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Question about Amazing Clear Cast and Moulds

B

Bunsen

Apprentice Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2019
Posts
3
Location
Worksop
First Name
David
I'm having a dabble at casting blanks using Amazing Clear Cast and a home made HDPE mold.

The casting is with the resin is going OK after following methods of use from youtube. My only problem is the really strong meniscus I get on the top surface of the blank when the resin sets.
To get a square blank I have to saw down thew top surface to remove the "lip" caused by the meniscus.

Is this normal when using HDPE? and will I have the same problem if I change to silicone molds?

I really like the castings so I will probable but some commercial molds it is just picking the right material.

Thanks
 
bassethound

bassethound

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
Posts
7,581
Location
East Sussex
First Name
Ted
Nothing to do with the HDPE David, it's probably just the resin shrinking a fraction as I have usually found or that's what I believe anyway! let me know if you can get a perfectly square blank what ever mould you use with casting resin...
 
Bucks

Bucks

Fellow
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Posts
1,425
Location
North Yorkshire
First Name
Paul
Unfortunately that is normal David, nothing to do with the mould material. If you don’t already do so, warming the mould prior to casting may help reduce it a little.

All the blanks that go on our website are cut and or sanded to make them square then polished for Aesthetics. If using the blanks for just your own use, you should be able to use them straight from the mould, as it’s what they look like prior to turning doesn’t really matter.
 
ChrisH

ChrisH

Full Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2016
Posts
14
Location
London
First Name
Chris
I have cast with polyester and epoxy and they all shrink and leave that lip on the top.
You have to make sure the mould is filled to the top with resin to allow for it.
You can bandsaw them square but I turn them as cast
 
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