How to Safely Use a Pressure Pot - Resin Casting Tips

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Great safety video ! People underestimate the POWER of PRESSURE and VACUUM !

[@crocuscreekwoodworks]

Hi Zac. Great review and instruction. One thing I would be concerned with is the Pressure Gauge. I always suggest to Never trust the Gauge when it's on zero. I always say once the gauge says zero leave the valve wide open for a couple minutes to make sure there is no remaining pressure in that tank. I have seen this before where there was still a bit of pressure after the gauge in on zero. Thanks for the video.

[@adrian06031201]

This was the exact quick info I was after, thank you

[@tompuskar4426]

Nice to have an overview once in a while. Thanks

[@ZacHiggins]

I hope it will help some folks out. I know it can be intimidating using unfamiliar tools

[@jencstephens5452]

I enjoy your informative videos...... Even when we 'think' we know all we need to, no harm in making sure, and ya never know just what you may learn. Thank you for sharing that you too had a bit of fear of the contraption when you first started using them. I have gone thru that with every tool in the shop, and it's reassuring to hear it's not just me.🙂

[@ZacHiggins]

Don't feel bad, it's definitely not just you. I think everyone feels that way when using any new tool or device. Heck, I still can't stand using a router, they scare the bejeesus out of me LOL

[@cedaroakfarm8596]

SUPER I set my shop up from your recommendations including the CA pot. Works great. The only thing I would add, get the liners for the pots, spills are inevitable and the liners are not expensive. Well done Doc,

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks Brother!!

[@timlavelle498]

Thanks for thoroughly talking through the 'How to' for pressure pot use! Really informative and was exactly what I was looking for. The only area I'm not sure about is how to read the regulator to set the appropriate PSI.

[@ZacHiggins]

Check out my other video, I do a full setup with the regulator in it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_GXmOfotB7Z8k

[@fated2pretend]

Good tips and video. And as a former Nevadan, I dig the Battle Born shirt.

[@UriskOfTheFae]

I haven't gotten to use my California Air Tools pressure pot yet, but you bet your rear I ducked all the way to the next room when I tested my air compressor for the first time. The paranoia is real. Thank you for the video!

[@princesspeach1330]

Thank you for this video...I just keep thinking about my mom talking about old pressure pot cookers that were dangerous and would explode. It is really nice getting some things to keep in mind and know what to do safely.

[@sadeem-studio-2024]

Thank you so much for the information actually a lot of information and less jokes not like other videos

[@fleetswoodshop3339]

GREAT INFO MY FRIEND THANK YOU

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks Doug!

[@davidicenhower8803]

Zac, great information as in all of your videos.

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks David!

[@7spiritualcompass706]

This is so new to me. What do you use to add pressure to the pot? I see many vids about the pressure pot for resin but nothing about accessories or other equipment needed for it as in adding the pressure.

[@bobmcwilliams4416]

You’ll need a compressor capable of pressuring to at least 60 pounds. Many of us just use a common air compressor for small shops (about $200+-). Just google air compressors. There will be many choices a according to your budget.

[@Jestunes]

Thanks! I've been hearing a lot about using a pressure pots, so it's good to know how it works. Awesome content and I've subscribed.

[@kylecoleman7277]

I blew the top on my harbor freight pressure pot conversion on the first use. I had about 3 seconds to see something was wrong, and by the time I went to turn off the air the lid lost a latch and blew. I've not touched it again since then.

[@Chiannachan]

Built my first pressure pot. I am excited. I am nervous. Thank you for this video. I'll try filling it for the first time now. Wish me luck..? X'D

[@steveellis8746]

Informative as ever 🙂

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks Steve! Hopefully it will help some folks who are a little intimidated by pressure pots

[@steveellis8746]

@@ZacHiggins I have already recommended your channel to a few folk here in UK.

[@ZacHiggins]

@@steveellis8746 Thanks so much! I really appreciate it 😀

[@twylaburns6554]

Thank you for the information.

[@ZacHiggins]

You bet!

[@SteveC38]

Great Video My Friend.

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks Steve 👊😀

[@dumbcat]

also put a little vaseline (petroleum jelly) around the rim for a better seal. and don't pressurize it more than you need to. a lot of guys claim you need to pressure cast resin at 55 to 60 psi but i get great results pressure casting resin (and rubber molds) at around 40 to 45 psi and could probably go lower

[@ZacHiggins]

Higher pressure will technically shrink bubbles smaller, but as you said there's probably not a perceivable difference between 45 and 70. I cast higher just in case the pot leaks. Just insurance in case the pressure drops below 40 before the resin sets up, especially helpful when using slow setting resins that take many hours to set up

[@AaaaNinja]

I keep getting leaks around the lid on mine I'll try what you said to do here and tighten opposite clamps.

