I have to give the thumbs up to the above post and add that going back and reading the casting forum will be more helpful than any current book out there. I have casting books from the late 60's to now.
Most are either for jewelry type, small model building in the effects field, prosthetic's and make up.
Little if any mention is made of using vacuum or pressure for the hobbyist. Since most are not concerned with trapped air bubbles since the outer look and shape is more important. Rather then turning down to a shape.
A couple of casting supply sites, recommend vacuum when casting molds to remove any bubbles from the surface of the mold/artifact interface surface.
You can go on Amazon and do a search for resin or resin casting and you will get a number of current and out of print books.
Two are:
Resin Jewelry by Kathie Murphy
The Art of Resin Jewelry by Sheri Haab
And the two classics by the master of plastics, Harry Hollender Plastic for Artists and Craftsmen, and Plastic for Jewelry.
A number of the pen making books that are out there have chapters or sections on the basic casting. Check them out @ woodcraft or rockler.
And as been said many,many times it will vary with your supplies, the proper additives that are used and your local conditions in your air and shop.
Plus be prepared for mistakes, casters like photographers and some doctors bury their mistakes and only show the great examples. Even if they turn out useable. If they don't meet the casters expectations, they don't see the light of day.
:clown:
