Chasboy1
Member
Is there a way to use a shop vacuum as a source for a pressure pot? If not, has anyone built their own? Thank you!
btw, I'm not sure I know how a pressure pot works!
btw, I'm not sure I know how a pressure pot works!
Casting Pressure pot construction?
- Thread starter Chasboy1
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jttheclockman
Member
No to your question. No for building my own either but have modified a HF paint pot which today I do not recommend. I suggest buy a casting pot designed for the purpose and be done with it. they hold value so if you need to sell it will be worth it. There are several good quality ones out there but I like the California Air Tools pot. Has all the things needed on it for doing casting. Shop around and get a good price. You will need a compressor too. Good luck and welcome to the money pit.Is there a way to use a shop vacuum as a source for a pressure pot? If not, has anyone built their own? Thank you!
btw, I'm not sure I know how a pressure pot works!
Curly
Member
Pressure pots work by using compressed air (you need an air compressor "duh") with pressures of up to 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). That's triple the pressure in you car's tires. The reason the compressed air is used is to keep dissolved air in the resin from forming bubbles as it cures. Think of a diver getting the bends.
If you are a commercial welder with a pressure welding ticket and can do or get someone to do the NDT (non destructive testing) and pressure testing of the vessel then you can make your own. If not don't even begin to think about it because using it will get you killed. If a pressure pot under pressure fails you have an explosion force powerful enough to blow out windows, doors and possibly walls.
If you are a commercial welder with a pressure welding ticket and can do or get someone to do the NDT (non destructive testing) and pressure testing of the vessel then you can make your own. If not don't even begin to think about it because using it will get you killed. If a pressure pot under pressure fails you have an explosion force powerful enough to blow out windows, doors and possibly walls.
NJturner
Member
Agree with JT except for Harbor Freight. I have had good success with a Harbor Freight paint pot conversion - mine is nearly 10 years old and still going strong. I also use a California Air Tools 5 gal pot for larger batches. You need a compressor capable of delivering and holding roughly 50 lbs of pressure. I wouldn't even attempt to build one (except for a conversion) as they are highly dangerous if they suddenly let go. Spend the money and it will be safer and better.
Second question - pressure pot works by increasing the atmospheric pressure in a closed space, thereby compressing down the size of any air bubbles in a casting until they virtually disappear. Putting a resin into a pot when it is still liquid, pressurizing it to 30-50 lbs per square inch, then keeping it under pressure for 3-6 hours until the resin hardens is one of the ways to insure bubble free castings.
Second question - pressure pot works by increasing the atmospheric pressure in a closed space, thereby compressing down the size of any air bubbles in a casting until they virtually disappear. Putting a resin into a pot when it is still liquid, pressurizing it to 30-50 lbs per square inch, then keeping it under pressure for 3-6 hours until the resin hardens is one of the ways to insure bubble free castings.
egnald
Member
I'm on the same page as John. It's really hard to beat the California Air Tools pressure pot as it is not a modified paint pot but is designed specifically for resin casting. Mine worked perfectly right out of the box. I also use a small, relatively quiet, California Air Tools Compressor with it.
That being said, there are casting resins that can be used successfully without a pressure pot. Liquid Diamonds for example.
Dave
That being said, there are casting resins that can be used successfully without a pressure pot. Liquid Diamonds for example.
Dave
I also use a California Air Tools pot. They are made for casting and they work right out of the box. There is not one thing about casting that is cheap, it's an expensive endeavor. The pressure pot is the thing I would not try to go cheap on.
sorcerertd
Member
I've noticed the prices came down on the California Air Tools pots (on Amazon anyway). I haven't started casting yet, but I've had my eye on them for that inevitable day when I decide to pull the trigger.
GFHWoodWerks
Member
I
I to am keeping my eye out for a California systems pressure pot. I'm in no rush so I keep looking for someone getting out of the hobby on marketplace. If when I'm ready and I can't find one through that source I can always buy new.