Pressure Casting

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Craftdiggity

Craftdiggity

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I can't seem to find a thread with this information. I'm looking to get a pressure set up and I was wondering where to go for the pressure pot, and what size compressor is required. Where do you pressure casters get your gear? I know that the HF pots are worthless, so I won't bother looking there.
 
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Sorry but I have to disagree that the HF pot is worthless. There are probably hundreds on this site that have used them successfully. Virtually any pump will do and there is usually no need to go over 20psi for 99+% of what is shown on this site. There's not that much volume in the pot and it doesn't need to run continuously. I have used a foot powered bicycle pump before I got a small compressor and have even used an old paint sprayer compressor.
 
pressure pot

The Harbor Freight pot that I got wasn't any good. The lid kept shifting under pressure.
 
My HF pot would never seal and I eventually took it back. I know the new, good ones ones, are expensive so I keep an eye on Craigslist and look at Pawn shops.
 
I have 2 HF pots and both work fine. You have to tweek them but you can't beat them for the money!!

Unfortunately you only hear the bad stuff because most people don't post the good......
 
I have two of the HF pots also and they are several years old now. I have had no problems with them either. They seal, hold pressure and have worked flawlessly. And I agree with Bruce...2o psi is enough for what we do...at least with polyester resin. I can't speak to alumilite because I have not used any.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
 
You want to hear good well here is another one for good. I do not go over 40 lbs and never had a problem. If the pot does not hold pressure before you modify if you are going to, take it back. Simple as that. I have casted a couple hundred blanks by now. I am happy with mine.
 
First post, I Just joined a few weeks ago. I just built a pressure/Vacuum tank using HF Tank I put 50lb of pressure on it for three days and Held a vacuum of 18.5lb. Today was the first cast product I put in it to see if it will work.
 
Just_Shorthairs said:
First post, I Just joined a few weeks ago. I just built a pressure/Vacuum tank using HF Tank I put 50lb of pressure on it for three days and Held a vacuum of 18.5lb. Today was the first cast product I put in it to see if it will work.
Click to expand...


You really don't need 50 lbs of pressure to do casting. Remember it is air bubbles that you are trying to eliminate.
 
Craftdiggity said:
I can't seem to find a thread with this information. I'm looking to get a pressure set up and I was wondering where to go for the pressure pot, and what size compressor is required. Where do you pressure casters get your gear? I know that the HF pots are worthless, so I won't bother looking there.
Click to expand...

I suggest this article from the Library. Lots of good stuff there!

Tom
 
I won't get into the HF pot debate. I've written too much on that subject already. To each person, their own pot.

Now, for compressors. Usually, two or three times per year. HD will put a little Task Force pancake compressor along with an 18 gauge pin nailer and stapler on sale for $69.

This little compressor is perfect for casting as it will quickly & easily put more than 50 psi in the pot. It is tiny and can fit on a small rolling cart along with the pot and all the casting materials. To me, this is easier than rolling out enough air hose to get this smelly business outside.
 
After doing some investigating, I discovered a few things about pressure pots. Painters don't use them much anymore. If you have the time, ask around for a used one from a local paint supply. You can probably pick one up for next to nothing. Also, I found there are two basic types in the 2 1/2 gallon range. 50 lbs. and 80 lbs. maxi mun pressure. The HF is a 50 lbs. maximum. Sears also sells one. I suggest looking around for a good deal on the 80 lbs. maximum pot. The price for the 80 lbs. can run anywhere from $129 to over $500. The Bink's Teflon coated is in the higher price range. I found and bought this one for $129 with shipping included:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120688809087
 
Rmartin said:
After doing some investigating, I discovered a few things about pressure pots. Painters don't use them much anymore. If you have the time, ask around for a used one from a local paint supply. You can probably pick one up for next to nothing. Also, I found there are two basic types in the 2 1/2 gallon range. 50 lbs. and 80 lbs. maxi mun pressure. The HF is a 50 lbs. maximum. Sears also sells one. I suggest looking around for a good deal on the 80 lbs. maximum pot. The price for the 80 lbs. can run anywhere from $129 to over $500. The Bink's Teflon coated is in the higher price range. I found and bought this one for $129 with shipping included:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120688809087
Click to expand...

I saw that one on ebay. I also found this one: http://www.artmolds.com/product_details.cfm?product_id=220&page=0&cat_name=Studio%20Accessories

Any idea what the vacuum chamber is for?


Chris
 
Craftdiggity said:
Rmartin said:
After doing some investigating, I discovered a few things about pressure pots. Painters don't use them much anymore. If you have the time, ask around for a used one from a local paint supply. You can probably pick one up for next to nothing. Also, I found there are two basic types in the 2 1/2 gallon range. 50 lbs. and 80 lbs. maxi mun pressure. The HF is a 50 lbs. maximum. Sears also sells one. I suggest looking around for a good deal on the 80 lbs. maximum pot. The price for the 80 lbs. can run anywhere from $129 to over $500. The Bink's Teflon coated is in the higher price range. I found and bought this one for $129 with shipping included:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120688809087
Click to expand...

I saw that one on ebay. I also found this one: http://www.artmolds.com/product_details.cfm?product_id=220&page=0&cat_name=Studio Accessories

Any idea what the vacuum chamber is for?


Chris
Click to expand...

Chris,

That one is the same cheap Chinese pot that HF sells but WAY over priced.
 
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