Yet, one more PR Question.

[toolcrazy]

I cast my first 2 blanks (hope to turn one this weekend) and was wondering what I did wrong (if anything). The blank cured just fine and looks great, but the outside is a bit sticky, but it is improving. I used the 3 drops per ounce method, threw it in the pressure pot for a while.

 

[ed4copies]

Sticky is normal.

Need it faster, throw it in the oven for a little while (under 250)

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Don't worry about the outside being sticky, its normal (sometimes)[] and will turn off. Congrads on your first.

 

[ed4copies]

Beatcha Roy!!![][][]

 

[toolcrazy]

Thanks Guys, I feel better. Can't wait to paint the tubes and get it turned. Will post it soon.

 

[its_virgil]

I don't like that sticky surface...gets on my figers and tools. I put the blanks outside the shop door in the sunshine and they dry completely in a few hours. When I was casting in plastic pans only the tops exposed to the air were sicky, but using the rubber molds, all four surfaces seem to be sticky. I suppose its a good tradeoff...I'm likint the rubber molds more each time I use them.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Originally posted by toolcrazy
<br />Thanks Guys, I feel better. Can't wait to paint the tubes and get it turned. Will post it soon.

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

By a measley 29 seconds you took advantage of one of your elders again[].

Originally posted by ed4copies
<br />Beatcha Roy!!![][][]

 

[BRobbins629]

As others have said, polyester resins do not like to cure in the presence of air. Some companies sell products like the one below which have a wax in them which blooms to the surface and allows the resin underneath to cure. If doing clear casts these can dull the resin so unless it really bothers you, I would recommend not using for pens.

<br />

 

[dbriski]

Could you place a sheet of saran wrap on the exposed face?

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

If you do the air could not escape and therefore more bubbles in the cast. It really is not a problem as they will dry out with-in a day and if you were in a rush do as Ed suggested in the oven @200-250 for a shor time.

Originally posted by dbriski
<br />Could you place a sheet of saran wrap on the exposed face?

 

[toolcrazy]

Originally posted by dbriski
<br />Could you place a sheet of saran wrap on the exposed face?

Actually, the 3 sides that where in the silicone mold where the ones that where sticky. The side exposed to the air wasn't. I don't mind the sticky, as long as it isn't something I did wrong and it isn't. They are curing as time goes on. So no problem.

Hopefully I will get one turned this weekend. And it's something I haven't seen here yet. HE HE HE.

 

[stevers]

Steve,
Same thing happens to mine also. As the resin cures, it shrinks, which exposes the sides and bottom to air as well. I just set mine outside for a half hour or so and its all good. Even if I don't, I usually trim the blank anyway.
I don't find it to be a big deal. The inside cures fine either way.