First casting results

[chiefshep]

Well, I got my items from artstuf, and went right to work doing my first ever castings. It's a blast! My neighbor Rod and I are at the beginning of trying to make this a "business" (enough to cover our expenses with a little beer money profit!). My wife even helped - she mixed the turquoise one.
You expert insights will be greatly appreciated!

Somethings I noticed:
1. I used no vacuum or pressure, and was lucky enough to not get air bubbles.
2. I need to be a hell of alot more patient - if I want swirls, i need to WAIT!
3. Some colors seem to set up quicker than others???
4. This is alot of fun!
5. I know, I need to use a lightbox. I just didn't take the time!

Shep

 

[rhahnfl]

Looks like you are on the right track. Some good looking pens from your "home brew".

 

[Mather323]

I like your light blue it is great. Did you use a release agent for your mold?

 

[bitshird]

Yup;;; that's how another addiction begins, and you thought pen turning was an addiction you ain't seen nothin yet [}] [8]

 

[ones]

Looking good, keep it up!

 

[Aderhammer]

Those actually look really nice w/o all of the swirling!

 

[chiefshep]

Mike - no release agent. I just smacked it on the counter a couple times and it popped out. The light blue is actually turquoise - the picture is really crappy. I took it in the kitchen with the pens on top of a paper towel!

 

[chiefshep]

Ken, you're not kidding! We ended up mixing 6 more blanks today - at the request of my wife! She is really liking the mixing part (could it be the free fumes?[xx(] ha ha.
At least it is a worthwile addiction!

 

[mwenman]

Shep,

Looks great!

 

[follow3]

Looking good Shep,

Can you tell us a bit about your technique?

1. Type of resin?
2. Type of colorant?
3. Type of molds?
4. Anything else you think is important.

I love the orange one. You should call it Tequilla Sunrise []

Steve

 

[R2]

Great results!
I'm interested in your answers to Steve's questions.

 

[chiefshep]

Steve -
The word "technique" suggests that I would actually know what I'm doing!
I got my resin from artstuf, as well as my colorants. I use both powder and liquid. The molds are 4oz ones from misterart.

Really, as far as what I do is this:

I read all the forum posts and glean every bit of knowledge I can, so when I started I felt at least a little confident. It has helped me greatly to use the posts here as a basis of what I need to do, as well as the library here.

As far as the orange one goes, I actually got lucky because I didn't wait long enough before mixing, and I actually was going for more of a swirl. But sometimes better lucky than good! I've got some more that I poured last night - I'll post results after work!

Shep