Fresh Experiment

[Russianwolf]

Got some shop time and had a couple ideas that I've been meaning to try.

Two are still curing, but here's the first.

Trimmings from making the Opal FX tubes cast in clear Alumilite (first time I've gotten it to come out clear, I usually get opaque white)

Need to do some work on it as I got some voids and should have packed it down a bit more, bit very promising.

 

[Russianwolf]

Experiment 2 came out promising as well

Calling this one "String Theory" - Turquoise thread in white pearl alumilite. Still got some voids (may need to up the pressure on these) and I got most of the string on one side, but promising.

I put the string in the mold then poured the resin in, think if I swap the scenario I may get better results.

 

[turncrazy43]

They both look very good Mike. Look forward to seeing them turned.
_____________________________________________________
Everyday I'm vertical is a great day

 

[healeydays]

Got some shop time and had a couple ideas that I've been meaning to try.

Two are still curing, but here's the first.

Trimmings from making the Opal FX tubes cast in clear Alumilite (first time I've gotten it to come out clear, I usually get opaque white)

Need to do some work on it as I got some voids and should have packed it down a bit more, bit very promising.

Mike,

Are you making them under pressure? That might help with voids...

 

[Russianwolf]

Got some shop time and had a couple ideas that I've been meaning to try.

Two are still curing, but here's the first.

Trimmings from making the Opal FX tubes cast in clear Alumilite (first time I've gotten it to come out clear, I usually get opaque white)

Need to do some work on it as I got some voids and should have packed it down a bit more, bit very promising.

Mike,

Are you making them under pressure? That might help with voids...

yep, both were at 45PSI, so I may have to try upping it a bit. The Alumilite of course cures pretty quick, so I may not have the issue once I get my regular resin back in stock.

 

[healeydays]

I've been getting away from Alumilite and been using more Silmar lately.

 

[crokett]

That string one looks fantastic. I think I might try some yarn and see what that looks like.

 

[Dan Hintz]

Have you considered putting a 1/8" or 3/16" dowel in the middle? Might help with the string settling to the bottom.

 

[Russianwolf]

I've been getting away from Alumilite and been using more Silmar lately.

I bought that Alumilite about 2 years ago. I was just using it up to get it out of the shop. The first one above is the first time I EVER got the mix right and it came out clear. The second I didn't want clear so used some oil paint and pearl to color it just in case I got it right by accident.

The West Systems that I use is much slower in the curing (25 minute pot life) so the bubble have a lot more time to crush and/or rise.

 

[Russianwolf]

Have you considered putting a 1/8" or 3/16" dowel in the middle? Might help with the string settling to the bottom.

These didn't really settle. I put them in the mold, poured the resin in on top and used my mixer to try to fluff them up afterwards. I think if I pour the resin first then add the strings the dispersal will be better. I don't think I have enough resin left to do more right now, but will be ordering more of the West Systems next month and will have another go then.

 

[Russianwolf]

That string one looks fantastic. I think I might try some yarn and see what that looks like.

Both of those were just quick turned and sanded with 320 grit to remove any fluff.

Give it a go, you'll never know till you try it.

Here is the pen I was trying to mimic. Yeah its the wrong color blue, but the look is kinda close.