Hi Zac, I'm a relatively new woodturner and decided to try casting to accent my turnings. I am extremely happy that I found you first to begin my learning process. I've watched three of your videos including the HF Pot mods and looked over your many playlists as well. I feel like I won the information lottery 😄 It is heartwarming to find yet another highly experienced artist who is so willing to share their vast knowledge. I've ordered and downloaded your ebook and became a "belled" subscriber. Thanks a Million for your many submissions.
@chippermaggee3872
5 жыл бұрын
OK, so I'm watching this years after it was posted and I want to thank you for this comparison - noting the pros and cons with each. Many thanks!
@ilegis3922
3 жыл бұрын
Finally! I needed a proper video about casting resin. All I keep finding are videos about table top epoxy. Thank you for uploading!
@jilliannitz1884
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video. I was able to cast my first resin blanks this week. I went for the first (cheap but stinky) option. It really wasn't as bad as I was expecting and cost me almost nothing to try (just $6 in tubing, $18 in a ton of mica powders and $15 for the resin). I casted outside with a cheap mask and didn't find it any worse then applying a CA finish in smell. It drilled and cut easier then the cheap blanks I have bought before, it may have been a bit more prone to chipping with the roughing tool but my finished pen has no chips in it.
@ashleyhorton9925
4 жыл бұрын
I love your videos. Very informative. I havent worked with resin/epoxy in 12 yrs and I only used it ever when I worked in a boat shop for sealing and repairs. But I really wanna get back in woodworking and start playing with resin casting. So thank you for this.
@BurtBowers
6 жыл бұрын
I used this stuff back when I was in junior high sumner school when I ask people today about casting resine they say they never heard of it. I recently bought some glaze coat so going to put it on mahogany wood for a pony wall bar hopefully turns out nice..
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Hope it turns out great for you! It is pretty interesting how resin casting has grown in popularity, just depends on if people have been exposed to it or not
@veritasestveritas8646
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting this out. I've got two large blocks of cypress that need to be stabilized before turning. I'll need something that will be slow setting.
@TheSteereFamilyAdventures
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks brother for your honesty brother and you in general there is something about you that puts me at ease when you explain things probably the serious face thing and the way you talk. Thanks for share very cool
@josephlynch3507
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for all the information you share on your videos. Really helpful.
@michaelcummings6178
2 жыл бұрын
Learning about this GREAT JOB ! DO MORE !
@hfranke07
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your info on resin. Helpfull. If you have a low budget owen, and you want to bake Polymer Clay in it, you can add one or two pizza stones or some other heavy material, that can stand the heat. Maybe a thick metal plate will do the trick. Heat the owen for a long time before the baking, so the pizza stones or metal plate are as hot as the air in the owen. This will make the owen keep its temperature even after opening the door or when the heating elements are turning on and off. And to get the best result you must bake your clay for at least 60 minutes. This will make it realy great.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+hfranke07 Thanks for the tips! I'll have to try that pizza stone out.
@keithderr9564
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips, link and discount code!
@ele5453
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Zac, I'm new to resin casting (want to use this for making artwork) - I have been everywhere looking for information about differences between resins and pros/cons of each and your video and comments/answers below have really helped.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Emma Louise Hey Emma, I'm glad it was helpful. It was all very confusing to me when I got started, so once I figured some things out I wanted to pass that on. Let me know if you have any other questions, I mainly use Alumilite but have a little knowledge using the others.
@rustywmoore
6 жыл бұрын
I use UV resin a lot in my projects. It's great for small casts, but you really need a transparent mold. Under a UV light, the chess pieces I make will fully cure in roughly 3-5 minutes, but there is no pressure to rush since it won't start to cure until you expose it to the UV light. I've left resin in mold while working for over an hour and was still able to add some dye before casting it.
@chootrain57
9 жыл бұрын
Zac I use clay all of the time, ruff up the tube, use clay glue on the tube, roll on the clay, bake per instructions, a little longer for thickness, then once cooled in 10mins, continue as you would if it was wood or resin. I use floor polish in final step.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Hi Lionel, I tried polymer clay once but didn't get very good results. Is that the product you're talking about? I'd like to give it another try one day, but I just haven't had time to focus on it.
@chootrain57
9 жыл бұрын
Zac Higgins Sculpey or SculpeyII both work, baking 5 mins longer does not hurt the clay, once cooled is hard as a rock
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
lionel wainford I'll give it another shot one of these days. I have a better oven that I can use now too, so it should be a more even bake. I see people making them with ornate patterns using the "canes", really awesome stuff!
