Alumilite Problem

[Mike8850]

I've been casting some mesquite in Crystal Clear Alumilite and have been having problems with what looks like bubbles around the wood. I cast some Cholla at the same time and it turned fine. I cast it at 45 psi for an hour.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for any help,
Mike

 

[TomW]

Looks like there was moisture in the wood. Been there! I suggest you heat the wood in an oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes before casting.

Tom

 

[arioux]

Not an expert but from personnal experience, that look like hunidity from the wood reacting with the allumilite.

 

[arioux]

I guess my typing is too slow

 

[pensbydesign]

sure looks like moister to me,i put my blanks in a fruit dehydrator to make sure there dry. a microwave woks to.

 

[ElMostro]

It could be several things;
- wax coating (or any kind of coating) on the wood will create separation
- overspray from silicone or aerosol lubricants, especially the kind of stuff you put on cast iron tool surfaces to make them slippier
- if the wood is punky it will absorb moisture, so even if it looks/feels dry in may not be completely dry
- freshly cut blanks; may be releasing moisture
- not enough pressure, try at least 65 psi if your tank can safely hold it

Eugene

 

[Mike8850]

Thanks guys
I had thought about moisture. The mesquite was the chips you throw in your barbecue grill that I had sitting around for a couple of years. I nuked the mesquite in a microwave on defrost several times. I will give the toaster oven a try.
Thanks again,
Mike