jharvey1309
Member
Is it supposed to be waxed or unwaxed?
http://www.rayplex.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jpdncrg4
http://www.rayplex.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jpdncrg4
Is this what I'm looking for?
- Thread starter jharvey1309
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stevers
Member
Not sure about that stuff. This is what I use,,,,,6th one down on the page,,,,,
http://mrfiberglass.com/polyester_resins.html
I don't see anything familiar in the description on that one. It doesn't say "casting resin" or have a familiar chemical code, like "silmar 41".
Maybe someone else will have some info. It's also awfully expensive.
http://mrfiberglass.com/polyester_resins.html
I don't see anything familiar in the description on that one. It doesn't say "casting resin" or have a familiar chemical code, like "silmar 41".
Maybe someone else will have some info. It's also awfully expensive.
Glass Scratcher
Member
You want resin without surfacing wax. The wax keeps additional layers of resin(incase of a whoops) from bonding unless you sand the surface to scuff it up.
This goes along with the question many people ask "why is my resin sticky?" It is because it does not have surfacing wax in it. Yes, you want it to be that way. If you don't like it, the problem will go away with time or during your post cure.
However in looking over the site, and gasping at the prices, I think this is more what you are looking for. You may want to call their tech support # and tell them what you want to do and get their advice. Also see if there are any turners in your area who are casting and ask them where they purchase from.
http://www.rayplex.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jpcrdom8
This goes along with the question many people ask "why is my resin sticky?" It is because it does not have surfacing wax in it. Yes, you want it to be that way. If you don't like it, the problem will go away with time or during your post cure.
However in looking over the site, and gasping at the prices, I think this is more what you are looking for. You may want to call their tech support # and tell them what you want to do and get their advice. Also see if there are any turners in your area who are casting and ask them where they purchase from.
http://www.rayplex.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jpcrdom8
jharvey1309
Member
Thanks for getting back to me guys. It seems that things are much more expensive here in Canada then they are in the states so it's going to take me biting my lip and just buying the right stuff. I figure it will be a bit cheaper it I buy in quantity.
Unfortunately the turning group I belong to has not ever tried casting there own pen blanks so I would like to learn and then teach them.
Does anyone have a guess as to how many blanks 3.7L could make?
Unfortunately the turning group I belong to has not ever tried casting there own pen blanks so I would like to learn and then teach them.
Does anyone have a guess as to how many blanks 3.7L could make?
Glass Scratcher
Member
My blanks(3/4 x 5-1/2) are roughly 2 metric ounces each. Or for those that don't do metric, that would be 60mL per blank with a wee bit left over. I measure and mix my resin, dyes and pigments in mL, cc, weigh in grams and mg. It is certainly easier that way for material control and to replicate a formula.
3.7L is 3700mL divide by 60mL should yeald 61 blanks and a little left over.
3.7L is 3700mL divide by 60mL should yeald 61 blanks and a little left over.
RichAldrich
Member
Steve: Does the silmar41 smell bad? Do you use protection for the odors?
jharvey1309
Member
So that ends up being about 1.60 a blank and that does not include coloring. I buy mine for $3.75 so it's still a savings but not a whole lot once you factor in time and my learning curve
Glass Scratcher
Member
Your time and learning are always going to be there no matter what. You have to make notes each and every time you cast. But consider that what you cast is woley yours, not a blank that anyone can get at the supply store.
Pigments should not have as much of a markup as the resin does. But never having bought any resin in Canada, I don't know.
As money is going to be a significant issue for you, I would look at getting powdered pigments in bulk from Coastal Scents.
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=35
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=96
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=34
I haven't used them, but many here have and like them as much as the Jacquard pigments. I use Jacquard Powdered pigments. But I have my formulas written, and I can get all of the Pearl-ex just up the corner.
I would try to contact some of the other casters in Canada and find out if there is somewere else to get resin at a lower cost. My per blank resin cost is $.55. Add dyes and powders and we move to maybe $.80 per blank. Now if you want to add my time then- well I can't make enough selling them.[
]
Pigments should not have as much of a markup as the resin does. But never having bought any resin in Canada, I don't know.
As money is going to be a significant issue for you, I would look at getting powdered pigments in bulk from Coastal Scents.
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=35
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=96
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=34
I haven't used them, but many here have and like them as much as the Jacquard pigments. I use Jacquard Powdered pigments. But I have my formulas written, and I can get all of the Pearl-ex just up the corner.
I would try to contact some of the other casters in Canada and find out if there is somewere else to get resin at a lower cost. My per blank resin cost is $.55. Add dyes and powders and we move to maybe $.80 per blank. Now if you want to add my time then- well I can't make enough selling them.[
]
jharvey1309
Member
Thanks for all of your help in this matter. I have a friend from the states coming up for a golf tournament this weekend coming so I am going to call www.artstuf.com tomorrow and see if they ship an order from san fran to new york. I hope it can make it to him by Friday, it will save me a ton of money.
stevers
Member
Yes it does. It's typical polyester resin. I don't wear protection, I just keep the shop well ventilated and try to work as quick as I can.
Glass Scratcher
Member
If you can't get artstuf to deliver in that amount of time I am pretty sure US Composites can. Of course they and I am in Florida, just about anywhere in Florida is one day shipping.
They list by ground NY City delivery in 3-4 days
NY State 4-5 days
they can not ship polyester resins 2nd day or by air as they are flammible.
You can also order liquid pigments from them at the same time. I would recommend getting the 4oz for everything except the black. You don't need much black liquid pigment and if you use too much or you don't pre-catalyze your resin the black will inhibit curing.
Silmar 41 is about 2/3rds down the page.
http://www.uscomposites.com/polyesters.html
pigments
http://www.uscomposites.com/pigments.html