@timbirch4999
6 жыл бұрын
I don't know if you can get it in the US, but Milliputt is a brilliant opaque epoxy putty. It's the sort of thing you let kids play with, because it works like Playdoh, cuts and sands like wood, sets harder than wood and it isn't brittle after it sets. Jimson's Stuff channel has lots of vids using it.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I've seen it used on Jimsons Stuff too, I didn't know about it when I made this video unfortunately. Really cool stuff!!
@williamhoward8319
9 жыл бұрын
i live in the high desert at the moment i can not get around to well my back has ben busted some i love to see all the wonderful things that turners make i love olive wood it is just so beautiful
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
+William Howard Sorry to hear that your back is messed up William! That's no fun at all. I'll have to get some more videos up so you can see some fun things to make!! Should have a project/how to video posting soon on how to make "ribbon" blanks. Plan to start doing more project videos too, just need to plan a little better so I can get them made :)
@AntonyRG1
6 жыл бұрын
I’m looking for a clear polyethylene resin which has the consistency of acrylic paint. Most of these type of resins seem to have a low viscosity which is not ideal for what I would be using it for. I’m gluing down laminate shapes onto MDF, and it’s important that the resin doesn’t drip on the surface of the MDF. And being able to control the flow is also important so that I avoid inadvertently pooling too much resin in one place which can happen if you hover over a certain spot for too long. I have tried using PVA glue but I need something with more adhesion and a slower drying time. I’d be using a large amount so these casting resins are more cost effective compared to those small tubes of epoxy resins you can buy. Casting resin does work perfectly so it’s just a case of finding one that is less fluid. Putting something like colloidal silica into the resin would work but ideally I want something that dries clear and which doesn't require adding anything. Hope you can help.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
This is a tough one Anthony, most people are looking for super thin rather than thick resin. I do know of one that is pretty darn thick. I'd say it has the consistency of molasses, and it's called "Amazing Clear Cast" made by Alumilite. It's an epoxy resin that is typically used for bartop coatings. You can find it on Alumilite's website
@chootrain57
8 жыл бұрын
discovered a cool way to make bottle stopper blanks with alumilite, use the empty paper towel cardboard, it's already round, cut off to the length you need, put blue tape at one end, add alumilite, pressure pot, and voila,turn off the cardboard, shape as desired. thought I would share since you got me hook on alumilite casting.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+lionel wainford Great idea Lionel, thanks for sharing that. I'm glad you're having fun with casting :-) it's addicting!!
@ZacHiggins
10 жыл бұрын
I'm glad it was helpful Chris. I think that heat would probably just make it cure faster, but it could help a bit. It literally starts hardening in a minute or two once I'm done mixing and pouring it into the mold. Pressure is the only quick way to go. You can try to keep the bubbles to a minimum by not stirring very fast and pouring slowly in one corner of the mold, but you're racing the clock. Best way to go is with a pressure pot with Alumilite. Vacuum could work as well, but I haven't tried it that way. One other trick that I know of to slow the hardening down is to put the two parts in the fridge for about 30 minutes before you cast. That could possibly slow it down enough to try and use a heat gun to get the air out. Might be worth a shot at least.
@Archeopterix2680
9 жыл бұрын
Hi Zac. Thanks for the hints. Since you replied I've gotten my shipment and tried out the mold making rubber and the resin. I liked the results from both. The Alumilite was much easier to use than I expected and gave me good results. I botched by first mold due to inexperience and had to make another but the second one worked great. It had some minor flaws but they won't be an issue. I do highly recommend the Fabri-Cast 50; it would be especially good for beginners. It's easy to mix, has very low viscosity, is relatively inexpensive as resins go (at least from what I've seen) and does indeed harden to a bright white. It sands, saws and bonds easily with cyanoacrylate. I haven't tested other properties like how well it drills or carves, etc. But it does cure into a very resilient tough white plastic and it reproduces fine details. It also has very little to no odor. The firs time I used it I detected a very faint epoxy like odor from the part A which is yellow. It did quite well in the Alumilite mold. I'm curing a second mold currently. One thing I noticed is that with very thin layers the resin is brittle and can slap or chip easily. This is probably true of most resins I would imagine. The first object I molded had a thin flange around the bottom which chipped off. I chalked that up to having added too much catalyst making it brittle. further castings were satasfactory as to durability. One interesting thing I noticed is that when it's under mixed slightly low on the catalyst side it cures to a slightly milky translucent color. This was was very slight mis measure, hard to quantify. The molded objects too longer to fully harden but seem to be quite tough none the less. I found out the milky resin scatters light from an LED quite attractively. Perhaps this could be exploited as a technique? I've had 3 such results all accidental. I'm not sure how this resin would do for a pen blank. It would depend on the thickness of the tube wall. A couple milimeters or so should be plenty durable would be my guess. Well, Sorry to write an essay here but I thought the information I gained might be interesting/valuable to you or your viewers. I would definitely recommend the Fabri-Cast 50 for its ease of use and its satisfying properties. You can get it from Amazon.com or Specialty Resins and Chemicals. Speciality Resins also makes some other brands I may try in the future. Thanks again!
