casting newbie

[George Watkins]

hello folks

i'm really intrested in trying to cast some of my own blanks but am unsure what i need here in the u.k- i've found this site with what i think is the right stuff http://www.tiranti.co.uk/subdivision_product_list.asp?Subcategory=57&Subdivision=
could someone with a bit more experince please have a look and confirm if this is the right stuff and which one i would need to order please.
thanks
George

edit- how many blanks does 1kg make?

 

[KDM]

I'm also in the UK and I got all the bits and bobs I used for this project here in the UK. These folk are just up the road from where I work. They also sell here on eBay. I recommend one of their kits. For first-timers, the kit has PR, sufficient MEKP (catalyst) and a syringe. They're also really approachable and happy to give out tips. They know nothing about pen turning, but they know loads about casting.

You should also consider a few 100g pots of pigment paste. I decided 100g would last me for years, so I got yellow, red, blue, black and white. Should be able to mix whatever I want from that lot.

The Tiranti prices seem higher, but if they're more local to you, you'll save a fortune on postage. They don't seem to supply the MEKP as standard, so don't forget to get some of that.

First thing you maybe want to do is consider making a mould. You can buy tubes of silicon bath sealant (what I did) for under £3. Two of these will make you a decent mould. (See tutorial here.)

Something I'm considering, though (given the wastage calculations here), is a resin saver mould. I'm thinking a piece of 20mm electrical conduit will save me a fortune on resin if used in place of my square mould.

Enjoy.

 

[George Watkins]

Thanks Ken for your help- last night i was on e-bay and found the same seller as in your link-i will order a 1kg kit and try my luck!!

will the electric 20 mm conduit survive the heat?
how many blanks will a 1kg make?
and where did you get your pigment from please?

 

[skiprat]

Here's another place you can get resin from. Good site with lots of info too. ( good guides on which stuff to choose ) It's in Sandbach Cheshire so is reasonably local for me.

 

[KDM]

Thanks Ken for your help- last night i was on e-bay and found the same seller as in your link-i will order a 1kg kit and try my luck!!

You'll do fine.

will the electric 20 mm conduit survive the heat?

It's PVC, so it will soften in boliing water, for example. I think mine deformed slightly, but I'm not that bothered, cos it's going on the lathe anyway. I trust you'll be turning your casting?

how many blanks will a 1kg make?

My process is still a little wasteful. With my 22mm silicone mould, I reckon on using about 70g per pen. So, there's your worst case scenario! If you're using PVC conduit, you'll get away with about 40g. per pen. If you go for a narrower conduit (or am appropriate resin saver mould) you'll use even less.

I'd say you're looking at something between 15 and 25 blanks from a 1Kg kit.

and where did you get your pigment from please?

Same place. If you've already placed your order, I also had really good results with enamel paint, but I'm not sure how recommended that is!

 

[DurocShark]

Enamel paint works fine, but too much can impact the properties of the cured resin. ie: Makes it brittle.

 

[George Watkins]

Thank you for all of your help

 

[KDM]

NP. Just promise to post pictures!!