What material is used to cast the steampunk blanks I buy? It is not listed. All of them turn like butter and are crystal clear. I've bought them from five different vendors.
I have purchased them from Exotic Blanks, Turners's warehouse, and perhaps a couple of other places. All were precast steampunk blanks that needed substantial trimming and the usual sanding flush before turning.
I do not cast yet, but this clear material would be on my list if I jump in.
I have also bought and used those "same" so-called steampunk blanks. . I don't know for sure, but I think they are made with a polyester resin, often just called PR for short. . I could be wrong on that, but that is what I think ... ready to be corrected if necessary.
I actually disagree with you saying they are easier to trim and turn compared to Alumilite. . And I say that because I have had PR blanks chip.
I have never had Alumilite chip. . But having said that, I have to say that I do all my turning on a metal-working lathe at a speed of 400-1200 rpm.
That could make a difference. . Also, the name Alumilite is a company name and can refer to a variety of casting materials. . I think that a lot of us may use that name to refer to one specific product made by that company which has been popularized by certain pen-blank-making "maestros".
A common polyester resin is Silmar 41, as you may already know, and I believe that is the casting material that I have turned most.
Here is a comparison of Silmar 41 polyester resin with Alumilite (which, by the way, is a brand name and does not refer to the material composition)
Which do you prefer and why? I am in need of some resin and want to decide which to order. I have been using Silmar 41 with good results, but everyone says how good Alumilite is, so I am confused. Please help, Steve
www.penturners.org
If you do a google search for Silmar 41 you will find a lot of information and comparisons with other casting materials.
Thanks to all. Polyresin is easy to turn for me and shines perfectly in seconds on the buffing wheels.
For now the thought of a pressure pot and the expensive learning curve may lead me to continue buying from folks farther around the learning curve. I have many irons in the Woodworking fire now
The watch part blanks I purchased were cast in West Systems epoxy. I've be using Liquid Diamonds epoxy for tube in cast. Both epoxies turned like butter and shine like glass.