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Chris Melvin Thanks for the update Chris, it seems to be pretty similar to Alumilite for the most part. I'm sure it would work for pen blanks and other turning blanks. Out of curiosity, did you measure by weight or volume when you mixed it up?
@Archeopterix2680
9 жыл бұрын
Sure thing! I hope this helps somebody out there..I'm thinking I'll be sticking with the Fabri-Cast for some time.
@Hundred100
9 жыл бұрын
Zac Higgins hi zac, what about acrylic resin?or its another name for one of these 3?
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Hundred Acrylic acetate is different than the three I mentioned, but it's a large scale industrial process. Not something you'll be doing in your garage. Many of the commercially available blanks are made with acrylic acetate, which is where the term "acrylic" pen blank came from. We sometimes call any plastic blank acrylic, but that it technically not the correct terminology.
@yvettevasquez8430
6 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say, thanks for the video! Lots of good stuff here. As for the clay, the brands you showed and mentioned are the low-end clays that are brittle and will be problematic. Look up videos on brand comparison. You’re right about the cooking and oven temps too. The toaster ovens spike as the temp cycles. Test brands there too. As for resin, I’m excited to add that aspect to my clay work! Thanks again!!!
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Yvette =D I think you'll have a blast with resin too, it's a hoot =D Thanks for the tips too. I learned a bit more about clay and gave it another shot. Just need to find more time to experiment with it, it's really fun though!
@alienpeck
10 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. Hate seeing people wasting money!
@Rich32262
4 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty new at pen turning. Not that interesting to me until now. Here I go down the rabbit hole. Inspirational to say the least. Thanks.
@kpablankart1167
6 жыл бұрын
I just discovered your KZitem channel and it is so awesome. I’m a beginner Artist looking for info about casting with resin, technics and tips so this info was so useful. Thanks a lot! Going to start following your channel. Cheers from Venezuela.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm glad that my channel is helpful for you. Thanks for following =D
@heatherjaques1074
3 жыл бұрын
Just what I needed! Thank you!
@ericorr3461
6 жыл бұрын
This was a great video. You are a fine communicator on your chosen field. I am 3 decades into software engineering and am planning serious forays into all kinds of dynamic systems prototype and development. I've subscribed to your channel.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Eric, thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate it =D
@samuelhaworth2173
7 жыл бұрын
great info Zac, I'm looking into casting for my step dad, retired, mom says needs something to do. I turn pens and stoppers, thought it would be something for both of us to do together.
@odenshong6203
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I've been looking for some info about different resins.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
My pleasure! I hope it helped out. I go a little more in depth comparing the different types in my ebook The Beginner's Guide to Resin Casting. Check it out if you'd like to dive in a little deeper: nvwoodwerks.com/product/the-beginners-guide-to-resin-casting/
@Heathfloors
6 жыл бұрын
Very informative and helpful vid.. I`m in the UK and have just ordered a pressure pot and resin for the New year.... this vid has helped me alot.. cheers
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Heath, glad to hear that you're getting started! The fun is just beginning =D Glad the video helped out
@kenwilson7968
10 ай бұрын
Your videos are amazing, thanks so much.
@every-dayjoe7654
8 жыл бұрын
I just started using solorez polyester uv resin, so far its pretty neat! it doesn't have the heat restrictions needed that epoxy has, plus it doesn't have the UV issues epoxy does.
@rockhead390
8 жыл бұрын
what types of dyes did you use in the solarez? do they have to be petroleum or oil based? will water based work? regular food coloring? thanks
@every-dayjoe7654
8 жыл бұрын
I haven't got into using dyes yet. Currently I only use it for wood projects, and casting rocks into counter tops, However, I have been thinking of mixing some color into the resin but then again the whole reason i use it is to create a 3D illusion so painting the surface below the resin is likely a better choice in most of my scenarios. Finally, I recommend calling Solarez directly for those questions. The owner and formulation expert is on site and will take calls.
@Uncle_Buzz
10 жыл бұрын
Hey Zac, this is just what I was looking for today! Question...Can you use a heat gun to eliminate bubbles in the alumilite like with other resins?
@katiejo911
5 жыл бұрын
Polymer clay is clay with pvc binder. When you turn it, the friction creates heat that remelts the pvc.
