Getting Started with alumilite

[Mordi]

I am just now reading up and learning about casting and this Birthday Bash pricing for alumilite looks like a great deal -too good to pass up . I would like to take advantage of the sale prices.

I need some guidance in getting a good starter set of materials. Would the 32oz be a good size for an initial purchase? How many 3/4" x 5" pen blanks could I expect to yield? I guess I should also pick up a few dyes and metallic colors as well?...

It looks like I am going to need a pressure pot too- any suggestions? I see HF has one but it looks like you need to do several upgrades to make it satisfactory

Any help for a newbie would be appreciated :biggrin:

Thanks,
Mordi

 

[reiddog1]

Mordi,
I cant speak to alumilite usage, but I got myself a HF pot last weekend and it was super easy to convert for casting. I bought all the plumming at Home Depot for around $20 in the air compressor section. I ordered some alumilite that should be here tomorrow to try out. I have a good amount of pearl ex from pr casting already. Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[Mordi]

Dave,

Thanks for the info.

Do you the info on how to make the conversion of the HF paint pot and the list of parts/part numbers that you purchased at the Home Depot? If is that easy, I will give it a shot.

Mordi

 

[Smokey7385]

There is a write-up on the conversion in the library. I did mine on the cheap and only spent $5 for the conversion.

 

[Dick Mahany]

How many 3/4" x 5" pen blanks could I expect to yield? Mordi

Alumilite takes 0.554 oz / cu in. A 3/4" square x 5" blank = 2.8 cu in. = 1.55 oz of Alumilite. Therefore, you would get 18 - 20 blanks depending on waste from a 32 oz kit if you mix it sparingly.

 

[joefyffe]

Marshall: If you go to alumilite.com and click on volume calculator, you can enter the size of the cavity in your mold and it will tell you how much you need, to fill it!

 

[Mordi]

Thanks to all that responded - I think I got what I needed (and more) :biggrin:

Mordi

 

[reiddog1]

Mordi,

I already threw away my receipt so I can get you all the part numbers. My promise to keep my garage cleaner and all. I do remember how I put it together and the parts that I used. **Disclaimer**, I have a very basic set up that works for me, so use at your own risk!! On the lid there is a 3/8" elbow. I took it off the top and unscrewed the paint pick up tube. I then installed the elbow on the underside of the lid where the tube was. I then took off everything from the top of the other side. I installed a male double ended 1/4" fitting, a double ended female 1/4" fitting and then a 1/4" air gauge. Now back to the other side where the elbow used to be, I installed a double male 3/8" fitting, a ball valve, then a 3/8" male to 1/4" female adapter. I then finished it off with an airhose quick disconnect adapter. That's it. It's really easier than it sounds. I have no regulator or blow off valve on mine. I'm good with that, but you may not be. Choice is all yours man. Hope this helps. Pm me if you have any questions.

Dave

 

[reiddog1]

Pics

Mordi,

Here's some pics to help translate the last post. Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[Mordi]

Dave,

Thanks so much for the pics - they really help

Mordi