5 gallon H.F. pressure pot

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bruce119

bruce119

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Just got an email about the 5 gallon H.F. pressure pot.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=66074&r=4911_223960

Just wondering is any one using it. I was wondering what size mold would fit inside. I was thinking of getting another pot or 2 to increase production. I didn't know about the 5 gal.

It's a 100 bucks but if you can get one of those 20% off that get it down to $80

Any body got one what you guys think.


.
 
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So so...

Bruce,

My company ordered one to increase production as well and was very surprised when it arrived. The dimensions given in the ad are deceiving. The actual ID of the pot is the same as the 2.5 gallon, although it is deeper. The "overall dimensions" which make it seem so much bigger are the handles, casters and such. If you'd like more particulars please send me a PM. If need be I can snap a pic of my reg pot next to the "new and bigger" one.
 
td said:
The dimensions given in the ad are deceiving
Click to expand...

I don't understand what you're trying to say. Dimensions aside, if one pot's volume is 2.5 gallons and another pot's volume is 5 gallons, the capacity of the second pot is double that of the first.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Cheers!

Gary
 
We ordered a 2 1/2 gallon vacuum tank and the inside dimensions were almost identical with the HF 2 1/2 pressure pot. The same vessels fit in both. We ordered a 5 gallon vacuum tank and on paper the dimensions seemed to be almost identical with the HF 5 gallon PP but when we received them the vessels for the 5 gallon vac tank will not fit in the Harbor Freight 5 gallon pressure pot. We're looking for production. It may make no difference to individuals.
 
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GaryMadore said:
I don't understand what you're trying to say. Dimensions aside, if one pot's volume is 2.5 gallons and another pot's volume is 5 gallons, the capacity of the second pot is double that of the first.
Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Since Bruce was wondering about mold sizes (and so was I) he's likely
looking to make larger castings for production. TD indicated that the ID
is the same, pretty much answering my questions about 'will it take a larger
mold". It won't. And since all of the molds I use are silicone, weight becomes
an issue when stacking molds. I wouldn't gain any more
production by buying the larger pot.

The total capacity might be double, but the amount of resin I can practically
pour isn't much different. If I stack too high, the bottom molds
can collapse.

Good question, good answer.
 
I may be way off here but...

Could you not just make a metal "shelving unit" to fit in the larger pot so that you could do more molds with out the fear of collapses?
 
NewLondon88 said:
Since Bruce was wondering about mold sizes (and so was I) he's likely
looking to make larger castings for production. TD indicated that the ID
is the same, pretty much answering my questions about 'will it take a larger
mold". It won't. And since all of the molds I use are silicone, weight becomes
an issue when stacking molds. I wouldn't gain any more
production by buying the larger pot.

The total capacity might be double, but the amount of resin I can practically
pour isn't much different. If I stack too high, the bottom molds
can collapse.

Good question, good answer.
Click to expand...

I agree I think 2 or 3 more smaller pots mite be the better way.

Then theres another issue the weight of the pot. Heck the smaller one when it has 3 molds in it weighs a few pounds. I carry it outside to dump the air. I don't want to dump the air in my shop. That is heavy enough I can Imagen how heavy the large pot must be. I know it has wheels but in my shop they would be useless I would have to carry the pot anyway.
 
Crashmph said:
I may be way off here but...

Could you not just make a metal "shelving unit" to fit in the larger pot so that you could do more molds with out the fear of collapses?
Click to expand...

make a metal shelf? I can barely make a wooden pen! :tongue:
 
Depending on the resin you are using, I would question how more difficult it would be before things start to cure. If you are working with more resin, you have to be able to work even faster. Plus, how much longer would it take to pull a good vacuum or even pressurize twice as much volume?

I'm just thinking like on engineer here (wife hates it when I do that) - I haven't ventured into this world (yet).
 
stolicky said:
Depending on the resin you are using, I would question how more difficult it would be before things start to cure. If you are working with more resin, you have to be able to work even faster. Plus, how much longer would it take to pull a good vacuum or even pressurize twice as much volume?