@Archeopterix2680
9 жыл бұрын
I just ordered a half gallon of a liquid resin called Fabri-Cast from Amazon which cures to a bright opaque white. I haven't used it before so I can't attest to its properties but it does cure solid white. Polymer clays such as sculpey I've had long history with. They tend to be used mostly for arts and crafts and don't make objects that are very hard wearing. My brother and I used it with great effect to make small game pieces. It really is designed for objects that are to be looked at and not handled for the most part though. The best thing if you want to work with polymer clay (Sculpey III, Fimo, Kato, etc) is to bake it in a home oven or buy a special polymer clay oven.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Hey Chris, thanks for checking out my video. I haven't seen Fabri-Cast before, thanks for pointing it out. I'll have to check that out. I'm not sure if it was just me, but the one time I tried using Polymer Clay for blanks they turned out really soft. Might have been the oven temperature though. You can do some amazing stuff with polymer clay if you're good!
@Dominicanito6
8 жыл бұрын
This was a great video, in just feeding my interest at this point, and I got a bunch of information. i will definitely be looking to your channel for more. Thank you
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+Jesse peña Thanks Jesse! I'm glad it was helpful. I have lots more in the video library. Let me know if you have any questions when you get started. I'd be glad to help out :-)
@StephensPenTurnings
5 жыл бұрын
You should update this video. 1; polyester resin from Micheals or Hobby Lobby is about $32/quart. I'm cash strapped so the guys at APA suggested Silmar41 another PR at $28 /gallon... shipping sux so figure another 30. 2 I've used PR exclusively and have turned it in 2 hours after pour. You just up the catalyst. Yes, more brittle but sharp tools and a little patience is the key. If I could afford Alumilite it would be my only resin. 3 the smell sux Try having your shop in your living room but I have very few bubbles with out a pressure pot. I'd say average of 1 pour in 10 that has a defect that is insurmountable. Nothing in resin is, ...drill it out add an accent color. 5 min epoxy etc.
@StephensPenTurnings
5 жыл бұрын
Sorry.... 1 pour in 20. These are just basic homemade pen blank molds the size of a paperback. Rarely have a bubble issue.
@larryelliott5470
7 жыл бұрын
Liked the overall view. Been thinking about this since I got into turning pens. You've answered a lot of questions.
@ZacHiggins
7 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful for you. It can be tough deciding which resin to use off the bat, but the good news is they all will produce pen blanks for you. Just a matter of which one's working characteristics you prefer
@RavenSoulcatcher
6 жыл бұрын
Was at a craft show recently and talking to one of the artists about resin. She said she used Alumilite for her jewelry pieces and that she puts them in the fridge for a few minutes to get rid of the bubbles. She said it slowed the cure time of the resin but did the job. No idea if that works or not...was kind of hoping to find a video about it but no luck so far finding one.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
I don't think it would remove air bubbles completely, but it will cool the resin off a bit. I find that it just makes it thicker though and doesn't save that much time overall.
@rustywmoore
6 жыл бұрын
One technique I've found is to lightly, and quickly brush over the resin with a butane torch. I've only worked small projects, but so far i've had great results.
@kristinekerr3688
4 жыл бұрын
Very informative! Would you do an updated version of this please?
@The78bluedevils
6 жыл бұрын
most helpful video of all i have seen, loaded with great ideas
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tony! Glad it was helpful for you =D
@laurahughes1213
8 жыл бұрын
Amazing! Thank you so much. I was looking for a relatively inexpensive, quick setting clear casting resin and had not heard about alumilite. Can't wait to give it a try.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you found the video!! I really like using Alumilite myself, it's so fast you get to see the results within an hour or so! Let me know how it works for you :-)
@somiskid
5 жыл бұрын
Hey Zac first off love your channel!! Can you pour in stages with Alumilite? For instance pour one layer then embed objects then pour the final layer?
@dr.stevenbrule9422
4 жыл бұрын
I know it's a year late but I do it without a problem...as long as you measure carefully.
@run4thecamera
6 жыл бұрын
I made myself 2 8X24" activated coconut charcoal canister filters that I set up with fans to "scrub" the air. It really works well. I figured, coconut charcoal is used in some VOC face masks and scrubs VOCs, so why not.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Nice! That should work well I'd think. Great ingenuity =D
@run4thecamera
6 жыл бұрын
I wish I could add an image of it here. I used an 8", 710 cfm, "Hyper fan Stealth" that has the silencer attached to it with variable speed. (I hate excessive shop noise.) My shop is about 4,000 cf, so I designed it to scrub the air as quickly as possible @ 6 min per air exchange. I got all my supplies from NWG Supply, which is a supplier for indoor greenhouse growers. I guess some weed growers use these to scrub those nasty smells to conceal their "hobby." I placed that in a MDF box with two 14"X 24" rectangular openings for which I added two furnace filters. So now, the whole unit has filters for my shop's air, then the canister has a prefilter sleeve on it, the Charcoal filter is a filter, of course. So in the end, the air coming out is scrubbed better than anything I could find on the open market. I placed wheels on the bottom for mobility and the "box" has a platform that sorta has become an unintentional shop work space onto which junk ends up. This fan has been running for 2 years straight to keep my shop air clean. The best part is, I made a second one for my casting days only. That one has a less expensive fan and no pre-filters. I mounted it on my ceiling. It is only for casting days to expedite air scrubbing. With the other fan running, my whole shop air should be exchanged every 3 minutes on casting days. My wife and kids haven't complained about the smells when they come out to the Fridge, so it must be working well.
