OK, I'm sticking my head out for Alumilite. Yes, it is more expensive than PR BUT, a 1 gallon kit actually gives you 2 gallons bec the kit consists of 1 gallon of part A and 1 gallon of part B. That comes down to $80 per gallon for the clear. Yes, it is more expensive BUT it is dummy proof (that is a good thing for me). You mix equal amounts by weight, if you are going to mix any dyes you mix them into one part and then add the second part. Some say it sets too fast...well...that is relative. Four minutes is a long time (if you don't believe me hold your breath for 4 minutes and see what happens). Anyway, it's a matter of being well organized; resin, mixing cup, mixing stick, dyes, mold, air in the compressor, lid off pressure pot etc. If you do the mix and then realize that the pot already has a cast in it and is under pressure by the time you empty the pot and open the lid the cast you were getting ready to put is going to set before you get it in the pot an under pressure (DAMHIKT[B)]).
Advantages of Alumilite:
- Very, very little smell when working and no residual stink (I mean smell)
- Sets faster than PR (some say this is a disadvantage)
- Less prone to chip-out (at least for me) when compared to PR
- No need to adjust for heat or humidity
- No guessing on the amount of hardener, just mix equal amounts by weight
- It is gentler on your turning tools, band saw, jointer, chop saw, drill bits
- Does not shrink
- Thinner than PR so it penetrates better for stabilizing blanks (but then PR sets slower so it has more time to penetrate
- You can cast a blank and turn a pen in the same day
- No HAZMAT shipping for larger amounts
- You can work it indoors and WIFE won't complain about the smell
Disadvantages
- More expensive than PR
- Shorter open time
- Since it does not shrink if you use PVC as a mold you will need a release agent
- Bec its thinner than PR it is hard to achieve swirls, colors tent to mix together
That's my story and I am sticking to it!
