Question for those with a Greenstuff tentacle maker

[Ovidius Incertus]

For those who have experience making greenstuff pipes, hoses, tentacles, etc., a brief question.  I have a GS Industries tentacle maker on the way.  Do you make the tentacles, etc. per instructions and let the GS harden a little and then fit it to your mini (i.e. bend it)?  Or do you fit it to your mini while the GS is still soft?

[stinkenheim]

when I've made pipes and such before (not with the tentacle maker) I've always found it easier to wait 5 minutes or so, especially if the tubes are sitting away from the model as when it is slightly drier it holds its shape better.

[Olis]

That reminds me, I really must get around to using mine... 

[Subtle Discord]

Excellent investment. You'll never waste left over greenstuff again; it all gets turned into pipes, tubes, and tentacles for future use. There are merits to using it both ways, so neither is 'better'. Pure greenstuff is reasonably flexible once cured so you can do a lot with it in that state and the pipes will be very stiff; naturally this means it won't do well for tight curves, but it forms great smooth arcs. For tight curves and sharp bends you'll need it semi-soft or completely soft. Semi-soft will be more forgiving, letting you push it into shape with less deformation. Completely soft will give you the most control over the shape but you need to use a very light touch to avoid damaging the pipe/tentacle. In many cases, if you're using completely soft greenstuff there's a good chance you're layering, so it is possible to place pipes with rough ends, and then clean them up with future details.

 

Another option for custom shapes is to intentional cure something in a desired shape and then use it where you want. Think twists and spirals of tentacles or drooping swags of pipes; drape the soft form over the item/s get the desired form, and then let cure. you can easily cut to shape/length once it's cured, and it's still soft enough to have some room for manipulation on the final miniature.