@s.u.5285
4 жыл бұрын
regarding Polyester Resin...how do you get it out of pvc pipe if you cast in it?
@jaybird8621
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Zac, I forgot to ask. Cactus Juice takes awhile to ship. Taking a predicted 8 days for delivery!!! I have some EnviroTexLite Pour On epoxy resin stuff left over from a countertop project. Think that would work in a pinch for some pinecones? Stabilize in it and then pressure it?
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Pour on epoxy is not going to stabilize them, casting resins don't penetrate into the wood. It would be the same as casting in Alumilite or any other epoxy. If you want the pinecones stabilized, you'll have to wait for the CJ. If you want to cast them, any resin will do
@CIOWhitepapers
4 жыл бұрын
Very informative, thanks for making this video.
@rook2k7
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Zak, I was wondering what to use. Alan.
@TedOfNod
5 жыл бұрын
Wait a second. . .this isn’t the usual type of casting videos I watch. 🤔
@QuickSilver914
4 жыл бұрын
Hahahaha
@650tonyd
8 жыл бұрын
oh wow. we wanted to move to Carson or Minden. I'm currently in Ca, but I travel to sparks alot to go to scheels
@jessehorn6305
4 жыл бұрын
Outstanding Video. Very informative and presented well. I will subscribe from my home computer when I get home. Thank you for the assistance.
@DCason_92
9 жыл бұрын
I will also be using aluminum molds
@safaaatassi897
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Zac
@truck6859
Жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks for sharing. I want to apply a layer of slightly soft resin to a thin hooped earring, 3 - 4 inches in diameter. What kind of resin should I use, and should I dip or brush it on?
@chootrain57
9 жыл бұрын
forgot to mention I use metal skewers to put the tubes through and use a metal pan smaller than the skewers to suspend them on the lip of the pan
@every-dayjoe7654
8 жыл бұрын
Hi, one more question, What about casting with Acylic Resin? I have zero experience in acrylics but i read it is the most durable and resist UV.
@rukhone1
5 жыл бұрын
Hi thanks for video, I need to cast crystal clear pieces, let me know which one is best product, and which pressure machine should I use to get rid of bubbles
@debraminch2087
6 ай бұрын
I poured some resin into a glove in an attempt to make a ring holder. I like how it's turning out. There are areas that I might need to sand and since it's a small project im wondering if I should do this by hand or use something electric. Also same line of thinking..can it be polished? I have a dremmel tool that has A polishing attachment. Just seeking some advice. Thanks for your time
@lanceflanagan
5 жыл бұрын
I let some epoxy dry in the stainless steel kitchen sink. The mrs is going batshit.... any tips for shifting it? (the epoxy, not the woman)
@Dsmgod
9 жыл бұрын
I don't know if anyone mentioned this I don't feel like reading all the comments but +Zac Higgins you can use a vacuum chamber instead of a pressure pot, they are much safer to use then a pressure pot. If the vacuum chamber fails all you will lose is the resin and your casting where if a pressure pot fails and your close by it when it fails it can be fatal. Just my .02
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Hey Mack, thanks for checking out the video. I actually did a video on pressure vs. vacuum a little while back since I was curious about it. Unfortunately, vacuum really won't work with Alumilite since it sets so quick, but it should work fine for resins with a longer open time. It's a great option for people who are worried about using a pressure pot.
@Dsmgod
9 жыл бұрын
Oh I didn't see that video. So when I checked Alumilite's website I found out that you can do either or so I thought I would post it. But I am glade you already figured it out. I guess I should watch more of your video's and I would have learned that you already knew that. LOL
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Mack Monsees LOL, no biggie. It was a good point to bring up. I think that most of the Alumilite products that use vacuum are for silicone mold making, and you definitely have to degas those to get a nice smooth mold. Most of their casting resins are very fast setting except a couple though.
@Dsmgod
9 жыл бұрын
Alumilite Clear Alumilite Clear is a crystal clear resin that is easy to use and great for a wide variety of clear casting applications. Its low viscosity and 1:1 mix ratio by weight makes it extremely easy to use. Vacuum or pressure is recommended to achieve 100% bubble free castings but minimal bubbles can be achieved by slowly mixing and pouring the resin. It offers superior polishability than other clear resins and able to achieve maximum shine in your finished parts. Recommended for industrial use only. B side may thicken and need to be warmed before use.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Mack Monsees Have you tried using vacuum with Alumilite Clear? I'd love to see how it works out. Even when I spoke to Alumilite on the phone to ask about using vacuum with their White and Clear casting resins, they told me to use pressure.
