@jeporter02 The time for setting is a guideline. Setup, with Alumilite Clear Slow, is more a function of the temperature. (I use a laser thermometer)
There has been some really good discussions on the Podcast
"As The Pen Turns" (I listen to it on Apple Podcasts). Jonathon Brooks has talked about the critical times for mixing, depending on the effect you want. Somewhere between 80-95F. How long it takes, to get to this temperature, can be greatly affected by the ambient temperature of the room, by the starting temperature of the resin, even by the micas and additives that you put in. Just because you hit 12 minutes, does not mean it is going to suddenly harden.
My shop temperature is a little lower than average, I keep it at 65F in the winter time. I found that even at 18min, my resin was still not up to 100F, so I would mix it in fear of it suddenly setting. While my pour still worked, I did not get the large swirls I was looking for, and the colours blended more than I wanted. It also took forever to cure. Even after a week, there was too much flex in my rods. It took a couple of weeks for them to fully harden. Now, after Jonathon's recomendation, I raise the shop temperature to about 71F when I am getting ready to pour. I also put my resin out on the table, under my heater blower, while I set up. My last couple of pours have resulted in better swirl patterns, the resin temp is about 85F at 13-14min (and rising quickly lol).
I am definitely a learner when it comes to the intricacies of casting Alumilite. While I've been dabbling for years, I have only recently started more focused casting.
Good luck.
