Bucks
Fellow
Yes, the polyester does smell...strongly. Personally I don't mind the smell, but I'm sure some find it objectionable (it's strong/overpowering when you're actually casting and in the same room, but after that I find the smell OK). Why not just get a small amount and try it, maybe on a day when the family are out? The smell may linger for a couple of days, but I wouldn't think it would be overpowering for that long. And I certainly wouldn't worry too much about using it in an attached garage, as long as you keep the door firmly shut, unless someone in the family really hated the smell.
We've now cast a few blanks using the Polyester resin with no ill effects, we use organic vapour resipirators while casting (which is a must) but with keeping the windows open in the casting room & room next door we are managing to just contain the smell to the casting room