@Schrodj1
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the vid. Alumilite works pretty well. Wish I had a vac chamber like yours though.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
+Ragnar! Thanks for checking it out. If you decide to upgrade your vac chamber, you won't be disappointed with the TurnTex. Product works excellent and the customer service is outstanding!
@Schrodj1
9 жыл бұрын
Zac Higgins I don't have one at all! I'm in bubble alley.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
+Ragnar! Oh no!! You definitely need to get one. Actually, for casting you'll want to use a pressure pot. I use vacuum for stabilizing wood only. Good news is, pressure pots are cheaper :) Harbor Freight pressure pots work fine and are the cheapest out there. If you want to skip up to the cadillac of pressure pots, go with the CA Technologies. I have videos for both of them showing how to set them up to do casting in.
@kathbrett5829
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your prompt reply, i will think about it.
@camerashycoco
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Zac, I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience with these products with us. Maybe you could share a little bit more? I'm going to sound like a crazy person; let's assume for a moment that I'm not. I am wanting to cast a pair of wedge shoe soles. Solid, clear, about 1 in under the ball of the foot up to probably about 5 in under the heel. In a perfect world, where I'm not a lunatic, and things actually work, I would then put rubber tread on the bottom, for impact and traction, and leather over-the-top for comfort, and my uppers would be glued on, not nailed or sewn on. So assuming those things, that there's not going to be great impact directly on the finished product, and I'm not going to hate wearing these because they're going to be super comfortable for my foot, is that a thing that would work with this? The alumilite clear? Or the other. Not the yellow one though. Also, if I don't care about a few bubbles do I still need a pressure pot? I'm mostly asking about how they'll hold up. Will just stepping on them, remember it's a wedge heel, so there's no thin spots, cause them to break? If I accidentally stubbed my toe while I'm wearing them will it crack? And for the sake of argument let's assume that I'm a bit hard on my shoes, how badly are they going to scratch? And if your answer is, "No! Stop! They will crumble under the weight of your expectations!" Do you have any suggestions for something that might work for what I'm doing, something that I can cast in a mold, that will hold up? And while I really like the idea of clear, it's not a deal-breaker. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks Zac
@gilgrace1915
6 жыл бұрын
I see on the Micheal's website that the sell Alumilite in the 16 oz. size...two 8 oz. bottles. They sell Quick Cast and Clear Cast. Just FYI for folks.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
I don't recommend buying resins from box stores or online warehouses, get it direct from the manufacturer or from a well known vendor who rolls over stock frequently. You never know how long it's sat on the shelf when you buy it at a box store or online warehouse, and most resins have a pretty short shelf life
@grussingcustomknives8097
8 жыл бұрын
Can u make a video on how to turn a log mabye 1.5-2 inches in diamiter (how to chop it up to where it would look good to cast for KNIFE SCALES) and cast some knife scales if so that would be sweet!
@grussingcustomknives8097
8 жыл бұрын
I have a piece of 1 inch or so in width iron wood and a piece of unknow wood 1.75 inches in width that i found in the AZ desert and i wana make some scales
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+Grussing Custom Knives I haven't made too many blanks like that before, I can give it a try and see what I come up with. I'll add it to the list of videos to shoot.
@stevenmason1674
7 жыл бұрын
Great video, very informative. Thanks
@lazaromarcel36
4 жыл бұрын
good afternoon mr zac, hello from miami , fla i been using polyester resin for 16 years , i staring using alimilite sence i was you awesome videos and comments, i purche 16oz of alimilite amazing casting resing , after mix it complete and clear of bubble its star getting hot , i thought tha it will be 2 minutes working time , i made some pasta casting and almost could not put it in the casting pot why , thank you
@atcguy77
9 жыл бұрын
Zac, thanks for the video, but it does leave me with two questions. I want to make pens turnings by painting the brass white and then applying a company logo decal to the tube before casting in resin. 1) Which would you recommend for the clearest resin? Crystal clear with no color at all would be best for my project. 2) Which cures the hardest and buffs out best to a high gloss shine? Thanks in advance.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
atcguy77 That's a good question. I don't think there is a big enough difference to even worry about, but I haven't done a side by side test for something like this. Technically, PR & epoxy are a bit harder, but also more brittle and can be prone to chipping. If price is an issue, you can't go wrong with PR. Alumilite costs a bit more, but find it to be a nicer to work with. You can always buy some PR first to use for this casting, and then switch if don'l like it.
