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Hi Ian, I cast all the time, I only use Polyester resin, therefore I have no need for pressure pots. The question is what kind of resin do you want to cast with? If you want to cast with something that needs one, I wouldn’t fool around with conversations, I would buy something that is specifically made for that purpose IMHO. 
Penpal
Grand Master
Like that famous lady said first slaughter your ox. Consider the various options,look for fellow Pen people in Nthn Ireland. Buy cast blanks that use differing chemistry. Read our Library and the one in the IAP. Their must be oodles of U Tube vids on the subject.
Top consideration they are pressure vessels designed for the purpose and deserve and command respect as such. Consider deeply the pros and cons.Have fun along the way Ian.
Peter.
Top consideration they are pressure vessels designed for the purpose and deserve and command respect as such. Consider deeply the pros and cons.Have fun along the way Ian.
Peter.
Thanks guys for the advice so far. To be honest if I can get away with not needing to buy a pressure pot then Im happy to look at options. How do you find the polyester John? - Are you able to get bubble-free results?
I have read on the Alumilite website that their product can be used with either pressure or vacuum (vacuum before mixing the 2 parts). Can anyone advise how effective vacuum is in removing bubbles? I ultimately want to make my own blanks for custom kitless pens so material must be threadable and able to take a really good finish.
I have read on the Alumilite website that their product can be used with either pressure or vacuum (vacuum before mixing the 2 parts). Can anyone advise how effective vacuum is in removing bubbles? I ultimately want to make my own blanks for custom kitless pens so material must be threadable and able to take a really good finish.
Ray7756
Full Member
I use .easycomposites.co.uk that is clear Polyester resin. Easy to mix providing you use the right radio. No bubbles and water clear. No need for pressure pots or vacuum pots.
Hi John
Do you follow the procedure that is posted in the tutorial section on here ????
Or have you worked out your own method ???
Cheers
Ray
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
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Casting PR without much equipment is possible.
Temperature and Humidity play an important role in the curing. Easier to cast in the summer than winter.
You can warm to resin to allow bubbles to rise more easily. Stand the mold on something that vibrates like a scroll saw can help the bubbles rise.
Don't stir too too fast creating more bubbles.
And don't try this inside the house unless you want a slap off your wife .... It really does stink
Temperature and Humidity play an important role in the curing. Easier to cast in the summer than winter.
You can warm to resin to allow bubbles to rise more easily. Stand the mold on something that vibrates like a scroll saw can help the bubbles rise.
Don't stir too too fast creating more bubbles.
And don't try this inside the house unless you want a slap off your wife .... It really does stink
Hi Ray,
I do use mica power to colour, and I have watched tutorials on YouTube and posts on the forums.
Usually the website where you buy the resin has a chart for mixing ratio, and on the tin. I’m afraid it’s a case of trial and error.
When I first started mixing My blanks were too brittle to turn it was very frustrating. But in the end, once you have it right it’s all worthwhile. I hope this will help you, remember I only use Polyester resin Myself.
I do use mica power to colour, and I have watched tutorials on YouTube and posts on the forums.
Usually the website where you buy the resin has a chart for mixing ratio, and on the tin. I’m afraid it’s a case of trial and error.
When I first started mixing My blanks were too brittle to turn it was very frustrating. But in the end, once you have it right it’s all worthwhile. I hope this will help you, remember I only use Polyester resin Myself.
I've used the polyester resin from easycomposites and it gives perfectly clear and bubble free results.
BUT it is very brittle and chips/cracks easily.
I preheat it and cure it in a seed propagator which keeps it at around 20 oC
BUT it is very brittle and chips/cracks easily.
I preheat it and cure it in a seed propagator which keeps it at around 20 oC
Penpal
Grand Master
Like the seed propagator, also useful is the artificial heat rock it has only an 8watt element,is fully controlled. They the Lizard people don,t like overdone Lizards.
Peter.
Peter.