How to tell the proper PR

[spaceengravers]

I'm wanting to cast some of my own blanks...I know some of the PRs people use here from reading, but how do I know if a specific PR is good for turning on the lathe? For example, looking at ebay, I find this one and there aren't many details about it. So will just any PR work or do I need to only use the ones some here are using?

Thanks for your help!

Mike

 

[NewLondon88]

There's a lot of resins out there, and we certainly haven't used them all.
But I think layup resins are usually meant more for thin, flat work rather
than casting. The resin is used to impregnate fabrics or fiberglass, it can
be sprayed on or brushed or rolled on. It is often used for surf boards, boat
hulls or shower stalls.. things like that. I'm not sure how much heat is
generated or how thick it can be applied. Layup resins will often include
stearates or paraffin to aid in sanding. Some have limits on how thick
they can be before they have problems curing. Some are used under a
gel coat.

I can't say it WON'T work, because I've never tried. But I don't think that
this is the resin you'd want for casting or turning.

 

[DozerMite]

Like Charlie said, you don't want a lay up resin, but a casting resin. As long as you use a casting resin, it won't matter the brand and should work fine. If you plan to color it as I'm sure you will, get a clear resin. Also read the information about the particular resin to see if it states non-yellowing.
I've used the Bondo brand resin from the auto parts store, which is a lay up resin, and it worked, but it is either green, purple or amber colored. So I only cast a few blanks.

 

[traderdon55]

Being new to casting I can't answer your question but I did do like you and look for a cheaper option. I decided for the few dollars I might save I would order Silmar41 and have something I knew would work. If you do try a cheaper option and it works out for you please post it on here.