Frequently asked questions...need your input

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MesquiteMan

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
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Folks,

I think having a frequently asked questions sticky regarding casting and stabilizing would be a great addition to this forum. What say ye? If you think this is a good idea, please help me compile this list by posting the questions you see asked frequently. I will then compile them all and create a sticky that can be added to easily.

Curtis Seebeck
IAP Head Moderator
 
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Here are some suggestions
A question related to each tutorial, answered with the link to said tutorial.

And ... answers to the questions I PMed you just a few minutes before you started this thread LOL
 
My experience is this. Most people do not read the FAQ's. We limit the time on anything we stick now as well, depending on the event.
If you got the bandwidth, worth a shot.
 
If you haven't figured it out from my previous posts, I think it's a great idea. I always do searches, but my search terms often return so many results that I have no hope of finding my answer. A faq would be soooo much easier, and reduce teh number of questions that re-hash old ground.
 
Akula said:
My experience is this. Most people do not read the FAQ's. We limit the time on anything we stick now as well, depending on the event.
If you got the bandwidth, worth a shot.
Click to expand...

We've got the bandwidth and I can stick something for as long as we need it. I agree, a lot of folks don't read a FAQ or do not even search for that matter, which is fine. However, I think some may get a benefit from it.
 
Curtis; One of the flaws with a FAQ is that someone has to be responsible for it, and only that person can modify it.

I'd like to put in a vote for creating a page in the Wiki that anyone can edit and add to. The Wiki has full backup recovery and tracking abilities. The WYSWIG editor makes it easy to create content and is very similar to the message editor.
 
Whats the diference between PR and Alumilite?

Where do I find colorants, what types of colorants for each type of resin?
 
MesquiteMan said:
Akula said:
My experience is this. Most people do not read the FAQ's. We limit the time on anything we stick now as well, depending on the event.
If you got the bandwidth, worth a shot.
Click to expand...

We've got the bandwidth and I can stick something for as long as we need it. I agree, a lot of folks don't read a FAQ or do not even search for that matter, which is fine. However, I think some may get a benefit from it.
Click to expand...

i would read all of it for sure. iam just trying to figure out what all in need
 
Good Idea

I think this is a good Idea. I am one who will try and read as much as possible before having to burden others with a question that has been repeated over and over. I think the main problem I have is coming up with key words to use when searching. There are so may ways to describe something you are wanting to find. This is where I run into the most problems and I will be the first one to say I have been directed towards previous posts only to find out I was just using the wrong wording.

I vote yes for a sticky.

Thanks for possibly offering this

Jesse
 
MesquiteMan said:
Akula said:
My experience is this. Most people do not read the FAQ's. We limit the time on anything we stick now as well, depending on the event.
If you got the bandwidth, worth a shot.
Click to expand...

We've got the bandwidth and I can stick something for as long as we need it. I agree, a lot of folks don't read a FAQ or do not even search for that matter, which is fine. However, I think some may get a benefit from it.
Click to expand...

I say go for it. FAQ's usually have all the answers to common questions.

I would love some details on color castings with wood.

Might need/ask several members write up their way as each seem to excel in areas. So many topics to cover.
 
randyrls said:
Curtis; One of the flaws with a FAQ is that someone has to be responsible for it, and only that person can modify it.

I'd like to put in a vote for creating a page in the Wiki that anyone can edit and add to. The Wiki has full backup recovery and tracking abilities. The WYSWIG editor makes it easy to create content and is very similar to the message editor.
Click to expand...

Randy, the qsn is who is going to create it and who is going to maintain it? Remember with the IAP wood chart, every one suggested and no one helped to create or do anything about it. Unless, Curtis wants to take on the responsibility of creating the page in the Wiki.
One of the main qsn.s is CA, you see it every week popping up here.
 
Great idea, Curtis. I vote yes. How about a welcome response to new members when they sign on for membership directing them to the FAQ as well as the library. The library here is so full of great information that answers many of the repeat questions that each member should be reminded of its location. Every week questions about ca finish, better finish, quality of other finishes, storing of CA, even best places to buy, maybe a running list of available vendors listing CA, blanks, kits. That latter might be a bear to keep up though.
Charles
 
I'd love to see it, but it would take some work. If you don't know much about casting, like me, it is a little hard to search because, I often times don't know what to search for. I've just started playing with casting. I have found that a good source of info is from the vendors websites but it is hard to compare info when I have to keep switching between websites.

One way of compiling questions would be to do a search on "casting" or something similar and look at the questions asked.

Sure would be great if the info was consolidated in one place.

Great idea, but a big project.

Example, I'd like to know the types of resins (I don't even know if that is the correct term) people use, where to purchase each and the advantages/disadvantages of each.

Equipment used, required and why.

Molds, purchased or made

pressure verses vacuum

dyes or color material available advantages/disadvantages.

Maybe what I really need is a book: "Casting for Dummies"
 
Last edited:
+'s and -'s of liquid and solid colorants - when to use what with each resin system

How much color to add to get opaque blanks so you don't have to paint tubes.
 
I think this is a great idea Curtis. I would be willing to help you on it if you want.

Q: What is the difference between Alumilite and PR?

Q: How do you get the bubbles out of the resin?

Q: What do you use to stabilize wood blanks?

Q: What do I need to know about setting up a pressure pot?

Q: What is 'outgassing?"

Q: What type of silicone molds are available?

Q: How do you stop the resin from getting in the tubes?

Q: Can you use Alumilite with snakeskin?

Q: Are there any videos about casting resin?

Q: Where can I get a vacuum chamber?

Oh, there's lot's more!! :confused::biggrin:
 
It occurs to me that as a start, simply listing the tutorials that pertain to casting (ranked beginner to advanced) in a sicky thread would help direct people.

This may be a good thing for each topic related forum. I find looking through the library a bit brute-force, and some articles appear to be in the yearly list and not in the index.

Extending this concept, if the wiki idea does not pan out, the FAQ could be created like a tutorial article.
 
phillywood said:
Randy, the qsn is who is going to create it and who is going to maintain it? Remember with the IAP wood chart, every one suggested and no one helped to create or do anything about it. Unless, Curtis wants to take on the responsibility of creating the page in the Wiki.
One of the main qsn.s is CA, you see it every week popping up here.
Click to expand...


Phillip; "Everyone" is the answer.:) I created a page on the Wiki at the link below. Click on the link, go to the top of the page and click the "edit" tab. The editor is very similar to the message editor. Put in a Question and Answer you think should be in the FAQ. Press "Shift-Alt-S" to save any changes you make. Links can be put in the Wiki that link to either messages in the forums, or other pages in the Wiki.

http://www.penturners.org/wiki/FAQ
 
BRobbins629 said:
+'s and -'s of liquid and solid colorants - when to use what with each resin system

How much color to add to get opaque blanks so you don't have to paint tubes.
Click to expand...

Bruce-

I've done some attempts at addressing this in the Color Library but it's hard to quantify- partly because of the varying thicknesses of the resin left on a pen, partly because it depends on the color and lighting.
 
Love this idea. Don't envy the work it would take to complete though.

One question I often see asked (and one that I asked when I began) was what type of lathe to buy. So...maybe this is more of a library item, but you could have a posting about the pros and cons of all the different lathes used by members. From the HF model up the top of the line....
 
" My Alumilite is sticky on top or has sticky spots in it" ...of course, I get asked that all the time. And my answer would be to use a larger mixing stick not a small popsicle stick and stir it better. I like the 3/4" wide popsicle sticks.
 
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