Cem Bayat on sat 13 jul 02
I would be pleased if anyone let me know of a simple but working hardener
for my ram press plaster dies. I am making simple objects by ram pressing
of mud and using plaster dies (negative shape as the buttom and positive
shape as upper punch). Sometimes, after one pressing operation, they break
and becomes a pain for me to mould new plaster dies again and again. I know
hardners as ACRYL 60 but is there any other hardener that can be used for
plaster dies which improves their mechanical strength.
Thanks in advance
KLeSueur@AOL.COM on sat 13 jul 02
Before looking for a hardener for you dies I'd look into what plaster you are using for your dies? You might want to send an e-mail to Jonathan Kaplan for advice on plaster. Secondly though, I would question whether your dies are wet enough when you begin pressing and are they wet evenly. If not, this could be your problem. Throughly soaking the die and then purging it out until it just steams might just do it.
Kathi LeSueur
Stephani Stephenson on sun 14 jul 02
Hydrostone TB is a good one to use for RAM press molds.
The process is as important as the product
must mix with drill mixer for 20 minutes...yes 20 minutes
prior to pouring into frame
and beginning the air purge process.
I would suggest looking into this , rather than hardeners.
Stephani Stephenson
Carlsbad Ca
http://www.alchemiestudio.com
Nanci Bishof on sun 14 jul 02
I use very large hole screening from Home Depot. I simply cut it a bit
smaller. But, I'm not using a RAM press. Others I know have used the nylon
fiber used to give added strength to concrete. Professional casting
businesses use it too.
nanci
Jeff Longtin on sun 14 jul 02
Cem.
You've left out a few details but I would just suggest you use harder
plasters instead of looking for plaster hardeners. Are you using RAM pressing
plasters (cements actually)? Those would include GP's Densite and USG's
Hydrostone. Both companies makes several different types of plasters/cements
that I know you can find a harder plaster. Have you checked?
Are you mixing properly? Proper mixing is really critical with RAM pressing.
Do you have clearance between the mold faces?
The quickness with which your molds are breaking down would suggest the
problem is not the plaster exclusively.
Good Luck
Jeff Longtin
Complex Molds Made Easy
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