Starter casting pot

[Suskmorrison]

Can someone suggest a good starter casting pot? I think I would want something small however not to expensive at first.

 

[duncsuss]

I bought THIS ONE - it's a decent size and priced lower than many of the similar sized ones. The lid clamps are substantial, like the California Air Products models. Significantly better than the HarborFreight type, which have C shaped clamps that curl over the rim of the lid.

 

[NJturner]

I've had good luck over the years with my Harbor Freight conversion pot. It took minor modifications to get it going and has served me well for over 5 years. If you go this route, be sure to replace the safety valve and put a good pressure regulator on it. I also marked each lock down and put the same lockdown in the same spot on the lid each time I use it. Some suggest a little Vaseline on the gasket, but I have not bothered. Keep the pressure under the published limit of the tank - I rarely push it beyond 40 lbs which is more than adequate for most resins. I also suggest making a HDPE or plywood bottom for the tank to provide a flat surface for holding your molds - and add a small bubble level into the bottom piece in the middle to keep the tank level so resin doesn't run out of a full mold.

I also have a California Air Tools 5 gal tank, and if you feel you will be doing a lot of casting, I highly suggest this tank especially if you will be doing vertical 8" bespoke pen blanks - they need the extra height.

 

[egnald]

Not to say that other models are inferior, but I'm a big fan of the California Air Tools pressure pots simply because they are specifically designed for resin casting and have little features built in that are specific to resin casting -- for example, an air diverter fitting on the air inlet that keeps air from blowing directly down onto the resin (preventing splashing) when the tank is being pressured up.

Many other pressure pots are designed for multiple purposes or are actually designed for spraying paint so they often have plumbing differences and some superfluous fittings and features (like a fluid outlet) that might need to be plugged or otherwise fiddled with. The CAT is made for resin casting and mine worked perfectly first time - right out of the box.

I bought their 2.5 gallon model which is perfect for making vertical blanks up to about 8.5" inches long, (Internal dimensions are 9.25" diameter x 10" deep). Their 5 gallon model will handle more and taller blanks with internal dimensions of 12.25" diameter and 14.75" deep.

Dave

 

[RGABEL]

You might want to check out these videos from Jake Thompson.

 

[jttheclockman]

What is the saying? Buy once, cry once.

These are great videos. I too started with a harbor freight and still have it but as he said the Cal pots were not reachable for casting. Now they are the safest way to go. Worth every penny. I feel so much safer. My vote for Cal pot.