James Combs
02-24-2012, 9:57 PM
Wanted to try my hand at casting pen blanks other then imbedded object style blanks(ie watch parts, feathers, etc). I reviewed several videos of various methods and molding techniques. Generally I found two different methods of molding. If I were to give them names I would call one vertical(uses PVC pipe) and the other horizontal(uses rectangular flat molds. There were others that were more or less variations of these two. To see which one worked best for me I thought I would try them both. Also there is several resins with Alumilite and Polyester being the two most popular. I wasn't interested in doing any kind of scientific study but just a first impression trial. I cut a piece of 3/4 PVC and plugged one end for a vertical trial and made a 4x5" flat mold out of some scrap UHMW I have. I poured the PVC with Alumilite dyed with blue Alumilite dye and small amount of blue pearlescent powder. Poured the flat mold with two batches of PR in a swirl pattern. Batch 1 was PR and purple pearlescent and 2 was PR and white pearlescent. I let the Alumilite cure at atmospheric pressure but placed the PR in a pressure pot at 50psi. These are the results. Most of these are the same results others have reported on the IAP forums. Again nothing scientific just my impressions.
This is the PR. Pen is a Chrome Slimline using two white painted brass tubes.
225077
PR and Flat Mold Observations:
-Slow to cure - accelerated with toaster oven
-Easy to mix and use
-Accepted the Alumilite dyes OK
-Easy material to turn, may be a little brittle but nothing dramatic
-Makes long curlies that break up by them selves
-Polishes to a brilliant glassy shine
-PR has an extreme odor
-Mold is easy see how the mixture is "swirling"
-Mold is easy to use
-Mold is rather wasteful being it makes square blanks
This is the Alumilite. Pen is a Chrome Slimline using one white brass tube(bottom) and one unpainted brass tube(top). The top looks a little brassy in person. There is just barely a hint of it in the photo.
225078
Faster to cure
-Easy to mix and use
-Lots of compatible dyes available
-Very easy to turn, could detect no brittle ness
-Makes "overly" long and tough curlies requiring frequent stoping and clearing.
-Does not shine up like PR. Coated it with CA to get a shine.
-Alumilite is pretty much odorless
-Mold is easy to use but not very visible
-Mold uses less resin
-Mold is one shot use with Alumilite due to no shrinkage of resin.
-Blank had many pin holes due to unpressurized curing.
Personal conclusions:
I like the PR overall results best and will probably stay with it for future projects. UMMV
This is the PR. Pen is a Chrome Slimline using two white painted brass tubes.
225077
PR and Flat Mold Observations:
-Slow to cure - accelerated with toaster oven
-Easy to mix and use
-Accepted the Alumilite dyes OK
-Easy material to turn, may be a little brittle but nothing dramatic
-Makes long curlies that break up by them selves
-Polishes to a brilliant glassy shine
-PR has an extreme odor
-Mold is easy see how the mixture is "swirling"
-Mold is easy to use
-Mold is rather wasteful being it makes square blanks
This is the Alumilite. Pen is a Chrome Slimline using one white brass tube(bottom) and one unpainted brass tube(top). The top looks a little brassy in person. There is just barely a hint of it in the photo.
225078
Faster to cure
-Easy to mix and use
-Lots of compatible dyes available
-Very easy to turn, could detect no brittle ness
-Makes "overly" long and tough curlies requiring frequent stoping and clearing.
-Does not shine up like PR. Coated it with CA to get a shine.
-Alumilite is pretty much odorless
-Mold is easy to use but not very visible
-Mold uses less resin
-Mold is one shot use with Alumilite due to no shrinkage of resin.
-Blank had many pin holes due to unpressurized curing.
Personal conclusions:
I like the PR overall results best and will probably stay with it for future projects. UMMV