borderbasser Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 I have some 12" square resin molds that I made for some large worms that came out great except for the fact that they warped as they cured. As the mold was curing in the form, the edges curved up. This is causing my plastic to run out of the heads and tails of the cavity when I pour. Does anyone know if the mold can be flattened out? I was thinking of heating it up in the oven, taking it out, and putting it in a press while it cools. Any suggestions? I used the recommended amount of catalyst, but I wonder if you can get away with using less to alleviating this problem? Happy holidays! TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuMMeRBaits Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 I have not ever had a problem like that and all I use is fiberglass resin molds. The only time I have a problem similar to that is when the container is not on a flat surface when it is poured and one side of he mold is higher than the other side. What kind of container are you using????? I mainly use glass type containers like a glass cake pan. These have always seemed to work really well, and you can get multiple uses out of the container, and the wife usual picks some up really cheap at yardsells on the weekends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 You won't impress you wife if you put that in the oven,lol. I put too much catalyst once and the mold cracked when it cured. Room temp has a bearing on the amount of catalyst you use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borderbasser Posted December 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2005 These molds were made in brand new metal cake pans. If you lay these molds on the table with the cavities facing up, you can stack a couple of quarters underneath the mold in the center, and all four corners will still touch the table. It is not much of a doming affect, but it is enough that it makes the plastic flow down hill when it is hot. I thought about using less than the recommended amout of catalyst, but I tried that once, and it took the mold about a week to cure, and was still a little tacky and soft for some time later. I was just wondering if anyone knew if I heated the mold, wether in the oven or by some other means, would it retain its shape once cooled if I put it in a press. If not, I think I have room to drill a hole in the center, and bolt it down to a rigid piece of wood to suck it down flat. Thanks for the help fellas. TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted December 24, 2005 Report Share Posted December 24, 2005 A little trick I've used for large molds is to put long nails down each side and down the middle after you pour the resin and before it sets up. This will help keep the mold straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jigmeister Posted December 25, 2005 Report Share Posted December 25, 2005 I have hade this happen too from using too much hardener (catylyst) and had some molds roll up on the edges during the heat of the summer that were perfectly flat when made . I have had good luck setting the warped molds out in direct sun light during the summer and clamping them between two pieces of wood with C-clamps . after they're warm just clamp down and let them cool and they will be flat again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borderbasser Posted December 26, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2005 Thanks for the info Jigmiester. That is kinda what I figured. I don't think I can wait for the summer though. I may have to try a heat gun or something to speed up the process. Thanks again. TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
