Coffee Bean Blanks

[mag]

I am interested in casting some coffee bean blanks and was owndering of those that have done it previously could provide some advice regarding the following;

1. What resin to use, Polyster. Had a look at Barnes andthey list a couple of grades of polyester, as well as a starter kit. (Has anyone tried using Gelcoat as I may have some about)

2. Do I just buy white polyester pigments to give the colour of milk in the blanks

3. Where to buy it, especially if someone knows of a Tas distributor.

4. Any particular instructions for casting the blanks, I have read about the beans floating etc.

5. What to cast them in, I was planning on making a wooden mold that I would then cut 6 blanks from. The mold would be destroyed to remove the resing and would save me buying mould release, although I think I have some of that around as well.

Thanks in advance.

[Simomatra]

i am interested in casting some coffee bean blanks and was owndering of those that have done it previously could provide some advice regarding the following;

1. What resin to use, polyster. Had a look at barnes andthey list a couple of grades of polyester, as well as a starter kit. (has anyone tried using gelcoat as i may have some about)

i used barnes clear casting resin

2. Do i just buy white polyester pigments to give the colour of milk in the blanks

yes

3. Where to buy it, especially if someone knows of a tas distributor.

barnes web page

4. Any particular instructions for casting the blanks, i have read about the beans floating etc.

the beans do float so put a piece on top and weigh them down

5. What to cast them in, i was planning on making a wooden mold that i would then cut 6 blanks from. The mold would be destroyed to remove the resing and would save me buying mould release, although i think i have some of that around as well.

i used purpose made mold from gadget in the usa, but you can make your own. 25mm and 20mm electrical conduit make good molds and do not require mould release. i have drilled a piece of timber and stand the conduit, when set lift out and tap the blanks fall out. You can also get special plugs to blank the ends or use an electrical conduit cap. you still need to weigh the beans down.

cheers sam, happy casting and it is just as addictive as the pen making.


thanks in advance.

11

[mag]

Thanks Sam,

I have ordered the starter kit from Barnes and white pigment.

What percentage of pigment should I use, or is not so critical that you can add pugment till you get the look you want.

Also what process do you use to minimise bubbles?

Mike

[Simomatra]

Thanks Sam,

I have ordered the starter kit from Barnes and white pigment.

What percentage of pigment should I use, or is not so critical that you can add pugment till you get the look you want.

Also what process do you use to minimise bubbles?

Mike

You don't need much pigment. I have used the Barnes stuff straight without pressure or vacuum just a tap on the side of the moulds to make the bubbles rise and I have also used a paint pressure pot with 60 psi. Still looking for a cheap vacuum pump like they have in the states that works off air. Cheap as over there.

[mag]

Sam,

Have a look at this link from Ebay.

I think it is what you are after, I am thinking of buying one myself.

Mike

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Venturi-Vacuum-Generator-Clamp-Chamber-Press-Forming_W0QQitemZ230292521111QQihZ013QQcategoryZ53237QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Simomatra]

Thanks Mike that is just what I am looking for. The other one was from harbour freight and they wanted $50 US postage.

[Simomatra]

Too late mike its gone.:((:((

[mag]

Sam'

It will probably be re-listed shortly, I have seen them regularly by this seller over the last month.

Mike

[BoomerangInfo]

I am interested in casting some coffee bean blanks

Careful with those coffee beans. I hear too much Caffeine makes the ink run :p

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Russell.