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Post by jerryb on Nov 14, 2018 19:43:36 GMT -5
Living in Ohio the outside temperatures are all over the place. Right now it's in the low thirties. I have two small space heaters that I can direct the warm air on my stabilizing chamber and my pressure pot. I am using a 12 X 15 utility shed. Is it even worth the effort to try to stabilize and/or try to cast in my pressure pot?
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Post by notoes on Nov 15, 2018 11:05:24 GMT -5
Now I don't know what the exact effect the weather will have on the pressure pot as I don't own one (someone who has one please chime in!) but I do know that cold will effect making molds of any kind and casting resins. Cold will slow down the curing time (sometimes it does even more damage than that) and it's better to work in an environment that is around 70 degrees (consistently that temp if possible) to get good results. What are you trying to make?
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Post by jerryb on Nov 19, 2018 17:47:01 GMT -5
Thanks for reply. I’m casting pen blanks, some with stabilized wood. I have moved my stabilizing chamber and pressure pot into my basement so I should be fine.
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Post by notoes on Nov 23, 2018 7:53:21 GMT -5
You're welcome! That was a good move, you'll be able to control the environment more. Plus it will be easier to get motivated to work if it's closer to where you are the most. Or at least that's what happens to me. Happy making and don't feel shy about showing off your work or asking more questions here.
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Post by Bill C on Dec 16, 2018 10:54:10 GMT -5
I have seen some slowing in full cure of molds in cooler weather. I always place molds in an oven at about 150 degrees F. for one or two hours depending on the size of the mold to attain a full cure with the part in the mold. And doing this for each part of the mold if there are more than one part. Then post curing the mold rubber for two hours with the part removed to ensure there is a full cure.
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Post by Bill C on Dec 16, 2018 22:21:29 GMT -5
Just a bit more experience in using heat to cure; if you are using Alumilite synthetic modeling clay in making the mold, wait for 90% of the mold rubbers' cure time before adding heat. Heat will soften the clay which could distort the mold.
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Post by notoes on Dec 23, 2018 8:44:25 GMT -5
I usually use heat too when "expediting" a cure. I use either my hair dryer (just for surface firming up) or I do a couple zaps in the microwave. And there's two ways of doing the microwave thing - 1) the "mold warming" way of 1 minute on high and 2) put a bowl of water with soaked paper towels in the microwave on high for 2 minutes and then popping the mold in (don't run the microwave) for 10 minutes. I like the microwave methods better than the oven simply because it's faster, both methods work fine.
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