@rustypanels1917
9 жыл бұрын
Hi Zac, great informative video. Your answers to peoples questions below are well advised. I'm subscribing to your chanel, and look forward to your video's Cheers Shayne......Australia
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Hey Shayne, thanks for the kind words and for subscribing. I've got lots more planned, so keep an eye out for more videos coming soon.
@stevenlsobel
8 жыл бұрын
Great Video...have you ever tried Silmar 41? I have used Alumilite and Silmar 41. I'm not sure of the pros and cons between the two except cost. A gallon of Silmar is 37 bucks, with hardener. Yea, it stinks and takes the night the night to cure. But in larger quantities of casting, it's cheaper in the long run.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve! Yeah, Silmar is polyester resin. I don't like that stuff myself. I prefer spending the extra money on Alumilite, it turns like butter and doesn't come with a laundry list of other issues that I don't like.
@jackmack9325
9 жыл бұрын
awesome video, very informative cant wait to give it a try
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Awesome Jack! I'd be interested to see what you make, send photos or a link if you get a chance.
@00mangel
9 жыл бұрын
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@kenwilson7968
10 ай бұрын
When using thin silicone molds what pressure is used in a pressure pot. Thin I mean a jar mold.
@jbafternoonpiper404
5 жыл бұрын
Good video. I just casted my first blank. I used the poly acrylic and the PVC tube. I'm going to try turning pipe stems. I really didn't get the bad fumes you talked about. Thus stuff won't be toxic after it cures will it?
@icespeckledhens
5 жыл бұрын
I bought some glasscast epoxy resin, in the UK, and also some pigments. When I got home I saw they were translucent and I don't think they are suitable for pen making unless you like seeing brass tubes wrapped in glue, I was offered opaque pigments but I don't think they are suitable either. Somebody suggested mica colours but the only ones, I see, have pearls or glitter in them and are cosmetic. Any suggestions what I can use? Thanks for the videos with their no frills advice. James
@marmao78
5 жыл бұрын
Congratulations. Great video!! Is it possible to use resin to make molds for plastic injection?
@roseshayer4608
2 жыл бұрын
I'm looking to cast and then make block heels for shoemaking. Do you think the clear epoxy would be strong enough for that?
@UndeadArmy420
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video very useful
@jaybird8621
6 жыл бұрын
I agree 100% Zac. My one time experience (from not knowing better)with Polyester Resin was a threat to my marriage and a threatened butt kickin from the wife if I do that again. Lol. Smell is horribly obnoxious. If casting blanks requires PR, then I guess I’ll be buying them ready made. Im moving to Alumilte now.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Haha, yep that stuff is horrible!! Alumilite is much nicer to work with, and the blanks turn a lot better than the PR anyway. I think they should change their marketing slogan to "Save Your Marriage, Use Alumilite" =D
@alekos557
8 жыл бұрын
Another nice video.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you :-)
@MrPtcrazy13069
6 жыл бұрын
Quick question....I just wondered if the Alumilite smells when cutting, drilling and turning it? I have purchased some acrylic blanks from a couple of on-line sources, and they quickly stink up the whole shop when cutting, drilling and turning. If Alumilite is a lot less smelly, that would be my choice to start pouring my own blanks...Thanks for all the great videos, they've been very helpful to us noobies.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
That's a good question Dana, and you're in luck! Alumilite doesn't have the nasty smell that polyester resin and acrylic acetate blanks have, you'll love working with it. No nasty smell when casting it either, win-win =D I'm glad that my videos are helpful, and it's great to hear that you're thinking about diving in and making your own blanks. I think you're going to have a blast!!
@johnaurand4090
6 жыл бұрын
I figure that you can us a painting pot also would do the same thing.
@Catapults4U
9 жыл бұрын
Great video, most helpful thanks for sharing
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
@13426511
6 жыл бұрын
You should add a link to the pressure pot video in the description, so we can find it without searching... I don't even know where to begin looking for it.
@willebanks
5 жыл бұрын
Try Walmart...A bit pricey but they have them. You can even order it and have it shipped directly to your home.
@spek1174
4 жыл бұрын
that's the thing. experimenting can be expensive for an amateur like me. I've got a few live edge tables I'd like to fill cracks and knots in. so not a lot of product needed. would west systems or incredible solutions epoxy be a good 1st purchase?
@officialwalldoe6988
3 жыл бұрын
Which one would you say is best for casting cubes and pyramids?
