randyrls
Member
In the April 2013 issue of the AAW Journal on page 21, there is an article on making a vacuum chuck seal.
The article in interesting because it details how to mix Cornstarch with acetic cure (vinegar smell) silicone caulk to form a vacuum seal for vacuum chucking objects. I've tried to make a mold form to cast pens blanks, but it cures from the outside in by the absorption of water. It did not cure well at all, and I abandoned the attempt. The gist of the article is that the cornstarch absorbs water which speeds even curing of the caulk.
The ratio is 10 parts by volume of caulk, and 1 part cornstarch. It advises to allow the cornstarch to be exposed to air so it absorbs water vapor from the air. Mineral oil and oil based paint are optional. A mixer made from a piece of bent wire is used to mix the cornstarch and caulk thoroughly before molding.
Has anyone tried this? I may try..
The article in interesting because it details how to mix Cornstarch with acetic cure (vinegar smell) silicone caulk to form a vacuum seal for vacuum chucking objects. I've tried to make a mold form to cast pens blanks, but it cures from the outside in by the absorption of water. It did not cure well at all, and I abandoned the attempt. The gist of the article is that the cornstarch absorbs water which speeds even curing of the caulk.
The ratio is 10 parts by volume of caulk, and 1 part cornstarch. It advises to allow the cornstarch to be exposed to air so it absorbs water vapor from the air. Mineral oil and oil based paint are optional. A mixer made from a piece of bent wire is used to mix the cornstarch and caulk thoroughly before molding.
Has anyone tried this? I may try..