My first try casting
- Thread starter Cmmarshall
- Start date
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Bob in SF
Member
Great job, Cody - and fun ahead for sure.
Fine pens living in those blanks.
- Bob
Fine pens living in those blanks.
- Bob
79spitfire
Member
I like the red and grey, I think that's going to make a stunner of a pen
Edward Cypher
Member
Save the blob and break it up and add it to another pour.
ironman123
Member
Those look real good.
BSea
Member
I also like the red & grey. Good job. Don't worry about the blobs. It happens.
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
Nice... I favor the blue and gold! Great job!
XxLabanxX
Member
Wow Great Job! I am also getting ready to attempt my first casting. I just purchased the Alumilite yesterday. I am going to be thrilled if they come out half that good. You mentioned that you just let it air dry, are there any issues with bubbles in these blanks that we can not see in the picture? I ask because I am debating if I need to go get a pressure pot before I attempt this. I know if this is something I stick with it is needed but I was not sure if it is a must to get started.
Cmmarshall
Member
My understanding is you MUST use a pressure pot with alumilite. I haven't used alumilite yet because I don't yet have a pressure pot. With these polyester resin blanks, a pressure pot is not necessary. I haven't yet run into and air bubbles or pockets using this material.
I believe alumilite cures much faster and the bubbles can't get out quick enough. That is why a pressure pot is a must.
I believe alumilite cures much faster and the bubbles can't get out quick enough. That is why a pressure pot is a must.
BSea
Member
A pressure pot does 2 things. The most important is the prevention of bubbles. Think of a soft drink in a bottle. It's under pressure, and prevents bubbles from forming even if it's shaken. The bubbles don't form till the pressure is released. When alumilite cures, it heats up and forms bubbles if not under pressure. I did a blank that way (no pressure) as a test not too long ago, and turned it just to see the interior. I'll see if I can find it a post a pic. But it was filled with pin hole sized bubbles.
The 2nd reason is that the pressure shrinks existing bubbles. Most will settle out of a flat mold, and you'll see tiny bubble craters on the surface. The same is true for vertical pours except there is a greater chance of some small bubbles in the blank because the bubbles have a longer way to travel depending on their depth.
Camardelle
Member
Just a noob's opinion, but those look great. I hope my first try is that good! Good job!!
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