Casting Coal Dust?

[crokett]

My father is a an amateur blacksmith. I am toying with the idea of getting some polyresin and casting a blank with coal dust mixed in. I figure I can use PVC pipe for a form. Do I really need a pressure pot or will something like a sander or another vibrating tool do enough to get any air out?

 

[David M]

You can do it with out pressure. Good luck , they can be tricky getting it down. The problem is if you mix too early the coal sinks to the bottom. if you mix to much it looks to be solid black and you cant tell its coal.
here is a ref. of the two types - soild and flakes. Titanic Coal Pens - David's Pen                           Handcrafted writing instruments and turnings.
David

 

[crokett]

I really like that Jr Statesman. Is that clear resin with a colored tube or colored resin with the coal dust added? If I do this I will do a couple blanks with different amounts of coal added. I think I will also need a colored tube.

 

[David M]

Both is in clear, I paint the inside the blank and tube. I use silver paint, it gives it a contrast to the coal. The coal is crushed into small flakes , not into dust.

 

[trapper]

Well thanks to David for passing that information. I think I now know why a blank I tried failed. I was casting with a metal powder mix (copper and brass) and added in some copper and brass and aluminium swarf....... yep in sank tho' I guess it's taught me patience and I'll retry.
As for a vibrating table I'm currently trying to mke one up using an orbital sander set on a stand made of plywood with an (a4) size plate screwed to the flat foam backed pad just seemed like an idea; no idea if that will work any thoughts guys?