Resin casting question

[Daniej01]

I am going to try my hand at casting my own parts. Never done it. I have been doing research on it and bought a kit to try. My question is: would an ac vacuum pump (to remove air trapped in the mold) work? Trying to keep the cost down. It's only 15 bucks at harber freight

Edited June 28, 2012 by Daniej01

[Daniej01]

I forgot to mention that it connects to an air compressor to make it work.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes, it should work. Vacuum is vacuum. At the rated 4.2 cubic feet per minute on the label, it should move enough air quick enough to de-gas your resin, especailly in a smallish mold. You really need some kind of vacuum gauge on the line, with a bleeder valve. i've seen people get carried away thinking more vacuum is better, and collapse a mold.

It is important to be able to evacuate the resin quick, before it starts to gel. You need to experiment.

Here is a link to some free online resin casting and mold-making videos.....highly recommended if you've never done this kind of thing before.

http://www.freemansupply.com/video.htm

[Daniej01]

Thanks for the help. I will try it at some point. The pressure pot is the way to go.