Glass clear resin

[Druthman]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the best/cheapest glass clear resin for pen blank making. I've been using GlassCast 50 Epoxy resin from Easy Composites which works well, has no smell but is quite expensive.
Cheers...Neil

 

[fortress]

You just answered one of my questions Neil. I myself use two part Epoxy, resin4art, very clear easy to work non-toxic and relatively cheap. Clear Alumilite is also good to use.

 

[Frederick]

Hello Neil
I use GlassCast 10 and found it to suit me very well. No further need for pressure or vacuum equipment.
All resins are expensive to buy. Another problem is that Royal Mail will not carry it and threaten to incinerate any parcel they consider to be unsafe. As suppliers have to employ courier companies this increases the total price significantly.

The average average price (I have found) hovers about £24 for a litre. Just for information sake, I purchase mine from Stiles and Bates in Dover. The price of postage is £10 and that includes next day delivery.

I don’t think you could do any better than you are at the moment; if you do find it cheaper elsewhere, please let me know.

Cheers
Frederick

 

[Dibbs]

GlassCast 10 is supposed to have a maximum casting depth of 10mm. For that reason I've always used GlassCast 50 since pen blanks are quite a bit more than 10mm thick. Have you ever had any trouble with 10 at that thickness. Are you doing multiple pours?

 

[Frederick]

GlassCast 10 is supposed to have a maximum casting depth of 10mm. For that reason I've always used GlassCast 50 since pen blanks are quite a bit more than 10mm thick. Have you ever had any trouble with 10 at that thickness. Are you doing multiple pours?

Hi

I never cast anymore than two blanks at a time and I have never experienced any problems due to thicknes, however, saying that I usually cast around brass decorated tubes and therefore the total thickness in any one place is less than 5mm. I have cast 20mm solid blanks but only in single molds. Never experienced any problems here, but would not like to make multiple pours as the exothermic reaction would be chancing it a little.
Regards

 

[Druthman]

Hi, no, I've never had any problems at all and some of my blanks are up to 50mm deep but perhaps I'll give the GlassCast 50 a try next time and see if it works just the same. Yes I do multiple pours and also encase pine cones in it which seems to work well.

 

[Penpal]

Interesting times we live in with new methods and materials becoming available. Impact sure comes in strong and great colours. They draw attention and sell well.

Peter.