I was planning to try to make a kind of totem or "cairn" (I think that's the word for stacked stones). I want to make hypertufa rocks with holes in the center for stacking one on top of the other. My plan is to use either rebar or pvc pipe for the holes, but to wrap the pipe in plastic wrap for easy removal (hopefully). I've had good luck using plastic bags to line my molds when I make hypertufa pots.

You should have gotten an easy release using the baking spray. Was the pvc smooth when you started? Did you keep them in a shady spot and not in the sun? Did you spray then wipe the baking spray so that it covered the entire pipe? I don't make many totems but there use to be a great thread on this forum with a lot of information. Try searching this forum for totem.

Why not just bore holes in the "rocks" after you make them? Then you won't have to worry about the rebar or plastic pipe releasing; this stuff is very easy to drill, unless you are making them so large that they are longer than the length of the drill bit.

Iris - That may not be a bad idea! The plastic I used on my metal molds came off VERY easily and it doesn't matter what it looks like inside the center hole. Hmmm....

Billie Ann - the PVC was smooth and heavily coated with spray. I did let them cure in the shade as well. I tried to find the thread to which you were referring but did not find it.

Club53 - I guess I could do that. Most of the pieces are of manageable size. It just seemed easier to make the holes at the time I was casting them. Maybe I'll try that.

Thanks everyone!! :)

I did a search and got 22 hits for "totem". There's even info about totems in the FAQ. They mention using paper towel or toilet paper tubes for the center hole.

Billie Ann - Yes, I read through most, if not all, of those posts. I will try something different this time. Thanks

For something like that, try baking parchment in rolls. It is treated with silicone -- try soaking a small piece in a glass of water overnight!

When you tape it, you will probably have to wrap the tape all the way around and stick it to itself, as it probably won't stick to the paper.

Sue

That's a good idea! And, since another hobby of mine is cake decorating, I happen to have LOTS of it!! Thanks!!