Alumilite cure time

[jack barnes]

I bought a HF pressure pot a couple years ago, it's still in the box. I'm going to set it up and order some Alumilite. My shop is in the basement and in the winter the temp is around 45 t0 50 degrees. I do heat it some while I'm working in it. What I want to do is mix and pour, put in pot and leave it for the nite. Will it cure over nite at these temps?

Jack

 

[MesquiteMan]

Yes. It will cure faster than that, most likely 1 hour or less but I am not 100% sure since it seldom gets that cold in my shop!

 

[follow3]

Yes. It will cure faster than that, most likely 1 hour or less but I am not 100% sure since it seldom gets that cold in my shop!

Hey Curtis,

I just got an order of Alumilite, it will be my first time dealing with anything other than PR. I have a couple of similar questions:

1. What is the open, or working time at room temp.? (72 to 75)
2. What is the cure (to demold) time at room temp. ?
3. Do you recomend pressure or vacuum?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[MesquiteMan]

Steve,

Working time is about 5-7 minutes which may not sound like much time but it is more time than you think. When you do your first cast, make sure you have a little extra and leave it in the mixing cup. Watch how long it takes to go off and you will have a good feel for how much time you have to work with it.

I only use pressure since there is not enough time to do both and have not found vacuum to be as good. I hold it under pressure for 12-15 minutes and then take it out of the pot. I will then let it set until it cools down and then demold, usually 30-45 minutes.

Make sure you get it completely mixed. Contrary to what alumilite suggests, I suggest you not add your colorant until both parts are mixed thoroughly instead of adding the color to part A and then adding the B as they recommend. I also suggest you get some 24 oz. clear plastic drinking cups to mix in. I buy mine at Sam's. When you first put the 2 parts together, it will look cloudy. When it is mixed completely, it will be totally clear. Thus the reason for the clear cups so you can see this better.

Also, it is best to measure by weight, not volume.

Any more questions feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number and we can talk on the phone. That is usually easier than typing so much and I enjoy talking with other members!

 

[follow3]

Thanks for all the great info Curtis!!!

Steve

Steve,

Working time is about 5-7 minutes which may not sound like much time but it is more time than you think. When you do your first cast, make sure you have a little extra and leave it in the mixing cup. Watch how long it takes to go off and you will have a good feel for how much time you have to work with it.

I only use pressure since there is not enough time to do both and have not found vacuum to be as good. I hold it under pressure for 12-15 minutes and then take it out of the pot. I will then let it set until it cools down and then demold, usually 30-45 minutes.

Make sure you get it completely mixed. Contrary to what alumilite suggests, I suggest you not add your colorant until both parts are mixed thoroughly instead of adding the color to part A and then adding the B as they recommend. I also suggest you get some 24 oz. clear plastic drinking cups to mix in. I buy mine at Sam's. When you first put the 2 parts together, it will look cloudy. When it is mixed completely, it will be totally clear. Thus the reason for the clear cups so you can see this better.

Also, it is best to measure by weight, not volume.

Any more questions feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number and we can talk on the phone. That is usually easier than typing so much and I enjoy talking with other members!