this poorly done sculpture is demonstrated.Buy this only if you wish to fill out your book collection on the subject.

Great book.......2006-07-03

Book came very quickly and in great shape. That's all I ask. Thanks so much.

Adequate description of stop-motion puppets but overpriced.......2005-01-09

As the title of the manual suggests, the book is a primer of learning the fundamentals of foam injection and build-up techniques, material which is (especially the unique process of build-up technique) difficult to find when wishing to create realistic Ray Harryhausen/Willis O'Brien-type animation puppets (as outlined in the build-up chapter of the manual).

The book is called "A Manual of Foam Injection, Build-Up, and Finishing Techniques", not "The Manual...", and therefore one would assume before purchasing it that is yet another text on creating stop-motion puppets, and would be a viable addition to one's stop-motion library. The copy at the back the manual (as well as in web advertisements) indicates that this manual also covers the creation of replacement models for animation. This topic was discontinued by the author for a later manual that he is writing on stop-motion animation, lighting and cinematography. Prior to going to press, the author contacted the published to edit the replacement models topic out of the advertisements, but they did not do so.

If would behoove web/book advertisers of this manual (or any book/manual) to include the page count of a given manuscript, so that consumers can know the size of the book in question.

The cost of this manual is, in my opinion, overpriced, but the pricing was the decision of the publisher, not the author. The manual is also printed on substandard paper stock.

Other stop-motion books currently on the market do not cover build-up technique as detailed as this manual, especially as it pertains to a machined armature. Virtually all stop-motion books on the market cover sculpted puppets using only wire armatures.

The manual adequately explains what it set out to do, namely to explain the process of foam injection and foam buildup techniques. A chapter is devoted to basic sculpting techniques to initiate a beginner in the amenities of muscle structure and its importance to the creation of more realistic stop-motion models. This was, however, not the crux of the manual per se, which is why only one chapter was devoted to sculpting.

The primarily complaints seem to be in its cost and the quality of the paper stock and images, as well as absence of more material to make the book more "saleable". However, further detail explanations of other types of anatomies (i.e. quadrupeds, fantasy creatures, etc.), would have driven the cost of the manual up exponentially. The manual is overpriced as it is.

An entire chapter is devoted to the foam injection technique, and is explained in a simple and concise easy-to-follow explanation. As such, the manual has been geared to people interested in the art form, but who do not have advanced skill levels in sculpting, mold making, and foam injection.

Regrettably, the publisher chose to use black and white photographs, and at low resolution. As such, the images suffer. It would have been preferable to use higher resolution images, and in color.

If a kitchen oven cannot be used for foam injection in one's home, one might try to be resourceful enough to not give up and think of an alternative solution; namely, to use a kiln oven in a garage or other room that is out of harms way. It is common knowledge in the visual effects/stop-motion community that hot foam can be difficult and toxic to work with. The manual only confirms this.

Given the subject matter and material covered within the manual, it should be less expensive, given what one gets for their investment. One should consider contacting the publisher if they feel that the manual is overpriced, or at the very least return the item if they are not satisfied.

Overpriced - Not Comprehensive.......2005-01-06

I would probably be more forgiving if this book were less than half the price it is, but since this is nearly a $50 investment I have slightly higher expectations.

As an earlier reviewer noted, this book is 74 pages in length (including an index and glossary). If it weren't bound, this book could have been stapled together. I don't have a problem with a short book if it is packed with unique, focused insight into a topic, but unfortunately in my opinion this book only achieves this on a shallow level.

This is a book focusing on a specialized technique by an industry professional. I would expect it to contain a wealth of insight reinforced by a number of examples outlining different levels of complexity and various challenges facing foam puppet builders. Instead this book offers one simplistic example of sculpting a figure on a wire armature. It then takes the reader through a single example of the steps to create a foam injection puppet and an example of the foam build up technique. In about 25 pages the author covers sculpting, mold making, foam mixing, injecting, baking, removing the cast and painting. It feels more like an instruction pamphlet than a resource on the topic. I would have liked to see multiple examples illustrating varying levels of complexity. How would the author have dealt with a 4-legged puppet?

After reading this book (in about an evening) I'm left with many basic questions, such as materials appropriate or to be avoided in armatures for foam injection, issues surrounding undercuts in puppet sculptures, poses puppet sculptures need to be in for an injection mold, and there's practically nothing on feet anchors, a topic I believe there must be enough information out there to fill a few pages. I also completely agree with a complaint from a previous reviewer. Most of the illustrative photos in the book are low resolution, pixilated and muddy. Nowhere near the quality of the beautiful colour photo on the cover. In my opinion there is no excuse for this in a published book, especially at this price.

For the price of this book you could get a number of books focused on various aspects touched on in this book. For mold making I recommend The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook, by Thurston James ($13.59). I also recommend Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) by Susannah Shaw ($23.07 )which looks at foam injection puppets (in almost as much depth) plus other puppet building techniques along with information on lighting, animation and set building, for less than half of this book's price.

