Getting better, 2nd try

[TN_Eric]

Won't clog up the forum for each new cast, but this one turned out better than the last. I was under the impression that "stirring" caused Aluminate Slow to heat up faster, which for me, letting it site made it heat up and stirring some just kept it mixed. Right or wrong? Any ways, this 2nd one I let sit longer prior to pouring the colors in.


I numbered the blanks after cutting, and used #3 (not shown) for pen. I named this set Purple Haze. The pen will be a give away to the manager of Great Clips in town as she likes purple. I did make a block with all purple, still need to make the pen though.



I can see this becoming habit forming.

Have a yellow mica color coming today. I have 2 dog pens to make and will be doing 2 colors, purple and yellow. Those colors represent ribbon's for Best of Breed at dog shows.

 

[NJturner]

Alumilite needs to be fully stirred, mixing 'A' into 'B' thoroughly in order for it to cure properly. Pretty much every molecule of A needs to touch a B molecule or you will have curing issues. The key is to try and not introduce to much air into the stuff as you mix, but you must stir it good. I use a 3D printed flapper paddle in a battery powered Harbor Freight cheap drill on a lower speed for a few minutes to insure mixing with as little air trapped as possible. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container when stirring - BUT don't scrape them when pouring - you don't want any unmixed resin stuck to the container to introduce issues into the pour.

I am not aware of mixing causing an increase in heat - other than that occurs during a properly mixed cure. The chemical reaction sets the 'open time' more than stirring could possibly.

Have fun - great start!!

Kevin

 

[JohnU]

They looks good! Isn't learning fun. Lol.
Stiring wont increase the curing or heat, but it will evenly distribute the heat as the resin cures. I never worry about introducing air into the resin while mixing because it's going in the pressure tank and creates its own gases and bubbles during curing. The pressure tank will reduce the air bubbles. Like Kevin stated, making sure it's all properly mixed is important so it cures properly and doesn't leave a milky film in the blank. I always mix a little more than what I need so there's a little left over in the mixing bowl. That way if there's under mixed resin at the bottom, it doesn't go in the mold. It's more of an issue when clear casting and not as much with color.
I rarely stir once it's in the mold. If anything I will move a small wire through the colors being careful not to over mix the colors. 95% of the time I just let gravity mix the colors as I alternate pouring them over each other. Experiment with pouring options to see what character you like in the blanks…. Colors divided in the cup and all poured at the same time, alternating colors, flip cup, dirty pours, tilt the mold when pouring, light streams vs heavy streams, etc. welcome to the madness!