The makers would have to produce a mould, cast the head, machine it to a suitable finish, turn a wooden handle and then assemble the parts.

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"To step into something that was already a well-oiled machine, which is effectively the Broadway cast, it was very much on my mind to not be the weakest link, but once I got comfortable with everything, it was such a fun character and so over the top, " Ferrell says.

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Rep. Julia Carson, D-Indiana, was unable to cast a vote for herself because of a problem with the machine she was using.

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So far, however, the rapid-prototyping machine simply produces an accurately shaped mould from which the plate is cast.

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The machine is made of magnesium through and through, with pressed metal on the lid and a die-cast variety on the bottom.

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