Also, a word of warning for those of us who thought we could create foam injection puppets at home. The author states that standard ovens in our kitchen don't generate a consistent enough heat and special curing ovens that have fans to circulate heat are required to bake foam. He also notes that curing foam releases toxic fumes, something you probably don't want in your kitchen. So homemade foam injection puppets seem to be out of the question.

Stop-Motion Puppet Fabrication.......2004-12-27

This book details the processes of foam injection and build-up technique for stop-motion animation; techniques that are very difficult to find in other publications. Because of the advanced technical nature of the two processes, one should assume that puppets fabricated using these techniques are beyond the interest and scope of most children. More easy to understand publications for pre-teen children (as well as adults) on how to build more simple "cartoony" characters would be Craft Skills for Stop-Motion, by Susannah Shaw, and Creating 3D Animation, By Peter Lord. Both of these publications are outstanding sources of stop-motion material.

A consumer might find some of the manual's material "inappropriate". Chapter 2 of Stop-Motion Puppet Fabrication is devoted to anatomical sculpting, which details the clay rendering of a female nude in a dance pose. I suggest that before anyone criticizes such art through prejudicial censorship, they should well note that such innocuous anatomical nude figure studies can be found in centuries-old masterpieces: (Michelangelo's David, and the genius of Auguste Rodin [Lovers, etc.]. The general public (including children) are exposed to such masterful works of art on a daily basis, either in books or at museums. I champion the ideal that the human form is a natural sculpture of beauty and should be regarded as such. The best source of studying human anatomy for the pursuit and study of fine art is to go to the source; the human form. There is nothing distasteful or inappropriate about it, unless it becomes [...], which I do not personally advocate in my own work.

Chapter 5 outlines the rather difficult process of foam build-up. This technique enables the modeler/animator the ability to create very realistic models in the vein of the models of Ray Harryhausen, Willis O'Brien, Ladislaw Starevitch, et. al, if that is their aim. As very few, if any, publications have been devoted to realistic buildup technique, the aim of Stop-Motion Puppet Fabrication was to do just that. The puppet study detailed in Chapter 5 is of the minotaur, from classical Greek mythology. The sculpture is realistic, but in a classical stylized fashion.

The book is printed on low-quality paper, which I found rather disappointing, but this was the choice of the publisher. For the rarity of the subject matter (foam injection and build-up techniques), the manual is, in my opinion, appropriately the length it needs to be, though it may be a bit overpriced for such length.

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Handbook of Polymer Foams
D. Eaves
Manufacturer: Rapra Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1859573886

Sand and Foam (The Kahlil Gibran Pocket Library)

Average customer rating:

...
Gibran has always, brought me home, even in highscool.
Kahlil Gibran Does It Again!
EXCELLENT
Poetry is wisdom that enchants the heart............

Sand and Foam (The Kahlil Gibran Pocket Library)
Kahlil Gibran
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Prophet
The Madman: His Parables and Poems
The Forerunner: His Parables and Poems
Thoughts and Meditations
Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran

ASIN: 0394443691
Release Date: 1926-10-12

Book Description

A book of aphorisms, poems, and parables by the author of "The Prophet" - a philosopher at his window commenting on the scene passing below.

Customer Reviews:

..........2006-06-23

Vague enough to enfuse with personal meaning. Meaningless read hard, and broad read softly. A good book if you want to sway in the romantic waters of an indefinite God, but hardly the work to peak behind the curtain. It studies the fabric. Full of delicious quotes, irresistable.

Gibran has always, brought me home, even in highscool........2005-06-11

I read Kahlil, when i was 14.
I was astounded by his words,
and compostion.
He seemed to define them very well.
When i read this work?
i kept learning the aphorisms,
and the value of his thoughts.
I had never seen, or read another book
without some knowledge of great worth, and wisdom.
besides the Bible.
Gibrans paintings, also speak to the soul
The painting of The Prophet?
depicts a man who seems to
be an ancient, and of whom Kahlil
says he had never been without
since Lebanon .
When i first started to read Gibran?
i knew that i would read
all his works.
And they will continue
singing theyre words, and theyre thoughts
to the serinity and the solitude
of my mind.

Kahlil Gibran Does It Again!.......2004-11-07

Kahlil Gibran is a very powerful, dynamic writer. He does it brilliantly each time a book goes live.

EXCELLENT.......2000-10-25

Gibran continues to inspire me in this book. It is written from the depths of his soul and from every beat of his heart, as every one of his works are. Some readers criticize his writings becasue they say it is "too hard to understand". This is a complement to Gibran, because the most precious things in life are not supposed to be easily understood. One must read his books and reflect the meaning into their own lives in order to even began to understand. Don't be afriad to challenge yourself.

Poetry is wisdom that enchants the heart...................2000-05-05

Wisdom is poetry that sings in the mind. If we could enchant man's heart and at the same time sing in his mind, Then in truth he would live in the shadow of God.

The quotes from "SAND AND FOAM" enhances the thought process and I find better understanding of the people around me.

Our god exists in ourself. It takes thought provoking book to make us aware.

What a beautiful compilation!

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