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Hi everyone

CLA001

Apprentice Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2014
Posts
3
Location
Northants
First Name
Clive
Hi everyone - just came across this forum and it really great to find such a resource based in the UK.

I'm an enthusiastic if not particularly gifted woodturner of a couple of years and started making pens as my first project. Now I really want to get to grips with making my own blanks. I have read a lot but I am struggling a bit with making my blanks.

I have built my own vacuum chamber from an old fridge compressor and saucepan etc. and had limited success. After much reading I think maybe I should just go all out an invest in a proper pressure vessel which I can run of my compressor.
I'm also looking for hints and tips on making my own moulds and where to buy all the sticky stuff from, and I sure that this forum will help.
I'm based in Northants and although chained to a desk most days, im never happier than when I escape to my shed.....
Regards
Clive
 

silver

General dogsbody
Executive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Posts
6,301
Location
Somewhere in Staffordshire,
First Name
Eamonn.
Welcome Clive,

There are a yew on here that do there own casting with and without vacuume pots so you should get the help you need.

Looking forward to seeing some of your work..:thumbs:
 

Goulss

Registered
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Posts
703
Location
Heighington, Lincs
First Name
Stewart
Welcome, pull up a chair and peruse a while, I don't know anything about your specific query, but I am sure someone will be along soon to help:thumbs:
 

Buckeye

ペンメーカー
Executive Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Posts
9,697
Location
UK
First Name
Peter
Hi everyone - just came across this forum and it really great to find such a resource based in the UK.

I'm an enthusiastic if not particularly gifted woodturner of a couple of years and started making pens as my first project. Now I really want to get to grips with making my own blanks. I have read a lot but I am struggling a bit with making my blanks.

I have built my own vacuum chamber from an old fridge compressor and saucepan etc. and had limited success. After much reading I think maybe I should just go all out an invest in a proper pressure vessel which I can run of my compressor.
I'm also looking for hints and tips on making my own moulds and where to buy all the sticky stuff from, and I sure that this forum will help.
I'm based in Northants and although chained to a desk most days, im never happier than when I escape to my shed.....
Regards
Clive

Hi Clive welcome to the forum.

here are some places to buy your resin and pigments from

Casting Plaster, Plaster-of-Paris, Moulding in Modroc, Alginate, Latex, Silicone, Craft Materials & Kits, Water- & Weather-Resistant Plasters, ...
Fibreglass, Glass Fibre, Gelcoat, GRP, Polyester Epoxy Resin - CFS Fibreglass Supplies
Buy fiberglass and composites supplies online UK - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies
Resins, Gel Coats, Silicones and Adhesives - Easy Composites

You can get silicon from all 3 for making moulds. I buy Vinamold from Maragon for making moulds it is re-useable by heating it up if you make a hash of the mould or are finished using it.

Regards
Peter
 

paulm

grave manibus faciendum
Registered
Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Posts
12,046
Location
Sandford
First Name
Paul
Hi Clive welcome to the forum. I haven't delved into the plastics side yet... there are plenty on the site who have but most are currently taking their morning medicine at the moment... but should be with you soon.
:funny::funny:
 

Grump

Grand Master
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Posts
10,504
Location
Stevenage
First Name
Brian
Welcome Clive, I think you will be happy with the advise you will get from everyone except me, so I won't say anything just yet init?
 

Woody

Registered
Joined
Jul 12, 2013
Posts
12,812
Location
at home
First Name
no
Hi Clive and welcome I'm sure you will get all the help you need there are a few on here who make some excellent blanks but just a quick warning please guard your sanity with your there are a few well quite a few right royal nutters and plonkers on this here forum who are looking to afflict others the nutter's just cant help themselves there mad as haters but the plonkers well they even have a chairman and always on the lookout for new members
 

donwatson

Fellow
Joined
May 27, 2014
Posts
2,714
Location
Glenrothes, Fife
First Name
Donald
Welcome Clive, quite a few here interested in casting, and making moulds,blanks etc.
I agree with buckeye about resources, so if you just wait awhile until we've had our medicine ....:wink:

take care
Don W
 

CLA001

Apprentice Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2014
Posts
3
Location
Northants
First Name
Clive
Wow! - Thanks for such a warm welcome most unexpected and appreciated.
I look forward to learning with such an esteemed bunch of err... gentlemen *grins*.
Regards
Clive
 

bassethound

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
Posts
7,581
Location
East Sussex
First Name
Ted
Hello Clive, welcome to the asylum! you will get plenty of advice here, enjoy it before you end up like the rest of us!:goesred:
 

Jim

Grand Master
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Posts
15,617
Welcome Clive, you may be better asking your question in the Casting forum, not everyone will see your question in this forum .. I have quite a number of blanks that i have put by hoping to stabilize them when i get around to getting myself a vacuum chamber etc .. Regarding blanks i have a pressure pot that i use but to be honest i have the same results when i don't use it .. :bwink:
 

Dalboy

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Posts
7,679
Location
Kent
First Name
Derek
Welcome Clive if you don't want to go mad leave now on the other hand if you are a nutter then stay and enjoy the banter. I am sure the right people will answer your question
 
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