1. Den of Angels is closing in August 2026. New account registrations are closed. Please see this thread in Den of Angels news for important information: /threads/the-future-of-den-of-angels.893314/
    Dismiss Notice

Jointing Are the joints hollow?

Jan 25, 2013

Watch Thread
    1. Hey guys,

      This isn't really a material question, but wasn't sure where else to put it. It might be a rather obvious and stupid question too, but as I don't own a real BJD and can't tell from the pictures, I have to ask it of someone who does.
      Regarding the actual ball joints (like the knee one for instance), are they completely hollow? and I don't mean just the tunnel for the elastic but hollow like a doll head would be. The reason I'm asking is a number of tutorials show that you make them hollow (for example using a core), but then I don't understand how you would cast such a thing. (The doll I'm making will be cast in resin. Eventually :-)...).
      So is it only done with OOAK clay dolls to save material and how does it affect the work of the joint/balance etc. If there's already an answer to this somewhere on the forum I would appreciate a link.

      Cheers.
       
      #1 nia2010, Jan 25, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    2. The joints don't have to be hollow, except for the channels for the elastic (as you already pointed out.) Dolls with hollow joints are obviously lighter and, in my experience, more difficult to stand because of how light they are. But yes it saves on material and most OOAKs are built like that simply because it's easier to build up a hollow limb, than to build a solid one and drill through it.
       
      #2 saibrrmen, Jan 25, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    3. Thanks for clearing that up Sailor! :-)
       
      #3 nia2010, Jan 26, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    4. Most company joints are not hollow
       
      #4 Bridget McCall, Jan 27, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    5. Like Sailor said; only the channels and slots are hollow, the rest of the joint is usually not.

      It is possible to make hollow joints and limbs and it would save you on resin, but I personally prefer my doll to be as heavy as possible, because it helps me balance the doll. Most of the lower part of the doll consists of legs. If you keep those hollow, chances are that the centre of gravity won't be at the hips, but higher, because the doll will be top-heavy (the head and especially the torso require much resin).

      Anyway, that's my experience.
       
      #5 Silk, Feb 2, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
Draft saved Draft deleted
Toggle Width
Styler
Styler
Color Options
Color Options