basic questions

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george

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Joined
Jan 17, 2006
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458
Location
Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Hello !

I have idea about making interesting pen, but no experineces in stabilazing-casting .

1. I have seen in this topics and library that in most cases polyester resin is used. Unfortunatly in my country only epoxs resin is available. Can I use epoxy or must I search outside for PR (I am afraid I will have again problems with delivery due to flamability hazard)
2. can I do my own resin pen blank without the pressure pot (that is what i have seen in library). But why then some use pressure pots ( for wood blanks perhaps) ?

Thank you in advance for help.
 
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george said:
1. can I do my own resin pen blank without the pressure pot (that is what i have seen in library). But why then some use pressure pots ( for wood blanks perhaps) ?

Thank you in advance for help.
Click to expand...

Hi George,
a pressure pot IS NOT required to cast PR pen blanks. The pot is useful for minimizing the "air bubbles" that are sometimes evident with home cast blanks.
 
George,

You might want to check out Alumilite. It is not flammable and not considered Hazardous Material for shipping purposes. Their website is www.Alumilite.com. Other than that, you can use epoxy resin but if it is not a casting resin, you may end up with problems due to to much heat if you pour the blanks all at one time. Most epoxies are made as an adhesive and is recommended for 1/8" or less of thickness at a time. My first cactus pen was with epoxy resin and it got super hot and boiled out of the mold.
 
George,

My first casts were also with epoxy resin. The brand was Castin' Craft but it tells you on the package not to mix more than 6 oz at a time because it will get too hot. Epoxy is difficult to finish as well. It is much softer than Polyester Resin. I think Curtis is right about recommending Alumilite for you but your working time (the amount of time you have to mix before it starts to set up) is much shorter than PR.

Good Luck!
 
I was just on aluminitte web site. Are you so kind just to confirm me that Alumilite Regular is the right option (there are quite many other resins available ).

If I understand coorectly the Dyes are used for coloring the resin. What about the Silicone ruber - is this nessesery to purchase ?

Thank you and sorry for so amateur questions.
 
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