Mixing Alumilite Question

[HamTurns]

Hello - I'm starting to cast pen blanks with Alumilite and would like to know if anyone has ever mixed their batch up with an electric mixer?

I'm thinking of finding an old mixer and using just one of the mixer "blades" in the cups to mix the Alumilite resin better and quicker.

My first concern is that it may mix in air, although I do pressurize my casts for setting. I've been using up to 60lbs. If air got mixed in would the pressure tank take care of them?

Has anyone else tried mixing Alumilite with an electric mixer?

Thanks
Tom

 

[MarkD]

I'm sure that more experienced casters will chime in, but it just doesn't seem like it would be worth it to me. It's not that hard to mix and doesn't take long. I mix mine with a large craft stick, others use spatulas, etc. When you consider the cleanup I think it would be more trouble than it's worth.

 

[MesquiteMan]

When I am doing a lot of casting, I use a cordless mixer that only has one of the blades. The pressure will get rid of all the bubbles and clean up is super easy. I keep a quart paint mixing cup half full of acetone and simply run the mixer in the acetone for a few seconds and it is clean.

 

[MarkD]

When I am doing a lot of casting, I use a cordless mixer that only has one of the blades. The pressure will get rid of all the bubbles and clean up is super easy. I keep a quart paint mixing cup half full of acetone and simply run the mixer in the acetone for a few seconds and it is clean.

Like I said...the more experienced caster will chime in and they will have the correct answer! :biggrin:

 

[HamTurns]

When I am doing a lot of casting, I use a cordless mixer that only has one of the blades. The pressure will get rid of all the bubbles and clean up is super easy. I keep a quart paint mixing cup half full of acetone and simply run the mixer in the acetone for a few seconds and it is clean.

Thanks Curtis - That's how I envisioned doing it as well. And thanks for the type of solvent to use, I wasn't sure what I should use.

I figured I'd still scrape the sides with a mixing stick or spatula to make sure I've got everything off of the walls of the cup, then use the mixer to get a good mix fast enough to work with the Pot life, then pour it.

Thanks
Tom

 

[SSobel]

When I am doing a lot of casting, I use a cordless mixer that only has one of the blades. The pressure will get rid of all the bubbles and clean up is super easy. I keep a quart paint mixing cup half full of acetone and simply run the mixer in the acetone for a few seconds and it is clean.

Do you keep that cup handy for your spatula too? I watch all your video's and I keep wondering how you keep them so clean!