[@waterlilly62lori]

Zac, can you put mixed resin into this to put into a larger mold?

[@georgebrill3072]

Thanks.

[@danieldejesus3920]

I would like to use the resin after the bubbles are out how much time do I have before it starts solidifying

[@elliotgesang1267]

Great video. thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am doing resin and bamboo or wood pours. Maybe 3-5" thick. would you recommend first degassing in the vacuum tank and then put into the pressure tank? Or just the pressure tank?

[@0newingedcrow]

Is there a certain air compressor that you recommend? Or are they all basically the same?

[@TailEndCustoms]

Definitely advise wingnuts. The bolts will dig in the lid and thread issues. I just bolt a bolt as well. Bout to order the one you’re using.

[@ZacHiggins]

I agree 100% I really don't like that type of setup. The CA Technologies, TCP Global, and California Air Tools pots all have the flat mount and washer style connection

[@TailEndCustoms]

@@ZacHiggins they are more expensive but worth it.

[@mkmasterthreesixfive]

Is there a video for how to safely use the air compressors? Love from Reno brutha.

[@mick947]

Thanks for the info! I was a little unsure as to the max pressure, on top of the tank it says 80psi, on the side of the tank 60psi and you said that you set the regulator to 70 psi. How come you go above the recommended working psi?

[@ZacHiggins]

Every brand will have different specs. Mine are CA Technologies pots, and the max working pressure is 80 PSI, I go to 70

[@mick947]

@@ZacHiggins thanks Zac. Any chance you could make a video of what sort of compressors and attachments are needed to get the pots up to pressure quickly. I’m using smoothcast 310 which cures in about 10 mins.

[@gamerbi]

Thx uncle for this video. May i ask you a problem? If there are items in the pot, I open the valve, then put the items in, and then reopen to compress together, is it ok?

[@pjenslin1]

Thank you very much! This was exactly the video I was looking for as I am buying my pot this week. What size pot you using in this video? I am probably going for the 20 litre. I hope it will be sufficient enough for bowls and pen blanks.

[@ZacHiggins]

This one is a 2.5 gallon or about 11 liters. I would think 20 liters should be good size for bowls

[@MrBrettStar]

Can you lay pot on it’s side to get a bigger area for flat pieces?

[@mketodd1886]

So the pressure will drop from 60psi to 40psi when staying overnight? When pressure drop from 60psi to 40psi, will it affect the resin casting? Do I need to connect the air compressor to the pot all night to keep the pressure? Thnaks

[@ZacHiggins]

The pressure only drops is there is a leak, if no leak then it stays the same 😀

[@UNIK-wood-design]

Hi, if I have a pressure pot with max 60 psi versus one at 100 psi... At what level will there be a change? Is it in the speed with which the project will be completed?

[@TheDJKIA]

6:10 , when you said you have your pressure set to 70psi, you may have meant to say 60psi.... because thats what your tank max is listed at. when talking of safety restrictions, im sure you meant 60psi. other than that, excellent well explained video. thanks!

[@MrAtfenn]

im a couple days late to the party but i hope i can still get an answer. not all pressure pots are equal. some pressure pots are 35 max psi i believe. what is the lowest range that is worth the effort and expense. in other words, is 35 psi enough to do the job correctly? thanks again for the great information and mentorship!!

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Aaron, I'm not entirely sure, but I try to stay above 40PSI to ensure the bubbles don't come back

[@petrusscott3038]

Hi Zac, Great video. I’ve bought a pressure pot and would like to do it in the garage because that is where my compressor is. Is there a temperature range that I should stick to? Thanks, Peter

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Peter, the pressure pot itself doesn't need to be used in any specific temp range, but the resin doesn't like cold. I usually recommend staying above 50 degrees F if possible. There are ways to combat cool temps and casting too with heat pads, heaters, etc. I cover some of the aspects of cold temps in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppWxnpiviKeCea8

[@petrusscott3038]

@@ZacHiggins thanks for the info. I’ll check out your video. Thanks, Peter

[@cathyomalley2772]

How do work our what size compressor you need to use?