@davieboy198607
9 жыл бұрын
Planning on using poly resin mixed with fiberglass shreds to do a transom pour 1.5 inches thick on my speedboat. Which type is best for me to use? Rigid and strong
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
***** I'm really not that knowledgeable when it comes to that type of application. I would suggest talking to Andy over at Boatworks Today . He'll be able to give you a much better recommendation than I can. His channel is kzitem.info or you can find him on his website: boatworkstoday.com/
@minxyc8811
3 жыл бұрын
Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me what would be the best epoxy for making coasters. I just started out and have tried a few diff. But have had some still ticking to heat and apparently so have other people. Thanks so much. I have been using super Magic fly, Magic resin and Easy Cast epoxy resin . If you have any suggestion without super toxic Fumes that would be great. 😊
@bindlestitch1
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info, Zac. It helps a ton.
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
+Turley Knives Glad it was helpful. If you have any questions about casting, I'd be glad to help out.
@TheRealWilsonn
Жыл бұрын
Are there any food safe castings out there that you could recommend?
@TallyfromtheValley7
4 жыл бұрын
Anyone else get into resin crafting during quarantine?
@howardhampton1613
6 жыл бұрын
I wish someone would show exactly how to polish the resin to a high shine please
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
I have a video that shows my method of sanding/polishing that might help: kzitem.info/news/bejne/lJ59zGynfJZ0lJw
@joesheble5458
5 жыл бұрын
Hey Zac, since this is 4 years old, any chance of an update on different resins, specific for turning? I've been using Alumilite Clear Slow, but on some of my deep pours I'm noticing it's very slightly yellow and am looking for a more clear casting, but allows for deep pours. It's not horribly yellow, but it's not glass clear either, so what is a good recommendation for crystal clear in color, but still turns as smoothly and cleanly as Alumilite, with a decent curing time (the thing I love about Alumilite is the fast curing time, and the ease in which it turns...)
@steviebrown7478
3 ай бұрын
What's the best resin for making robot toys
@andrewgrover
9 жыл бұрын
Great summary Zac. I am getting close to the point that I want to do some casting, and this is good info. For the record, West system makes a "clear" hardener for their epoxy resin that cures clear rather than yellow. Also I have a question: have you compared the Alumilite Clear to the Water Clear in use?
@ZacHiggins
9 жыл бұрын
Andrew Grover Hey Andrew, welcome aboard!! I also have a video that covers the different hardeners from West System, and a little side by side test to see the colors each makes. Included is the 207. I haven't personally used the water clear, but I can say that it's pretty similar to "clear", except it's a bit softer. The "Clear" will generally give you a tad brighter polish, and I think it's a better choice for most people. Either will work though.
@christiandehlinger3731
4 жыл бұрын
Zac, what about tinsel strength of these different resins? I am interested in bend & break of 1/4 - 3/8" material.
@albertmcguinness2078
8 жыл бұрын
Can all of these resins you are talking about be put in the pressure pot to eradicate bubbles ?
@larrynailon8632
8 жыл бұрын
Hi Zac, thanks so much for video comparing the 3 products. Had been looking for that. I want to make knife handles. Would one work any better than the others.
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+Larry Nailon No, not really. They will all work fine for it. For the most part you just need to choose one that fits your budget and pick the one with working characteristics you like. PR is the cheapest, but it requires a well ventilated work area. I find Alumilite to be the best product for machining/turning out of the three because it's less brittle, plus I like the fast cure time and set 1:1 mix ratio.
@sakthornton5626
6 жыл бұрын
I would like to see all of your projects.
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Got quite a few of them up on video, but there are still lots of videos that I haven't edited yet
@jf6720
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, just what I was looking for. So alumilite is the only one that needs a pressure pot? If not when would you use one for PR or epoxy?
@13426511
6 жыл бұрын
Great video!
@ZacHiggins
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks John, glad it was helpful. I'm not sure which pressure pot video you're looking for, but here's my playlist with all the videos about pressure pots I have: kzitem.info/door/PLoeB-EPC_91uBZHKS1mbeoy9AZyjjZmrA
@13426511
6 жыл бұрын
Beginning at 14:03.
@MrSteveieM
8 жыл бұрын
Mostly pen and bottle stopper blanks
@ZacHiggins
8 жыл бұрын
+Steve Muise Do you plan to embed wood or other objects? If so, I'd probably go with Alumilite. It bonds pretty well to wood. I'm partial to Alumilite myself, and it's generally the nicest to turn. I also like that it has a 1:1 mix ratio and it cures fast. Only real drawback to Alumilite is you need to use a pressure pot with it, but I don't really see that as a huge drawback. I wouldn't recommend West System epoxy, it's way more expensive than the other two and doesn't have much benefit over PR other than it doesn't smell. PR is the cheapest and you don't need to use a pressure pot with it, but the fumes are toxic and horrible, and it's more brittle than Alumilite. Regardless of which resin you use, they all produce beautiful blanks. You can't really go wrong with either, it's more a matter of which one you would prefer to work with.
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