Is fotoplast s/io the recommended acrylic polymer for shells? Also, what is everyone using for their hydrocolloid? Knox gelatin?

What rotary tool do you all recommend for shaping and smoothing my impressions and buffing shells, etc...?

Thankyou for your great explanation.

What is the purpose of the glycerin dip?

I just got my first impressions completed and I was wondering how I go about processing them and trimming the excess off. What parts are needed and what parts should I cut off?

I apologize for this question, but where do I start in this giant thread? I am brand new this game, but I want to dive head first. Is there a guide posted somewhere? Again I apologize, but 310 pages is a whole lot, although I'm grateful for all the wisdom in this thread.