Blank Casting

[Scwood]

I'm just curious if anyone here has made their own snakeskin blanks? I have been reading up on the subject and the only problem I can see is air bubbles if you dont degas the mix with a vacuum pump.I really dont want to invest in a vacuum system.If anyone here has any input or words of wisdom I would be very appreciative.

 

[rcflyer23]

If you don't want to invest in a vacuum I have had success with vibrating the heck out of them with a palm sander. That typically will pull any bubbles towards one side of the cast and far enough down that they are turned off in the first few turns.

 

[DavidF]

I have used the Mirror coat product from Systemthree.com with great results. The secret is to pour in 1/4" layers, wait a few minutes then run a small blow torch over the surface, this pops all the bubbles and you end up with a super clear layer, add another layer and repeat it is best to leave the layers for a few hours between each one. I have built up to 2" using this method. With a pen blank 2 layers would be fine.

 

[fergy]

I use this rudimentary technique when I have to degas glue mixtures: Attach your casting mold to a piece of rope or heavy string about 4' long. Once you pour, whirl it overhead for a couple of minutes, as hard as you can. The centrifugal force will work out the bubbles.

 

[skeeter]

Don't know if this article will help or not! http://content.penturners.org/articles/2006/snakeskinblanks.pdf Good luck!

 

[Scwood]

Thanks for the input yall.Im gonna start this spring as soon as the snakes start to crawl again.I plan on taking pics from the kill to the final product.

 

[skeeter]

Good luck with the castings. I've seen rattlesnake, prairie rattler and cobra blanks, but this is a first for me, copperhead. Nice looking blank, especially since it's dead!! http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=56508&highlight=copperhead