A few casting questions...

[r1237h]

I've had the Silmar 41 can waiting on the shelve for the past few months, and lately have had the time and idea's to cast. To tell the truth, a bit nervous about it, so I keep delaying it. However, I think it's about time I tried it out.

I've looked thru the library, and one of the tutorials mentions using copper tubes (I have also heard of PVC pipes being used). In the tutorial, both ends are capped after pouring. Is this accurate? if so, I guess air is not needed. However, I also have a mold I bought, which obviously is open to the elements, as it were. So does one need to seal the tubes, or does it not really matter?

Also, is waiting 24 hours accurate?

Lastly, does the material shrink a bit? Otherwise, how does one get it out of the tube? I suppose that I can simply put the whole thing on the lathe, and "turn" the tube itself....

 

[navycop]

I've had the Silmar 41 can waiting on the shelve for the past few months, and lately have had the time and idea's to cast. To tell the truth, a bit nervous about it, so I keep delaying it. However, I think it's about time I tried it out.
I've looked thru the library, and one of the tutorials mentions using copper tubes (I have also heard of PVC pipes being used).
In the tutorial, both ends are capped after pouring. Is this accurate? if so, I guess air is not needed. However, I also have a mold I bought, which obviously is open to the elements, as it were. So does one need to seal the tubes, or does it not really matter?

Also, is waiting 24 hours accurate?

Lastly, does the material shrink a bit? Otherwise, how does one get it out of the tube? I suppose that I can simply put the whole thing on the lathe, and "turn" the tube itself....

I use PR and used PVC pipe. I only capped one end. If you put a regular pen tube in resin you need to cap both ends..

 

[crabcreekind]

PR and a pvc pipe works fine. I just put some duct tape on the other end to seal it up. Then take it off to punch it out.

 

[r1237h]

PR and a pvc pipe works fine. I just put some duct tape on the other end to seal it up. Then take it off to punch it out.

So it needs to be capped at both ends? Does this man one cannot use silmar 41 in an open mold?

 

[seamus7227]

you can use it in an open mold if you so desire. I take it you are casting color blanks?

 

[navycop]

PR and a pvc pipe works fine. I just put some duct tape on the other end to seal it up. Then take it off to punch it out.

So it needs to be capped at both ends? Does this man one cannot use silmar 41 in an open mold?

I think he is talking about capping one end so the stuff does not run out. Bulid a vertical holder and you can leave the other end uncovered.

 

[crabcreekind]

PR and a pvc pipe works fine. I just put some duct tape on the other end to seal it up. Then take it off to punch it out.

So it needs to be capped at both ends? Does this man one cannot use silmar 41 in an open mold?

I think he is talking about capping one end so the stuff does not run out. Bulid a vertical holder and you can leave the other end uncovered.

Yes, that is what I meant. Sorry about the confusion. Cap the bottom end so the resin does not run out of the tube.