Fill the pot one-fourth full of water and place it on the stove over high heat until the water begins to boil.
Place the pouring pot into the water and lower the heat to reduce the boil to a simmer.
Fill the pouring pot with wax and let it melt, periodically adding more water to the outer pot as the existing water evaporates.
Fill a large bowl with cool water while you waiting for the wax to melt, so you will be prepared to create the mold as soon as the wax is ready.
Remove the pouring pot from the stove when the wax is completely melted at has reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a candy thermometer.
Fill a large bowl with cool water, then alternately dip your hand in the hot wax and in the water. Repeat this process eight to 10 times or until the wax has created a thick mold around your hand.
Remove your hand gently from the mold. It is now ready for you to fill with plaster of Paris or silicone rubber.
Mix the silicone rubber as directed on the package. This usually entails mixing equal portions of two liquid components and the included thinner for the first coat.
Apply a thin, even coat of release cream to your hand, making sure to get between your fingers.
Paint a thin coat of rubber onto your hand, wrist and lower forearm.
Mix a second batch of rubber without the thinning solution. Brush this thicker rubber onto your hand until the mold is at least 1 cm thick.
Cut the plaster bandage into strips and dip each strip in water. Wrap them around the rubber, following the contours of your hand. Allow them to dry for 15 minutes or as directed on the package.
Peal off the plaster cast and rubber mold gently. Keep the silicone inside the plaster for support when pouring your prosthetic medium into the mold.
Mix the alginate powder with water according to the directions on the package. The proportions are often one to one, but this can vary with the brand of alginate you purchase.
Mix the water and powder into a smooth paste with an electric mixer or electric drill with a mixing bit.
Rinse your hand, wrist and lower forearm in water and submerge it in the alginate. Pose your hand in the position you want reflected by the mold and hold it in this position for 10 minutes or until the alginate hardens.
Pull your hand gently out of the mold, which is now ready to be filled with your prosthetic material.