First Cast----Help requested.

[tt1106]

OK,
SO, I did my first cast. I stirred it continuously for several minutes. It seemed like it took an inordinate amount of time to gel. Took it out of the cast after 5 hours and it looked great. Like a perfect blue block.
I cut it in half and was so excited I drilled one blank, glued in tube and stuck it on the lathe.

When drilling, it didn't come out in ribbons. Mostly white powder.

ON the lathe, it was brittle and deconstructed quickly.

Did I turn it too early? (It was out in the sun for 7 hours and was no longer generating heat) I was so excited I couldn't wait.

How does a pressure pot (I have a paint tank (Campbell Hausfeld) that I'm converting) get rid of bubbles.

 

[Dai Sensei]

Did you use PR? Sometimes too much catalyst can make it too brittle.

What glue did you used to glue in the tube, you need a good one, I only use epoxy these days.

How sharp are your chisels? How deep are your cuts? You should sharp chisels with fine cuts.

Hope this helps?

 

[firewhatfire]

How much catalyst did you use per ounce. It sounds like you followed the directions on the package. Try 3 drops to the ounce of resin.

 

[louie68]

If you are using a PR resin I recommend 4 drops of hardner per 1oz of PR I let my dry down for 24 hours before pulling out of mold.Base on temp. around 75 degrees very little humidty. Have sharp tools take little swaps when turning. and don't rush cuz you will blow out your castings. The main thing is let it dry throughly. When you pull it out of the mold it will feel stickee, so if you have a toaster oven set it for 150 degrees and set them in there for 15mins. Hope this helps GOOD LUCK.
Also very important to stir your hardner for 2 minutes. before pouring into the mold , pour slowly in one corner of mold this keeps air bubbles from forming. Did i mention I don't use a vaccum and casted over 50 blanks without any bubbles forming.

 

[tt1106]

Thank you all. I think I was too excited. LOL. I'm like that...
I let the other blank sit, so when I get to it, it will have at least 24 hours under it's belt.
@louie..... thanks that is good to know.