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Cast Metal

Casting Resin, Resin Casting, Metal Casting

 

Metal casting is known and loved for the high temperatures, glowing molten metal, and the possibility to make nearly anything. Metal and their alloys are not the only things that can be used in casting. Casting in plastic, most notably resin casting, is becoming popular with artists and jewelers looking for something odd and unique.

Resin casting does not involve the use of furnaces, crucibles, or casting sand. In fact all one really needs for resin casting is a mold, some resin (of course), and time.

There are actually two forms of resin casting. The first kind is the one that more closely resembles metal casting, uses a mold and even gates and runners if it's complex enough. The second type of resin casting is simply incasing an object in the resin. An example of this is using an ice cube tray and placing an object like a small pendant in one of the tray's cavities and then filling it with the resin solution. After the resin dries you can pop it out of the tray. The pendant is now encased in hard plastic. This form is usually employed by jewelers and crafty moms but tends to be fun for everyone no matter age or experience. At the very least it's a great way to get rid of some of the clutter around your house and disguise it as art. You can cast leaves, coins, and other objects in the resin to make anything from charms to magnets.

Resin casting using mold is generally used by those who work with models and miniatures. Resin casting is a great way to make several pieces at once so you can avoid shelling out money you may not have and waiting several weeks for delivery of your items. Who has that kind of time anymore?

Like metal casting, resin casting will require you to build a mold. If you are fortunate enough then you can easily find pre-made molds, especially if you are working with miniatures. If you don't feel like buying these pre-made molds or just like doing things the hard way, then you will have to make the mold yourself. Don't worry, it's still fun.

You will need to find a molding box this will hold the rubber that will be used to make the actual mold until it dries. Many who work with smaller objects find that working with toy building blocks to create this molding block work extremely well and will provide added convenience. A wooden box will work as well, of course. The box, or flask, will not have a top or bottom, just the four walls. Place molding clay at the bottom of the flask and insert your original. Make sure to add a way for the resin plastic to enter the mold. This cup or funnel should be placed at the top of the mold. You are going to prepare the silicone rubber and catalyst which will be used to create the mold. Follow the instructions on the labels since each type will vary. A process called degassing can be used which will remove all the air bubbles from the rubber. This is a fun process involving a vacuum pump.

Slowly pour the rubber into the flask, covering the original. This can take up to a day to dry, so be patient. Remove the molding clay and repeat the process using the bottom part of the flask, or drag. You should have two parts now, with the original in the middle. When dry, remove the mold from the box and very carefully split the mold to remove the original.

Place the mold back together and prepare the resin solution, follow the instructions to the letter. Pour the resin into the top of the mold, where you placed the cup. The set time for the resin should be stated on the bottle, but for most it will take up to 30 minutes. When ready crack the mold open and remove the cast.

Resin casting can be a great family craft project but just make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines. This type of casting can still be dangerous even though you are not dealing with molten metals. Often times, the solutions and chemicals used in resin casting are poisonous if consumed. Not to mention that resin casting can be a bit smelly so working outside or in a well ventilated room is advisable.

About the Author

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Antique Cast Metal Table Lamp $349 Antique Cast Metal Table Lamp

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Die Cast Metal Car Assortment Pkg/25 $7.99 Race into some fun with this Die Cast Metal Car Assortment. Die cast metal cars come in an assortment of colors.

25pc Die-Cast Metal Cars $12.99 Your child will keep busy for hours playing with this 25-piece car set. Quality crafted of die-cast metal, each car is beautifully designed, 1:64 scale and features plastic wheels that roll for action and fun! Imported.

Seashells Cast Metal Wall Decor $79 As if tumbled by the tide in an artful arrangement, these dimensional scallop shells shimmer with a bronze glow. Handcrafted of cast metal with a speckled finish. Keyhole hangers. 12" x 22 1/2". Sorry, no Express Delivery.

Die-Cast Metal Knights 5-Pack $6.99 Defend your castle! What a novel(ty) idea! Makes a great, wacky gift! These 1 1/2-inch tall knights are intricately detailed, from their faces to their armor, and have a gorgeous pewter-like finish. Each set features five distinctively different men at arms. Made of solid die-cast metal. Illustrated blistercard. Order yours today!

