Casting question

[cmccarter]

I am about to start casting a few snakeskins and stamps as I can not find what I want anywhere. My question is: Since I will only casting probably 2 tubes at a time. Do I need A vacuum system and a pressure pot? I will be using water clear alumalite as my resin. I have the forms already and will be ordering the resin next week probably a 16 oz kit for starters.

Any other hints I should know. I have read all the articles in the library and watched way too many youtube videos.


chester

 

[Monty]

Don't know about stamps, but Don Ward (its_virgil) says alumalite does not work well for snake skin.

 

[Russianwolf]

alumilite has such a short open time, you will need pressure to do clear casting with it. I myself have had no luck at all mixing the stuff so stopped using it. Others have great success.

 

[seamus7227]

I have been told(never tried it myself) by Curtis(MesquiteMan) that tube on casting doesnt work with alumilite. Now, I'm sure based on that info that he has tried it and I am confident that i shouldnt waste my time with it, being that he has cast just about everything one could think of. Maybe he will chime in and give a better explanation. But for now, your easiest bet is to go with Polyresin(Silmar41) or similar.

 

[its_virgil]

I have never cast alumilite. I have been around for awhile and have heard/read all of the reports about casting snake skins. The archives should be full of posts about failures with snake skins using alumilite. Some had just a few failures and others had lots of failures. Both alumilte and polyresin have their pros and cons. Tube on casting with embedded materials is best done with poloyresin. Do some searching and lots of info should be found.

Like wise, I think things like Curits' worthless along with coffee beans may be better done with alumilite.

Do a good turn daily!
Don