Taking The Next Step (Casting)

AuS MaDDoG · #1 24th Aug 2011, 10:52 PM

Well after spending a few hours with John (gawdelpus) and looking at all the wonderful and unusual blanks being made I decided to take the plunge and look into doing some of my own castings.

So i now have some Resin and hardner as well as 6 different coloured pigments and 3 translucent pigments

Now all I need to do is set myself up with some molds, mixing cups etc and let the fun begin.
I have done some reading and watched a few videos on youtube

as well as had a good chat with John however I am always open to any additional advice so let it begin

Cheers
Tony.

gawdelpus · #2 24th Aug 2011, 11:15 PM

Looks like a nice selection of stuff for starters ,is it clear casting epoxy or standard, the epoxy casting stuff is a bit dearer but works well, especially on worthless wood and such. Keep a book handy to write what steps you go through ,just in case you make a masterpiece and then forget the recipe lol. Casting does take a little disipline and some care , but like a lot of what we do the results are usually proportional to the input effort

Mind you to watch Neil at work with some of this stuff you would think that organisation , and measurements and such were non existant , a splash here a dash there a stir or two with a convenient twig off the floor and bugger me another masterpiece emerges from the mold in due course

. Basically work out what you want to do first ,clear embedding or just colored blanks , that will determine what sort of molds you will need ,solid or resin savers etc. I am sure that this is such a big subject that info overload may occur ,but it's all good hehe, cheers ~ John

AuS MaDDoG · #3 24th Aug 2011, 11:24 PM

John,

I bought the Resin from the guy that you suggested and advised him what I wanted it for, so I am guessing it is the right stuff?? He did say that this is the stuff he supplies to a couple of other guys for the same purpose?? The Resin bottle does say clear on it but does not say casting Resin

I hope its the right stuff

Cheers
Tony.

gawdelpus · #4 24th Aug 2011, 11:43 PM

Should be OK

Neil (dai sensei) might have a better responce though as he has used most of the casting products,
Have a look here for future reference , this pack seems good value ,I got one and I don't think the postage was a killer ,will last a long time though

Like most aspects of this addiction ,you have to be in it for the long haul hehe just too much to learn and try ,

dai sensei · #5 24th Aug 2011, 11:48 PM

He has sold you the Epoxy resin, certainly more expensive than the cheaper clear casting resin (ie poly), that more of us use. The Epoxy sticks a lot better, and doesn't shrink as much, but you must be careful not to cast too much at once as it can boil. Keep the thickness to 20mm absolute maximum casting. He has also sold you what looks like Epoxy, not clear casting Epoxy, so you cannot use it for clear casts, althougn you say it is "clear" so maybe it's Ok.

I'd ring him to make sure.

Good luck with it.

AuS MaDDoG · #6 25th Aug 2011, 12:01 AM

Thanks Guys,

So if I use the solid colour pigments or the translucent pigments with it, it should be ok?? and I just stay clear of any clear castings using this Epoxy Resin.
I will only be casting for some pen blanks at this stage unless I get really hooked

will need to source the correct casting Resin for the next lot though. Will my pigments still work with the other casting resin?
Sorry for all the questions guys!! and thanks for your help. So much to learn

Cheers
Tony.

dai sensei · #7 26th Aug 2011, 10:59 PM

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