I'm just thinking like on engineer here (wife hates it when I do that) - I haven't ventured into this world (yet).
Click to expand...

More time poring with Alumilte is defiantly an issue. Not so much with PR.

Now another thought, I read something about it somewhere.

To make the pot more efficient turn it on it's side (you would have to build a stand) then build a shelf of some sort in the pot. Put your molds on a board or shelf then just pick the whole thing up and slide it into the pot.

I can see it working the only problem I can see is the lid would be a hassle to get on. It would be awkward and would need some type of support.

As far as pressurizing or pulling a vacuum on a larger vessel. Not an issue as it takes seconds to pressurize the smaller pot.

Just my thought
Bruce
 
A small wooden rack with 2,3,4 shelves would not be hard to make and put in the pressure pot. If lifting a shelf set is a problem set the pot in a stationary position and put a small pulley on an outrigger above the pot. Use a piece of 1/4 inch ski rope to pull the shelf up then secure the rope. (Leaves both hands free to load, unload the shelves)

As for carrying the pot outside to open. Put a small diameter air hose or tubing in the outlet run the hose outside. When you open the valve to let off the pressure attach your air hose to the pot for a minuet or so to push all fumes outside.
Just a thought, Mark
 
seawolf said:
As for carrying the pot outside to open. Put a small diameter air hose or tubing in the outlet run the hose outside. When you open the valve to let off the pressure attach your air hose to the pot for a minuet or so to push all fumes outside.
Click to expand...

Woah ... I'm using that one! I've got extra hoses .. just run one out the
window! Cool! No more PR headaches! No more brain damr.. dammij... da..
.. no more fumes!
 
Well, don't think anyone mentioned this, but since the pot is twice as deep, you can make a mold that is twice as long. You can lay the pot on it's side. Make yourself a nice cradle to keep it steady so it doesn't roll. Set the mold inside..etc, same as before but sideways. OH...edit...just came to me too that if you cast this way, you could also increase the width of your molds, because you are not so limited by the square in a circle situation! I don't recall exactly the diameter of the pot, but I know a 6" square mold can squeeze in. So with the pot on it's side, you might get a 10" wide mold or bigger perhaps! When it comes to air pressure, air doesn't care if it is sideways or up and down. ...oh, page 2..I missed Bruce just stated this same fact..oh well.
 
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Hope no one minds me resurrecting this Thread from
the dead ! But, I was curious if anyone knows where
I could get one of those old HF 5 Gallon pots ?

I have looked all over the place for a " skinny "
and tall pot like the one they used to sell
with no luck !

All the 5 Gallon ones I could find are
of the short squat variety ! Nothing
like the tall skinny of the HF one...

Any ideas out there ?

Heck, I'd even be willing to buy someone OLD HF
one if you don't want it anymore ?

:biggrin:
 
NewLondon88 said:
GaryMadore said:
SNIP

And since all of the molds I use are silicone, weight becomes
an issue when stacking molds. I wouldn't gain any more
production by buying the larger pot.

The total capacity might be double, but the amount of resin I can practically
pour isn't much different. If I stack too high, the bottom molds
can collapse.

Good question, good answer.
Click to expand...

Charlie, I made 8.5" circles out of 1/4 plywood, then glued on 3, 4" 3/4" dowels equidistant from each other, and that way I can stack the molds as high as I want.
Click to expand...
 
As far as I know, all 5 gallon pots, regardless the manufacturer are taller, not wider. Coming from Harbor Freight, I can see the risk factor really rise dramatically, since they have a hard enough time making a 2.5 that is actually round. With twice the air volume, the lid can launch much further than ever before. If you buy a CA Tech pot, it is 1/2" or so wider than an HF pot and the 5 gal will be twice as tall. The cost of the pot will be expensive, but you will own this pot your whole life.
 
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