Best Resin/Synthetic for Blank Making?

[Pens By Scott]

Hi everyone, been a while since i've posted, I have mostly been in the background reading. I know that there are several threads on "blank making", but I wanted to ask these questions in one thread.

What is the best casting medium for the follow situations:
1. Casting with pigments/colors and "glitter"?
2. Casting a clear bubble free blank?
3. Casting in larger volumes?

I'm in Canada, and may not have easy access to all the various manufacturers materials. I do have a vacuum chamber, just don't use it all that often, and it's problematic when dealing with resins (better for stabalization, with Cactus Juice usually).
I have not been able to source PVC pipe larger than 4" diameter, yet... but have access to a compressor, Harbour Freight, to my knowledge won't ship to Canada... yet.

Thoughts?

Scott

 

[Alchemist]

Oh boy oh boy! you're gonna get it now bud!

Kidding...
Best is subjective.

Alumilite Clear Slow and Clear. In a pressure pot under 60-70 PSI will get you bubble free and clear as can be as long as you get it in the pot fast enough. California Air Tools sells them. You should be able to find them in Alberta online.

I've cast 8 to 12 inch bowl blanks with Clear Slow and not get cracks. it depends on a lot of different things though to do that.

I use Eye-Candy Pigments. Been using them for around four years. What's nice is that they got traction in the states a few years ago and they still keep their prices fair!

You can not vacuum chamber clear or clear slow. Here is an example:

A pair of dragon eggs.

 

[1080Wayne]

Hi Scott

William Wood-Write Ltd in Ontario can supply you with everything you need , including the California Air Tools pot mentioned above . It is probably the best on the market , but my Princess Auto (Harbour freight equivalent) one is still working , although I limit it to 40 psig for safetys sake .
Seldom have bubbles at that level , but it is important to get the pour in the pot before the resin gets too thick . I only use Alumilite Clear Slow . Not as glossy as something like Silmar polyester , but physically tougher . Can always overcoat with CA if very high gloss is essential .
Can`t comment on the pigments currently available as I`m still using up ones I got many years ago .
Re casting in large volumes , are you thinking of multiple small pieces at the same time , or a large single item ?

 

[JohnU]

If you can get it… use Alumilite Clear Slow. Works very well from thin to thick and works just fine with colorants like dyes, mica powders, alcohol inks, spray paint, and other non water based pigments. You will need a pressure pot since it's a urethane resin and creates gas ( bubbles) ad it cures. I use it often in 50 lbs pressure and it has a long working time of approximately 12 minutes depending on the temp.

 

[NJturner]

All good advice so far. I am not sure I would push any pressure pot above 50 lbs - I don't see the need and it gets a little less safe with the more pressure you use. I use Alumilite Clear Slow, but have been trying a different urethane from ThermoSet Solutions which was being sold by McKenzie Penworks as it is much better at handling UV yellowing over time. Am a fan of EyeCandy mica powders, they seem to work well, but PTownSubbie also carries a good line, just not as wide a color choice. Vacuum is pretty useless for urethane casting, unless you use it early on to de-gas the resin to minimize bubbles from the start.