First Cast Troubles

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MartinPens

MartinPens

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Joined
Apr 3, 2010
Messages
1,814
Location
Medford, Oregon, USA
Well I did my first cast yesterday late afternoon. I completely goofed and added a fraction of the MEKP I was supposed to. I did a mold that has four individual blanks. So after stirring forever and realizing my mistake, I added more MEKP drops to each blank and stirred. I finally had to just leave it and I came back to it this morning. It has been chilly and it is beginning to set up but still a little runny in places. I have placed it in the sun to bake a little today. Anything else I should do?

Live and learn.

Martin
 
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Being in direct sunlight might give it the heat needed to cure. Just take your time with it. Some use toaster ovens, but they say the fumes of curing PR are flammable, so be carefull. I had some resin that was still liquid after all night in the garage. I put one of my halogen work lamps close to it and it cured in a few hours after that. Just be carefull with how you aplly the heat, you don't want it too close, just in case...
 
So far, having it out in the sun seems to be doing the trick. It is setting up and I look forward to seeing how it turned out. I'm going to give it most of the day. I don't want to attempt to get it out too early and goof something up. I like the color and will post when I can. I used Blue Green Duochrome with some Crystal Ice. I wanted the first pour to be pretty easy and I had heard that BG Duochrome looks like a two color pour. I made a lot of goofs this time around, but will learn from them and move on.

Thanks for the heads up on the toaster oven. I considered it, but just decided to be patient. Glad I did.

Martin

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+1 for using lamps to aid in the setup!

Even at 49 degrees, a few hours with a clamp on light aimed at it works wonders.
 
Thanks Lenny. I've been keeping tabs on your casting posts hoping to pick up little tips here and there. Even with what I read, I still had this fear that things were going to set up so fast that I wouldn't have time. Boy was I wrong. It was fun and I'm hoping to take them out sometime soon. Will post pics if they aren't too frightening. Thanks

Martin

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Martin:
Here in humid, South Georgia, 3 to 4 drops of catalyst (MEKP) per oz are ideal. The manufacturer's recommendation of 10 drops per oz is WAY too much.

The right amount for you area is like more than 3 drops and less than 10 drops per ounce.

I hope this helps.
 
Usually, the ugliest blank in the mold makes the prettiest pen.

And Martin, you picked two of my favorites, duo blue green and artic ice for yor first pour. I can't wait to see the blanks. With this combo, don't forget to reverse paint the blank after drilling. It will be stunning!
 
Martin, I live in San Diego and have been casting for about 18 months and I will usually only add 4 drops per oz. I have never had any issues about it not setting up. I will usually do a pour later in the evening, place it in the pressure pot overnight (stored inside the house) and then toss it in the toaster oven before I head off to work for the final cure so when I get home it's ready to be turned. So far it hasn't mattered on whatever I have poured or what I add to the resin (dye, powders, labels, snakeskin, etc)....hope this helps for SoCal...
 
I used 20 drops MEKP per oz. 51 degree temps. I heated Sim. in an old oven at dehydrator temp. Still took 2 days to harden. Never could get to the point where I could add color.
I finally took out the rather soft blanks and put in oven on 150 for 3 hours. I dud sumpin stupid.
 
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