[@OregonDARRYL]

Always put the lid on exactly the same every time so the seal is in the same spot. Mark the lid and tank to line up. Do this after you find a spot where the lid seals well. I silicone glued my seal to the lid so it won't move. This way the seal has to seal only on where it meets the tank.

[@ZacHiggins]

I totally agree, they usually have one way that works best to stay sealed, and marking the spot is the key 😀

[@SleepyBears]

Thank you!

[@pamgillum5689]

Thank you for the info.

[@ZacHiggins]

My pleasure!! Glad it was helpful 😀

[@dumbcat]

replace the wing nuts with regular nuts then you can use a torque wrench to torque them perfectly every time

[@samgordon689]

Do you have a video or advice on how to set the regulator and safety relief valve?

[@toolchuck]

Regulators are usually set by turning them clockwise to increase the pressure and counterclockwise to lower it. You are preloading a spring so the more you preload the spring, the more pressure is needed to close the regulator valve at a higher pressure setpoint. Relief valves work in a similar but reverse way, you will be adjusting a preload to a spring that will open the valve. There are assorted designs, but it should have a cover that keeps it from being easily adjusted, that would nullify the safety aspect of it. Once you figure out how to unscrew the cover and access spring adjusting screw or nut, bring the pot up to the pressure you want to be the max pressure (BE SURE THE MAXIMUM PRESSURE IS BELOW THE SAFE OPERATING PRESSURE OF THE POT) and adjust it until it relives. It is always incredibly wise to use two pressure gauges when doing this to be sure you are not dealing with a bad gauge, and it would also be good practice to go by the higher reading gauge of the two if there is a discrepancy. Good luck and BE SAFE!

[@jennrennebohm8305]

Thanks Zac! I was wondering if you know how to redirect the air going into the pressure pot, from vertical to horizontal, so the pressurized air going in doesn't destroy the tank by splashing the resin in my moulds to the sides of the inside of the tank. I hope you understand what I'm trying to ask. (I didn't realize I would have such a problem trying to word what I want to ask you LoL). I watched a video once, where that had happened to the person filming, and I don't want to make the same mistake. But that was long before I got a pressure tank of my own, and I don't remember who it was that made that mistake.

[@lalucoo]

Thank you for this video! Going solo into this endeavor, its like having a helpful neighbor lol scared af about blowing myself up. Read a story of a woman dying vis a vis whipped cream canister shrapnel

[@wyattsharp2675]

Do you have a video on how to adjust the safety valve? My pot is rated for 80 psi but the factory has the safety valve set for 50 and I need to go to 60.

[@toolchuck]

I really don't think you need to go to 60psig. The resin companies I've talked to don't recommend anything over 35 or 40psig at the most. The bang for your buck just isn't there. If you are seeing bubbles at 50psig, you have problems elsewhere that more pressure won't solve and shouldn't be looked at to solve. I have been using 35psig for some time now without any issues at all. I'm not sure what resin you are using, but you should reach out to the manufacture to see what can be done, I think it's a safer option overall. Be Safe!

[@seavee2000]

Thank you.

[@danielshand9949]

Great information I have an issue myself and that is actually being able to purchase a pressure pot in the uk does the company you brought yours from ship to the uk they don’t seem to exist in the UK at all if you know anywhere I could get one from that would be great 👍

[@ZacHiggins]

Check out House of Resin: houseofresin.co.uk/categories/pumps-chambers/pressure-pots.html

[@francisarledge9981]

Ate there any pressure pots that are bigger for large projects? I feel limited to what I want to do

[@francisarledge9981]

To answer my own question and to help others there is a 20 gallon tank by Finish Systems 😉

[@PHIL_S]

Zac, What is he difference in quality between an 80psi and 50psi? Is 30psi making a lot of difference or is it just more assurance?

[@ZacHiggins]

There's no noticeable difference in the end result that I've noticed. The main thing is you want to be above about 40PSI and not let it drop below that before the resin sets up. So higher PSI would give you a little more breathing room if you had a leak and were using slow setting resin

[@TheChiaraNicole]

You said when your mold is done take it out. If it's encased how do I know it's done? Or how do I determine time for mold sizes and densities?

[@ZacHiggins]

The demold time in the instructions is usually what you will go by

Can you use it on its side? I have some dagger molds I want to use, but they're too long to sit on the bottom. If I were to make a platform for the mold to sit on level inside, then make a secure cradle for the pot itself to sit in while in use, would that work ok?

