Greg Wann Posted October 2, 2019 Posted October 2, 2019 I am working on a project. These marker lights came out of my parts box of parts we had when I was a kid. One of the first models I built was a 68 or 69 Chevy pickup that was orange on the box art and had forestry service decals on it. It had some tools and a bedcover. This mold will make four sets. They will be made from a clear resin and I will add some HOK gold tint to the mix. I was informed by a Smooth-On rep that I might have a better chance of successfully casting clear if I pressurize the silicone to it's curing point. That means it will cure in a pressure pot and that means more work to learn a different way to hopefully get good parts made. clear resin is a real pita. I really dislike small parts that are cast on single sided molds or parts that are attached to a sprue. Flash around the part should be as thin as skin.
mikemodeler Posted October 2, 2019 Posted October 2, 2019 If these turn out half as good as the bodies you cast, we are in for a real treat! Thanks for letting us know what you have "cooking" in that pressure pot Greg!
Greg Wann Posted October 4, 2019 Author Posted October 4, 2019 My first attempt was a flop! Back to the drawing board.
Greg Wann Posted October 6, 2019 Author Posted October 6, 2019 (edited) OK, so this seemingly simple mold has been a real PITA!! I had left the mold under pressure over night. When I pulled it out it was still a bit sticky so I put it in the box that I warm clay in. When I pulled it out it had became bloated. I poked it with my exacto knife to see if there was a air pocket, this has happened before. It did not effect the lump so I started all over again. Once again I pressure cast it to a successful cure. I mixed a small amount of silicone to fill it up thinking that it might fully de air since it was not a very thick pour. But it failed as well. Those dark spots are air bubbles that have formed next to the part. This is why vacuuming or de airing the silicone is important in my book. Under pressure these parts might form small warts on the parts and I don't want that to happen. Now I will mix a small amount of silicone and put enough in to just coat the surface of the mold and let it mostly cure then add more to fill later Edited October 6, 2019 by Greg Wann
redneckrigger Posted October 6, 2019 Posted October 6, 2019 Great effort, Greg. Count me in for a few sets once you get them done!
Greg Wann Posted October 8, 2019 Author Posted October 8, 2019 On 10/6/2019 at 10:08 AM, redneckrigger said: Great effort, Greg. Count me in for a few sets once you get them done! Thanks, I see you might have a Yamaha. Back when I was young I had a RD350, a two stroke with a six speed gearbox. That bike was really fast too. I was told that bike is worth about twenty grand today. I sold it to a ex GF for 500.00. It was a real red beauty. I don't miss either of them. LOL
redneckrigger Posted October 10, 2019 Posted October 10, 2019 On 10/7/2019 at 11:23 PM, Greg Wann said: Thanks, I see you might have a Yamaha. Back when I was young I had a RD350, a two stroke with a six speed gearbox. That bike was really fast too. I was told that bike is worth about twenty grand today. I sold it to a ex GF for 500.00. It was a real red beauty. I don't miss either of them. LOL Yeah, had a 1973 RD350 for a bit. Wish I still did! But, we still do have the 1978 XS750E I bought new in 1978. Cool old timer for sure!
Greg Wann Posted October 12, 2019 Author Posted October 12, 2019 (edited) The mold finally turned out good. I used House Of Kolors gold pagan dye to make these marker lights. I think the dye makes a nice amber color. Edited October 12, 2019 by Greg Wann
Exotics_Builder Posted October 12, 2019 Posted October 12, 2019 WOW! Looks great. You are an artiste!!
Greg Wann Posted October 12, 2019 Author Posted October 12, 2019 Thank you, Gary. A little polishing and some BMF or the chrome pen and your rig will look very nice. Not certain if there are different styles and sizes available to copy. I could do red or other colors too.
57olds88 Posted October 12, 2019 Posted October 12, 2019 Those are amazing. Better than what you get in the kit.
misterNNL Posted October 21, 2019 Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) These look great. I would like to order several sets when you decide to offer them. I build scratch built antique travel trailers and use these as clearance lights for the front. I also need these same lights cast in clear red for the rear sections. Is that possible?Please post the availability on the forums when ready. Edited October 21, 2019 by misterNNL Forgotten detail.
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