Casting??????

[longbeard]

Please forgive me for asking and im sure that this question has been asked and anwsered several times, and i've looked a good bit for the anwser and really havn't found it, soooo
i want to start casting but do not want to use the pressure pot method
i would like to use my own molds ( pvc, cutting board, etc..)
can i still use alumilite? or do i need silmar 41?
and i'm sure i will have more questions later
i cant praise this site enough for all the knowledge, respect from one turner to another, and patience with newbies like myself.
Thank You for all the info
Harry

 

[Buzzzz4]

IMHO, you do need a pressure pot for Alumilite. You get tiny little bubbles that are a bugger to work out in your turning without one. Silmar 41 or a similar PR would be the way to go. You can use anything for a mold for the most part.

 

[longbeard]

Thank you Eric
i kinda thought so from the videos i've watched and post that i've read but just wasn't 100% sure. Now that question is anwsered,
is there a vendor on this site that sells silmar or get it from us composites the best place?

 

[OOPS]

I have used Alumilite Regular and Alumilite White without a pressure pot. I have not had any problems with bubbles. If you want to use Alumilite Clear or Water Clear, then most will suggest that a pressure pot be used. The bubbles get mixed into the resin as you stir. I have seen posts from a few who say that if you stir carefully, and don't mix bubbles into the mix, then a pressure pot is not needed. I have not worked with Clear or Water Clear, and can't tell you any more than that. The difference between Regular, White and the Clears is that the first two are opaque. If you want to make swirls with mica powders, as shown by others here, then you need Clear. Water Clear is used by those who want to make clear blanks with a stamp or coin recessed into the blank.

There is a bit of a learning curve to all of these, and you'll be so much smarter once you've actually done some casting. I just bought an Alumilite starter kit from Hobby Lobby (using one of their 40% off coupons) and gave it a whirl.

I decided to use Alumilite because it is non-toxic. I have poured blanks in the family room! You would never want to try that with Casting Craft. Some people settle for Silmar, because it is less toxic than Casting Craft or other PR products, but cheaper than Alumilite. I have never personally used Silmar.

I hope this gets you going in the right direction.

 

[Phunky_2003]

I have used Alumilite Regular and Alumilite White without a pressure pot. I have not had any problems with bubbles. If you want to use Alumilite Clear or Water Clear, then most will suggest that a pressure pot be used. The bubbles get mixed into the resin as you stir. I have seen posts from a few who say that if you stir carefully, and don't mix bubbles into the mix, then a pressure pot is not needed. I have not worked with Clear or Water Clear, and can't tell you any more than that. The difference between Regular, White and the Clears is that the first two are opaque. If you want to make swirls with mica powders, as shown by others here, then you need Clear. Water Clear is used by those who want to make clear blanks with a stamp or coin recessed into the blank.

There is a bit of a learning curve to all of these, and you'll be so much smarter once you've actually done some casting. I just bought an Alumilite starter kit from Hobby Lobby (using one of their 40% off coupons) and gave it a whirl.

I decided to use Alumilite because it is non-toxic. I have poured blanks in the family room! You would never want to try that with Casting Craft. Some people settle for Silmar, because it is less toxic than Casting Craft or other PR products, but cheaper than Alumilite. I have never personally used Silmar.

I hope this gets you going in the right direction.

From what I read on the msds from alumilites site, these are not non toxic. I'd seriously reconsider the pouring blanks in the family room. I dont let anyone come around while making blanks unless they have proper equipment on.