SmoothOn vs Alumilite

[aurfalien]

Hi,

I was happy wtih Alumilte but ran out and bought PinkSil as it was cheaper.  It's ok for simpler shapes like fenders etc... as it dries fast.  But for complex ones like engines I'd shy away from it.

I was about to buy the new Alumilite Silicone RTV 3 stuff but saw SmoothOn which is a bit cheaper.

How does SmoothOn compare in making smaller parts like carbs, engines etc...? 

[my66s55]

I have been using Smooth On for about 14 years and wouldn't use any thing else. Here is an Olds engine that I cast about a month ago. I cast 1:25 inside door hardware and they come out beautifully. Currently I am molding with their Mold Star 30 and casting with their Smooth Cast 310. I use a pressure pot at about 40-42 psi.

                      

[426-Hemi]

Smooth On........? I know of Alumilite but this other one I haven't heard of!

[peteski]

 Great resource! http://www.smooth-on.com/  Their product range is wider than Aliumilite (although in the last 15 years Alumilite started to catch up to Smooth-On).  For most of my casting needs (which isn't much) I still usually go to Smooth-On.

Edited December 28, 2015 by peteski

[aurfalien]

Currently I am molding with their Mold Star 30 and casting with their Smooth Cast 310. I use a pressure pot at about 40-42 psi.

Must you use a pressure pot?  I simply cast and work my bubbles out and assume the pot is to remove bubbles?

I'm eyeing the OOMOO 30.

 

[my66s55]

Both the Mold Star and Smooth Cast are bubble free or close to it. The trick to using the Smooth Cast is to pour parts A & B into separate containers, let them sit for a few minutes to clear any bubbles. Then gently combine the two and gingerly stir so as to not create any new bubbles and pour. The pressure pot, I have found, forces resin into all tiny areas and gives a nicer cast.

[aurfalien]

Both the Mold Star and Smooth Cast are bubble free or close to it. The trick to using the Smooth Cast is to pour parts A & B into separate containers, let them sit for a few minutes to clear any bubbles. Then gently combine the two and gingerly stir so as to not create any new bubbles and pour. The pressure pot, I have found, forces resin into all tiny areas and gives a nicer cast.

Cool deal, thanks man.

Based on Alumilte info, I refridgerate my A & B resin for about an hour after shaking.  I then mix gently and poor a thin stream from a good height into the mold.

Seems to work fine but I would prefer a pressure pot by the sounds of it.  I simply don't have a real work shop yet.

Edited December 28, 2015 by aurfalien

[Steven Zimmerman]

I used ALUMILITE for over 4 years; switched to VAGABOND, out of Chicago a year ago and am very very happy with it..........'Z'

[MoparWoman Jamie]

I use to use Smooth-On 5 years ago, I heard of Alumilite but haven't tried it though. I really like Smooth-On alot and will continue to use it in my upcoming year.