Casting multiple copies?

[Racerchad2]

I am wantimg to cast multiple copies of some engine parts. I have bought the alumalite and used it with great success, but ? Is I need more casting material to make molds, Where can I get a better quanity for making molds for a good price??? I am familiar with smooth on but u sure of what to buy and pricing.

[A20havoc]

Smooth on Oomoo 30 is pretty easy to use 1 to 1 by volume and cures quickly. I use a pressure pot for resin and rubber, but if your careful you can get great results without pressure or vacuum.

[shucky]

Been using Smooth On Mold Max 14NV for the past couple months and its been fantastic so far. I used Alumilite HS 2 for a few years with great results also but the 14NV is a bit more cost effective and has been wonderful to work with so far.

[Racerchad2]

How much can u cast with smooth on mold max ? Im wanting to cast multiple engine pieces and do not want to spend a furtune on material for just the mold as I already have the resin for the casting.

[Chief Joseph]

If cost is your number one concern, go to Hobby Lobby and use their 40%-off coupon on the 1lb Alumilite High Strength 3 kit. It will be $18 plus tax, and that's about the smallest amount you will pay for good rubber. Anything else will be $25 or more if you have get it shipped to you. One pound is not a lot of rubber, but it should get you at least three or four small molds. You need to use a scale to measure the 10:1 ratio, though.

[Racerchad2]

Yes chief joseph that is the one I have used before with great results but I need more material for making molds. I'm okay with 3-5 pounds if possible for I don't know about $35-$45 if that's possible. I just need more than 1 pound for a good price.

[Chief Joseph]

$35-$45 will only get you 2lbs of a quality rubber from just about any supplier. If you are comfortable using the 10:1 mix stuff, try the Mold Max 14NV that Mike suggested. It is very good and I get more pulls from a mold with it compared to the older Mold Max formulas, plus it cures in just 4 hours. A 2lb kit is about $38 shipped directly from Smooth-On or one of their distributors.

[Greg Wann]

A half gallon kit weighs 7 pounds according to Aeromarine products. They have a website. They also sell on Ebay. I use the silicone they sell that has a purple activator, it smells like grape soda. It is a 10:1 mix. I buy a 5 gallon kit that weighs 44 pounds. With the shipping charge to me, the cost is around $10.00 a pound. They are located in San Diego, California. You can get a 1 to 1 mix silicone from them for $67.00 plus about $13.00 for postage for a half gallon kit. You might search on your computer for a local distributor.

Edited December 21, 2013 by Greg Wann

[Racerchad2]

Okay thanks for the responses. I think I may be best just doing the 1lb kits from hobby lobby. This casting and resin stuff is so expensive for personal use haha

[Greg Wann]

I buy SMOOTH-ON TASK 8 resin. I buy a two gallon kit for under a hundred bucks. Two gallons of resin will make a butt load of parts! I purchase it from Reynolds Advanced Materials located in Tempe, AZ off of Mill Avenue. They used to be a Polytek distributor. I was happy to learn that Niki, Aaron and another guy were not let go.

[Racerchad2]

Okay thanks for the responses. I think I may be best just doing the 1lb kits from hobby lobby. This casting and resin stuff is so expensive for personal use haha