junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344 
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Post by junglejim on Jul 13, 2014 20:48:27 GMT -5
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junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jul 13, 2014 21:32:54 GMT -5
#1 Some of the rocks I used. I didn't use them all. #2 Tools needed are Envirotex lite resin, two unwaxed plastic cups, wooden stick, tooth picks and drinking straw. #3 Pyramid resin mold I made two with this batch so I used 6 ounces of resin. 3 ounces would be used for one. Resin mold was purchased off e bay. #4  Pour resin into mold and then the hardener in 50/50 amounts. Too much resin and it won't harden properly and too much hardener and the piece might be too hard and break so I put bottles side by side #6 to make sure they are equal. #7 Mix resin with wooden stick. It will turn cloudy and be harder to stir in the beginning but as they blend together it will get easier and finally will be clear with no swirls. #8 Pour into second cup and mix again. #9 Use straw and blow gently into cup popping most of the bubbles that formed in the mixing process.#10 Partially fill mold with resin #11 Add rocks using tooth picks to position rocks. #12 Once rocks are added use the resin left in cup to fill mold to just below rim of mold. #13 More pictures #14 There will be bubbles on the surface which can be popped with tooth picks, blowing through the straw softly which adds heat and humidity to resin. Do this until most bubbles are removed. You can see bubbles popping as you do this. Another option for popping bubbles is a micro torch which I use. Use a low flame and keep the torch flame moving or you can burn the resin. Be careful using torch around the edges or you can burn the plastic and ruin your mold. I speak from experience having ruined several or more molds using the torch . Entire process took about an hour, the last half hour was spent popping bubbles although some bubbles I think gives the piece some character. Once satisfied you can cover pieces to prevent dust from entering. Be careful your cover doesn't touch resin or it will stick and mess up the piece. I wouldn't worry too much about dust. You don't have to cover it. Let it cure for at least 12 hours before attempting to remove it from mold or better yet let it sit for a day. Cures fully in 3 days. I wet sand the bottom edges carefully to remove any sharp edges using 400 grit sand paper. I remove piece by flexing mold. stubborn pieces I tap lightly with a hammer with plastic end. I will post pictures of the finished pieces tomorrow. I hope this helps. Any questions feel free to ask.
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moogie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2013
Posts: 77 
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Post by moogie on Jul 14, 2014 6:09:06 GMT -5
This is great, thanks for the information! I couldn't wait, so I bought a few heart molds and resin. Let's just say there were mixed results, but I learned a lot. I couldn't get the resin out of the mold at first after it was set, so I followed directions that came with the mold and put everything in the freezer for 2 or 3 minutes; the resin popped right out. Still working on putting together a SFR box, I want one of those pyramids.
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junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jul 14, 2014 21:04:48 GMT -5
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cardiobill
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 881
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Post by cardiobill on Jul 14, 2014 21:22:37 GMT -5
Looks great and a very cool idea
I must confess that I totally ripped off your idea and tried it myself with good results
Thanks for sharing this great idea and thanks for the post / tutorial
It is a perfect project and use for small tumbles that I have never found a great use for
Bill
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 14, 2014 23:16:34 GMT -5
Thank you Jim, great tutorial.
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quartz
Cave Dweller 
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Aug 2, 2014 23:56:58 GMT -5
Well done, both project and tutorial. Thanks.
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Post by pghram on Aug 28, 2014 19:39:25 GMT -5
Thanks, It's a great idea, & they look fantastic.
Rich
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 28, 2014 19:54:36 GMT -5
Those look great.
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Sept 7, 2014 14:35:05 GMT -5
Very original and beautiful.
A big thumbs up
Charlie
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habbie
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 48
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Post by habbie on Oct 20, 2014 17:17:58 GMT -5
#1 Some of the rocks I used. I didn't use them all. #2 Tools needed are Envirotex lite resin, two unwaxed plastic cups, wooden stick, tooth picks and drinking straw. #3 Pyramid resin mold I made two with this batch so I used 6 ounces of resin. 3 ounces would be used for one. Resin mold was purchased off e bay. #4  Pour resin into mold and then the hardener in 50/50 amounts. Too much resin and it won't harden properly and too much hardener and the piece might be too hard and break so I put bottles side by side #6 to make sure they are equal. #7 Mix resin with wooden stick. It will turn cloudy and be harder to stir in the beginning but as they blend together it will get easier and finally will be clear with no swirls. #8 Pour into second cup and mix again. #9 Use straw and blow gently into cup popping most of the bubbles that formed in the mixing process.#10 Partially fill mold with resin #11 Add rocks using tooth picks to position rocks. #12 Once rocks are added use the resin left in cup to fill mold to just below rim of mold. #13 More pictures #14 There will be bubbles on the surface which can be popped with tooth picks, blowing through the straw softly which adds heat and humidity to resin. Do this until most bubbles are removed. You can see bubbles popping as you do this. Another option for popping bubbles is a micro torch which I use. Use a low flame and keep the torch flame moving or you can burn the resin. Be careful using torch around the edges or you can burn the plastic and ruin your mold. I speak from experience having ruined several or more molds using the torch . Entire process took about an hour, the last half hour was spent popping bubbles although some bubbles I think gives the piece some character. Once satisfied you can cover pieces to prevent dust from entering. Be careful your cover doesn't touch resin or it will stick and mess up the piece. I wouldn't worry too much about dust. You don't have to cover it. Let it cure for at least 12 hours before attempting to remove it from mold or better yet let it sit for a day. Cures fully in 3 days. I wet sand the bottom edges carefully to remove any sharp edges using 400 grit sand paper. I remove piece by flexing mold. stubborn pieces I tap lightly with a hammer with plastic end. I will post pictures of the finished pieces tomorrow. I hope this helps. Any questions feel free to ask. |
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habbie
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 48
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Post by habbie on Oct 20, 2014 17:19:44 GMT -5
I've done 3 so far and the only problem I have is the bubbles!! I stand their with my straw and tooth pick and blow and pop but never fails get a bubble or two!!!!! any ideas?
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Please wait for written instructions so I can keep pictures and instructions together. I type slowly so it will take a little bit. Thanks
