I can see clearly now...(clear PVC casting)

[Bob in SF]

I stumbled onto this clear pvc pipe:
FORMUFIT P034FGP-UV-5 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe, Furniture Grade, 5', 3/4" Size, Clear
(amazon.com)

It has a light blue tint, but now I can clearly see my colors and inclusions, swirling and manipulating them with a wire as necessary under direct vision.

It works very well for PR casting - will try Alumilite with plenty of Stoner mold release later this week.

Warm regards to all - Bob

 

[Ed McDonnell]

It seems like the clear PVC would take all the mystery and surprise out of casting. I could probably use a little less mystery and surprise in some of my castings. Thanks for sharing.

Ed

 

[Bob in SF]

It seems like the clear PVC would take all the mystery and surprise out of casting. I could probably use a little less mystery and surprise in some of my castings. Thanks for sharing.

Ed

Ed - The technique just lets you dial the "mystery and surprise" up or down - probably worth doing some side-by-side trials of clear/manipulated PVC alongside opaque white PVC using similar ingredients - or maybe doing the clear with the lights out (while wearing casual shoes) for some maximal surprise.

- Bob

 

[Edgar]

I'll really be interested to hear of your results with Alumilite & the mold release spray.

From what I've read, Alumilite doesn't shrink while curing like PR and therefore doesn't work well for casting in PVC tubes. BUT if you find a method that works, please be sure to share your technique.

 

[CREID]

I think I was in the 7th grade when that song came out.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

Ed - The technique just lets you dial the "mystery and surprise" up or down - probably worth doing some side-by-side trials of clear/manipulated PVC alongside opaque white PVC using similar ingredients - or maybe doing the clear with the lights out (while wearing casual shoes) for some maximal surprise.

- Bob

Hi Bob - Hmmmmm...casting in the dark while wearing casual shoes....I wonder if I should use a release agent on my shoes? Maybe not. I could find out if there is a demand for SEIR ("sandals embedded in resin" tm) pen blanks. That would definitely be a maximal surprise.

Ed

 

[Bob in SF]

Edgar - I'll keep you posted when I try Alumilite.

Curt - Glad we listened to the same tune!

Ed - SEIR - like it!
Could be the start of a taxidermist's dream.

 

[CREID]

Edgar - I'll keep you posted when I try Alumilite.

Curt - Glad we listened to the same tune!

Ed - SEIR - like it!
Could be the start of a taxidermist's dream.

Are you one of those that listen to the radio loud enough so you don't have to hear yourself sing?:biggrin:

 

[Bob in SF]

Edgar - I'll keep you posted when I try Alumilite.

Curt - Glad we listened to the same tune!

Ed - SEIR - like it!
Could be the start of a taxidermist's dream.

Are you one of those that listen to the radio loud enough so you don't have to hear yourself sing?:biggrin:

Emphatic YES to that!:biggrin:

 

[JoelAlbert]

How did the Alumilite tests go?

Just wondering how the testing with Alumilite went?

 

[Skeels]

I'll really be interested to hear of your results with Alumilite & the mold release spray.

From what I've read, Alumilite doesn't shrink while curing like PR and therefore doesn't work well for casting in PVC tubes. BUT if you find a method that works, please be sure to share your technique.

I've made a few dozen blanks using alumilite cast on PVC pipe. I don't use any mold release.. at all. I use 7" pipe and fill to the length I need usually leaving 2" of free pipe. After curing I take my tape (or rubber cork) off the bottom. I flip the pipe over so the previously taped side is facing up and use a rod of whatever size will fit in the pipe an hit it with my hammer. Sometimes it take a hit or two but once free it moves somewhat easy. I take it to my vise and open it to where the blank just fits between the jaws and have at it til the blank is on the floor. U can use the pipe over and don't even need to clean it up. I've isws the same pipe a couple times and the come out te same every time!

 

[Skeels]

Clear PVC might just have to be my next purchace lol. My only problem... I have all the free pvc I could ever want at work...

 

[Rounder]

I have used these to pour into. Baby Soda Bottles - Giant Test Tubes | Steve Spangler Science . At .80 apiece not to bad. I drilled a small hole in the bottom and used air to push the blank out. These are actually what they make soda bottles out of. When heated in a mold and injected with air, they become thin soda bottles. They come with the caps and a neat little stand to hold them. P.S. In looking at the web site, they may not come with the stand but mine did when I ordered a couple of years ago.

 

[Bob in SF]

Nice!!

Thanks, Randy.

 

[liljohn1368]

Bob have you ever seen any of this PVC in 1.5"? The reason I ask is i do duck call blanks also.

 

[Bob in SF]

Hi JP - Found this same material pipe in 1.5" - should work, but have not tried it:

1-1/2" Clear Schedule 40 PVC Pipe - 5 ft.

- Bob

 

[Akula]

Home Depo near me carries the clear in several sizes. I use them when making led fishing lights

 

[liljohn1368]

Thanks Bob. I'll give it a try.

 

[jttheclockman]

Not sure this will help you casters but it is what I cast my clear casts in. I use thin wall clear casting tubes. I leave them on the cast and they are easily spun off. Now the place I buy them from is Visipak and I buy by the case. That is over 200 at 48" lengths. I will have enough for my casting life time but cheaper this way. Maybe you casters can get together and divide a case. It is so much easier than stripping the tubes. Here is an example of my casts.
https://store.visipak.com/7-8-x-4-Thin-Wall-Round-Clear-Plastic-Tube.html

 

[More4dan]

Clear PVC also makes a great vacuum chamber for stabilizing.

 

[Bob in SF]

Nice - thanks for link, JT - like it.

 

[Bob in SF]

Nice vacuum setup, Danny!