jkeithrussell
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2008
- Messages
- 1,277
Sorry for the dumb question, but what are the basic differences (as applied to pen blanks) in using a vacuum pot versus a pressure pot?
Dumb Question
- Thread starter jkeithrussell
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Skye
Member
Remember, there are no dumb questions... only dumb people.
Well, I haven't done toooo much but from what I gather:
Pressure: Will fill some voids, it's main purpose is shrinking air bubbles in clear castings. Mostly used with thick stuff.
Vacuum: It's primarily used to displace air and replace it with something like wood hardener. Removing the air and replacing it with a hardening agent can make punky wood rock hard and turnable. Best used with thin stuff like wood hardener.
Is that what your asking?
Well, I haven't done toooo much but from what I gather:
Pressure: Will fill some voids, it's main purpose is shrinking air bubbles in clear castings. Mostly used with thick stuff.
Vacuum: It's primarily used to displace air and replace it with something like wood hardener. Removing the air and replacing it with a hardening agent can make punky wood rock hard and turnable. Best used with thin stuff like wood hardener.
Is that what your asking?
Dario
Member
In theory they will both accomplish (to some extent) the same thing...fill the voids of the blank with your casting/stabilizing solution by eliminating or reducing bubbles.
One thing I learned though is that most chemicals "boil" when under deep vacuum
and produce a never ending supply of gas (usually bad/toxic chemical - acetone in my case).
Some use both (vacuum then pressurize) to produce better result.
One thing I learned though is that most chemicals "boil" when under deep vacuum
and produce a never ending supply of gas (usually bad/toxic chemical - acetone in my case).Some use both (vacuum then pressurize) to produce better result.
td
Banned
Keith,
As a good friend of mine says.... "Never stop asking questions."
Most who set up a pot will set it up to do both vacuum and pressure.
As far as pen blanks are concerned use the vacuum for stabilizing wood and the pressure for casting Polyester Resin or Alumilite.
Take care,
As a good friend of mine says.... "Never stop asking questions."
Most who set up a pot will set it up to do both vacuum and pressure.
As far as pen blanks are concerned use the vacuum for stabilizing wood and the pressure for casting Polyester Resin or Alumilite.
Take care,
toolcrazy
Member
The only dumb question is the one that was never asked.
george
Member
Ok, here is another one - can pressure pots be adjusted to also work vacuum thing, or is it best to purchase "pressure-vacuum" pot from the start ? Thank you.
MesquiteMan
Retired Head Moderator
If you just want it for casting, then don't waste your time on vacuum. It does not do enough to make it worth the extra effort, in my experience.
If you want to do stabilizing, I still say skip the vacuum on the pressure post and make yourself a vacuum chamber with a large pickle jar. That way you can see exactly what is happening withe the stabilizing medium and the amount of bubbles coming out. When stabilizing, I usually use the pickle jar for a few cycles of vacuum until no bubbles, then release. Then do again. Then I take the entire pickle jar and put it in my pressure pot and pressurize for a number of hours. I get the best results that way.
That is also the cheapest way to do it because all you need then for your pressure pot is $12.35 worth of fittings and you are in business!
If you want to do stabilizing, I still say skip the vacuum on the pressure post and make yourself a vacuum chamber with a large pickle jar. That way you can see exactly what is happening withe the stabilizing medium and the amount of bubbles coming out. When stabilizing, I usually use the pickle jar for a few cycles of vacuum until no bubbles, then release. Then do again. Then I take the entire pickle jar and put it in my pressure pot and pressurize for a number of hours. I get the best results that way.
That is also the cheapest way to do it because all you need then for your pressure pot is $12.35 worth of fittings and you are in business!