SPA Modeler

I haven’t been doing a lot of modelling recently (nor visiting this forum. Sorry for that).
But in the free time that I did have I tried to make a rig for pressure casting resin.

It failed.

As some of you might remember I have made some masters for wheels and gun pods for the MiG-3 in 1/72 scale. Having read up on resin casting I found that there are two main ways to ensure bubble free resin. You can either vacuum cast or pressure cast. If you vacuum cast you pull the bubbles out of the resin. If you pressure cast you make the bubbles smaller by putting pressure on it. Since I already have a compressor I thought pressure casting would be the best way forward.
So I bought a small (1 litre) paint pot and a hose and some others stuff to attach the pot to my compressor.
It didn’t work at first, I had air leaking out. So I sealed all the holes I found, used a new rubber O ring etc. to stop the leaking. This worked when I tested it at 2 Bar. I then wanted to run a second test at 2,5 Bar (target pressure for casting is 3 Bar). But either I didn’t close the lid properly (I was distracted) or the pressure was to much. Either way the lid was blown of as soon as I opened the valve. It flew away, damaging the pressure pot, the whole thing is off set and can not be used anymore. It also hurt my finger but not much. And my wife banned me from doing further experiments in the house.

All in all I think I will just try some unpressurised casting first.


And a little pic of the damage.

Oh my, must have been a bang!

Sorry to hear of your finger, but seriously, it could have gone so much worse !

But don't give up yet Borg, you are almost there! The metal of the paintpot is not designed to stand such pressures, but there are other pots available (and necessarily without any bigger investments, in 2nd hand shops, "kringwinkels" etc)

Your casting projects and experiments are very interesting to follow!

But of course, safety first!

- Kari

You would be right at home in the southern U. S.! “Hold my beer...”

Good to hear all is ok for the most part. Perhaps a pressure cooker?

Good to know that you haven't been hurt too bad! Take care doing further pressure experiments, stay safe!

Woops!
Your wife just said in the house right? So the garage and back yard are still fair game?
I think the best way to go forward is to buy a cheap pressure cooker and start from there. Theyre designed to handle the pressure of what youre trying to do and will hold up to the stresses better. Amazon has a couple for just under 40euro.
If that cant be used add a slow release valve, so when youre taking the pressure out you can ease it off, rather than all at once.

I'm glad you're okay. Like Mike said, the garage and backyard are still open for experimenting right? Don't give up yet!

Wow! Glad you're ok!

Yes, I can still proceed with my experiments outside the house. I am currently on vacation by when I am back I will runs some tests on mixing the silicone, casting etc.

Good thing you are ok, never thought that would happen!