I would check value of table.
I have a 1880s chinese writing desk of east indian rosewood with the same problem.
Its to valuable restored to not carve the moulding.q

Doug,

I am aware of that and told the client it should be carved etc. He requested the mold/cast to keep price down. I will do it as to not damage the original so that in the future it could be carved.

We use a silicone product called Knead-a-mold. It's more solid than the pour-on molds and can be used on a vertical surface. Cures fairly quickly. Then we use Mohawk Epoxy Sticks or similar products to re-create carvings or moldings. If you google silicone molding products there are several of them.

I would tell the client to pay you to carve it, or you can destroy the table for him at no charge.

A culture of cheap, in the midst of the richest nation on the planet, makes for people that value their money more than things that are really more valuable than money. They should not be entertained.

Cheaper is not better,it is only cheaper.

Get a reputation for working cheap, and you get to do that for the rest of your working life.

Pete:

My question would be: What is the REAL labor and material cost differential between doing the carving in rosewood vs. making the mold, casting the molded piece, and then trying to get the molded piece to look like rosewood? For a 3-4" piece, it sounds like more trouble to make a casting, fit it in place, and finish to match.

Not sure of the antiquity or value of the table, but if there is any, then perhaps your client can also come to value the difference should he/she ever come to sell it; a restoration vs. a cobbled repair.

TonyF

Thanks to all who responded in regard to making a mold.

I have since talked with the client and the final choice as to what direction to go is mine. Money is not an issue.

David- thanks for the lecture on cheap. I have had plenty of clients that I have not "entertained". Seems to be the younger generation, that I am actually a part of, that have given me the most headaches. But after over 20 years at this, my patience wears thin at times.

Maybe consider laser scan and 3d cnc carve. Then hand carve and finish the tight details.

Pete- I did not mean to wear your patience thin. I understand what you are saying. One never knows whom one is addressing here on Woodweb.

After 45 years of my various rants, I get few calls for bargains and tire kickers. While I do my best to make a good impression, I do not entertain those looking for cheap. Just because they got gouged on some other endeavor does not mean I must walk on eggs. The fact that Walmart exists and has changed this nation does mean I have to fall into line with that thought.

We have succeeded by avoiding the masses.

We are expensive because we are good. We are proud of the fact that we have trained ourselves to be good. To be the best. This pride is fed by doing the carving and not by making a mold. Carving is a direct extension of our work. Mold making is not.

This is just the way I see it. Nothing personal towards you at all. I have seen your site and you know what you are doing. You are capable of making either choice.

Carving preserves the value of the piece, even enhances it since it has less value when broken. Mold making just makes it usable, maybe presentable. Since the table was made by people like you and me, I suggest it be preserved with the new carving. This respects the table, the makers, the process and the industry. One person's idea of the value of your time is immaterial to the whole.

Dave,
You didn't wear my patience thin at all and no offense taken. Its the 2 clients I have dealt with and gotten rid of the past few weeks that have done that! Both unrelated to this table/mold thing. Long stories. But back to the mold- Ive been around the antique world for many years so I fully understand whatever direction I decide to go. The antique world is the greasiest business. If the work is done well enough, its all original right? Many stories on that! Honesty and antique dealer are words not used in the same sentence. Ill leave my rant at that. The client though is one that I value for reasons outside of the work and he values my skill set and opinion as well. I have a pile of work to get through before I touch this table so we will figure it out.