Molding apparatus is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments. In one aspect of the invention, the dry particulate solids composition is provided in a package size that is just substantially sufficient to make a reconstituted slurry for completing the polishing of a predetermined number of work pieces. Each securing mechanism includes a fixed arm fixedly secured to the central body and a pivoting arm pivotally secured to the central body. The plurality of legs are inserted into leg receiving channels of each platform and the pair of platforms are joined together to form the shipping configuration. Using the coating, the potassium monopersulfate composition can be used continuously instead of in a periodic shock treatment as is currently done.