Clear Epoxies.

[Skin-Job]

Hello again.

Due to my background in special effects work, and overexposure to polyurethanes, I'm drastically and dangerously allergic to them now.
I can't be near them in liquid state, the fumes, cured castings or the dust.
Last time I was hospitalized.

So, I've been doing some research into Epoxies. I have some wet samples whcih I'm doing some tests with.

Does anyone here work with clear casting Epoxy resins for blanks? If so, which resins?
Also, how do they find them for turning?


Many thanks,

Karl

 

[fingwe]

I've used Allumilte Amazing Clear Cast (the other Alumilite products are polyurethanes, but Amazing Clear Cast is an epoxy - though due to your condition, do double check I'm right). I don't like it as much as the polyurethanes, but it does work OK. It takes a while to set, and does go soft if it gets too hot - so be careful when polishing, but other than that, it works fine. I've also tried the Pebeo stuff (can't remember it's name, Crystal Clear? or something like that). That was very similar, but you can't get in in large volume, so it works out expensive. Oh, I've also tried Mastercast ( https://www.elichem.co.uk/p-21-mastercast-1-2-1-artwork-resin.aspx ) , though not for pens. Again, it worked fine, and although I didn't use it for turning, I did use power sanders, etc on it. Again it goes soft when heated, so be careful.

 

[Skin-Job]

Thanks very much for that.

:)

 

[Penpal]

Was sad to hear of the effect casting has had on your health, thanks for fair warning mate and good luck on your next choices.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

This is what I use, turn well, I mix it out side the shed with a fan going behind me.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...DS_Apr11.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0Mh0jvf1JOuLV-2I5KNmzV

 

[Skin-Job]

WM460,

If that stuff has the 'Characteristic styrene smell' then it's a polyester resin, and not an epoxy.
Epoxy has no real odour.

K

 

[needastick]

Z-Poxy do a clear casting resin, they make one or two different grades. I've done some casting with it but never turned it. Seems a good product though a bit pricey.

 

[Les ELm]

Liquid Diamonds Resin.
MSDS are available for this product

Les

 

[Skin-Job]

Thanks a lot.

the 2:1 mixing ratio suggests it's likely to be an Epoxy system.

Have you turned it?


K

 

[Bucks]

Although I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve heard quite a few pen blank casters use resin4art which is a Epoxy resin.

 

[Bucks]

As Melanie has stated Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast is an Epoxy Resin, but the rest are PU

 

[Skin-Job]

Thanks very much for the input everyone, I appreciate it.