Resin Casting

[silversurfer1947]

As a consequence of my clumsiness, I have to create a small item for my Panzer 1. It would be a straightforward resin casting. However, I am not setting up an assembly line, so does anyone know where in the UK I can get small quantities of silicone mould making and resin casting compounds at a reasonable price, please? I thought I found one place, but the delivery costs were massive.

[Model Builder 4]

Depending on what you need to cast Richard I would recommend a product called 'Blue stuff' it's from the company 'Green stuff' ( confusing I know ) it's reusable and you just need to soften it in boiling water for a couple of minutes and press whatever you need to cast into it. Once set after another couple of minutes you can remove the original piece and pour resin into the mould for a perfect copy, take a look on YouTube, there's quite a few videos that can explain it much better

Cheers, Lee.

[silversurfer1947]

Thanks Lee. It is a very simple moulding, I think. Too tricky for me to scratch build but would be simple to cast. I will have a look at the videos.

[Model Builder 4]

This is one video from YouTube Richard, you can use resin in the mould or even milliput or similar putty

Cheers, Lee.

phpBB [video]

[Will01Capri]

Oh wowser. I think i better get Catherine looking into this, thats way cool.
That could open up a few ideas i have in mind, thanks for the share guys

[silversurfer1947]

I have some on order and will report back on how I get on.

[Model Builder 4]

I find the blue stuff very useful for moulding small parts quickly, I have made some rucksacks for the sides of my Sherman's and even a new mantlet for my hetzer with this. You are not limited to using resin either, you can also use milliput or similar putty and press it into the mould and leave to set

Cheers,Lee.

[tankme]

I just recently bought some low cost clear resin from Amazon to use to strengthen my ZTZ-99 lower. It worked great for that. Next I would like to try making some molds and casting a few duplicates of parts for personal use. I found one thing out while using the resin...heed the warnings in the directions that came with it. Also, if there is a small hole or gap no matter how small...plug it with putty or hot glue. Don't use tape. I mixed up about 8oz of resin for the lower not knowing how much it would take to cover. 8oz was more than enough, but I think I lost at least of couple of ounces as it seeped out of every hole I missed in the chassis. I totally overlooked filling the torsion spring adjustment holes so I had resin dripping out of every suspension mounting point. What a mess to clean up. Luckily the resin was easily cleaned with acetone on the metal parts and isopropyl alcohol on the plastic parts while it was wet. I got most of it cleaned before it set.

[silversurfer1947]

Got the mould done. It was very easy. Went to try my first casting, so got out my Milliput. I think it has gone off. It says it has a long shelf life, but one of the sticks has gone very hard. Is it recoverable or only fit for the bin? Not the first time this has happened. I never need that much and having to buy a new pack each time seems very wasteful. Open to alternative suggestions

[Model Builder 4]

You could try adding a little bit of water to it Richard and kneading it until it softens or maybe even warming it a little using an heat gun to see if it makes it more malleable, I've had one of the sticks do a similar thing but I found working it with a bit of water worked for me

Cheers, Lee.