Late George II Girandole with Foliate Cast Metal Sconces $49.99 Late George II Girandole with Foliate Cast Metal Sconces - Giclee Print

Vic Firth Cast Metal Drum Key $8.45 Vic Firth VICKEY Stylish wearable tool of the trade. Cast metal drum key features Vic Firth logo embedded in key handle and detaches from neck strap for quick accessibility. Not for use in high-tension marching applications.

Hanayama Metal Cast Puzzle: Seahorse $11.98 The Seahorse is one of the most unusual of ocean finds. Now, thanks to inventor Akio Yamamoto, two of these captivating creatures have gotten themselves tangled together! It is up to you to separate them so that they can freely float off into the sea! Type: Puzzles & Logic Games Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Hanayama Metal Cast Puzzle: Claw $11.98 How this crab caught a ring in its claw is beyond explanation; but inventor Akio Yamamoto did design a solution to make it let go. Discover the escape valves to sneak the ring out of the clutches of this sea creature and solve this challenging puzzle! Type: Puzzles & Logic Games Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Hanayama USHY5 Cricket Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 2 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Cricket.

White Cast Metal Longshan Floor Lamp with Large Drum Shade in Raffia $837 Cast metal is a technique that has been used for centuries. The artisan takes a design, makes a mold of the design, then pours the liquid metal into the mold. The artisans hand-apply the incredible patinas to the piece to give it a unique look

Wild West Die-Cast Metal Cap Gun (Uses Roll Caps Not Included) $8.77 Classic Cap Gun. Plastic hand grip with die cast metal barrel.

Hanayama USHY1 Flag Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Flag. Dimensions: 21/8 x 11/2 x 11/8 .

Hanayama USHY33 Key Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Key. Dimensions: 41/2 x 11/8 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY34 Loop Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser. Take apart the Loop. A Difficulty Level of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Loop. Dimensions: 13/4 dia.

Hanayama USHY38 Seabream Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Seabream. Dimensions: 21/3 x 13/4 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY39 Shark Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Shark. Dimensions: 21/3 x 11/2 x 11/3 .

Hanayama USHY3 Disk Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Disk. Dimensions: 113/16 in dia. x 1/4 .

Hanayama USHY4 Violon Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 2 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Violin. Dimensions: 21/2 x 23/4 x 23/4 .

Hanayama USHY27 Horse Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 2 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Horse. Dimensions: 53/4 x 21/2 x 2 .

Hanayama USHY40 Claw Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Claw Cast. Dimensions: 21/3 x 22/3 x 11/8 .

Hanayama USHY6 O Gear Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast O Gear. Dimensions: 31/8 x 25/8 x 13/8 .

Hanayama USHY7 Cage Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Cage. Dimensions: 21/2 x 11/2 x 11/2 .

Hanayama USHY8 Dolce Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Dolce. Dimensions: 43/4 x 15/8 x 15/8 .

Hanayama USHY26 S S Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast S and S. Dimensions: 41/4 x 11/8 x 11/8 .

Hanayama USHY30 Star Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Star. Dimensions: 3 x 13/4 x 11/2 .

Hanayama USHY42 Reef Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Reef. Dimensions: 2 x 22/3 x 12/3 .

Hanayama USHY43 Seahorse Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Seahorse. Dimensions: 4 x 11/3 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY9 Baroq Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Baroq. Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY10 L Oeuf Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast L oeuf. Dimensions: 31/4 x 23/4 x 3/4 .

Hanayama USHY12 Radix Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Radix. Dimensions: 21/2 x 21/4 x 11/8 .

Hanayama USHY23 Coaster Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Coaster. Dimensions: 21/2 x 21/2 x 1/8 .

Hanayama USHY32 Devil Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Devil. Dimensions: 31/2 x 13/4 x 3/4 .

Hanayama USHY14 Spiral Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Spiral. Dimensions: 17/8 in dia. x 7/8 .

Hanayama USHY15 Laby Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Laby. Dimensions: 21/2 x 2 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY16 Ring 2 Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Ring 2. Dimensions: 13/4 x 11/2 x 5/8 .

Hanayama USHY21 Duet Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Key II. Dimensions: 22/5 x 22/5 x 1 .

Hanayama USHY19 Chain Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle $24.18 Metal Brain Teaser Disassemble and Reassemble the Puzzle. A Difficulty Level of 6 on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 is the easiest and 6 is the hardest). Cast Chain. Dimensions: 3 x 11/2 x 11/2 .