[@ZacHiggins]

Absolutely! I have done it in the past with mine. The only issue is getting it secured so it doesn't move while you are putting the lid on

[@jamiosh]

I’m new! Just got a pressure pot. How do u know what PSI to set it to? Do u pour in layers for a deep cast or all at once? I feel clyeless

[@toolchuck]

The major resin companies that I've talked to say that anything over 35psig doesn't really gain any better results for bubble removal. As far as deep casting goes, it all depends on the resin you are using. You must stay within the recommendations of the specific resin; even deep pore resins have limits and may need to be layered if you exceed their recommended depth.

[@michellebruce7832]

So we made a pressure pot following the instructions. When we bring it to pressure, it makes several "tink" sounds, is that normal??

[@michellebruce7832]

we get it up to 40 psi, the pot is rated for 60 psi

[@YakuzaTenma]

I was curious if putting a glass bottle that you have resin in safe to do in the pressure pot? Also When it comes to how much Psi (example have a 2 /2 gallon tank dont exceed 60psi) how high should some one doing 1 to a few items at a time?

[@pinkyhotmessx69]

I would never put glass in anything that pressurizes. Seems like an accident waiting to happen imo

[@me0wsky]

Hi, thanks for the video. I'm considering getting one of these, but the part that I'm going to be casting has a footprint larger then the bottom of the pot (although the volume itself is low, as it's basically flat). Do you think there could be any issues if the pressure pot was operated while laying in it's side (while secured to the table from moving, obviously)?

[@andrewcoates5438]

We did this for years in a commercial setting, all our pressure pots were on their side as length was needed more often than height. Just make a tray/shelf with edges knocked off so it sits flat and gives you something to put your moulds on.

[@me0wsky]

@@andrewcoates5438 That's great news for me, thank you for the reply!

[@tedspens]

"...a ball valve 10 feet away and I'm ducking behind stuff..." LOL, That's me now! except I'm a full 25 feet away because that's how long my air hose is. 😁

[@dgoldblatt633]

Can you cast resin in a Amazon bought ( thin walled ) silicone mold in a pressure pot? I am looking to take the plunge and get a pressure pot. But most of my molds are store or Amazon purchased silicone molds. I am thinking that the pressure pot should technically apply pressure evenly from all directions so the molds shouldn’t deform during the curing process in the pressure pot.

[@ZacHiggins]

Just make sure to put the mold on a solid flat surface or it will follow the curve of the bottom of the pot. It took me forever to figure out why I was getting banana curved things out of my silicone molds LOL

[@mmc3885]

How do I set the dial to the correct PSI ? THANKS !!!!

[@ZacHiggins]

You just turn the regulator knob one way or the other, do it slowly to see which direction increases and which decreases. If I remember correctly, loosening it will lower the psi, while tightening will increase it

[@anthonycampos1549]

Do you have a video pouring resin using your pressure pot?

[@ZacHiggins]

Pretty much every video I have uses them, and you can see them in action live on the Wednesday live streams

[@blainethorpe5668]

Just an FYI... Bought a 2.5 gallon CA Technologies tank two weeks ago. The four screws on the regulator leaked. Had to put a ball valve between the regulator and the tank. Every fitting on the tank leaked. Had to reseal all of them with epoxy.

[@ZacHiggins]

That's a bummer. It happens sometimes, not sure why. Glad you got it fixed up

[@MatMo.]

Do people ever put a PRV on their pot?

[@99truck100]

Where can you a good one my bowls I make are 12 inches wide and 10 inches long I would say can you help me find a good one

[@ZacHiggins]

I'd probably go for the 5 gallon California Air Tools pot: I believe it has the dimensions that will work for larger castings like that. Double check the measurements though just in case... amzn.to/3MxR68N

[@nortonsapple227]

Is it possible to go over by accident?

[@melisamoore9479]

i tried this but the pressure pushed the resin out of my mold. :(

[@ZacHiggins]

Pressure doesn't really push resin anywhere, just collapses air bubbles. I'm not sure what might have gone wrong there. Vacuum chambers cause air bubbles to expand and pushes resin out of the mold like that though. Did you use vacuum rather than pressure?

[@JakeThompson]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@ZacHiggins]

thanks brother! 👊😀

[@exotictones1054]

On your pressure pot you said you go 70 psi but that pot your showing says maximum pressure is 60.did I miss something?

[@ZacHiggins]

The pots I use (C.A. Technologies) have a max of 80 PSI. In the video, I showed the sticker on the lid of my pot that says "Max Working Pressure 80 PSI" first, then I showed a pic of the Harbor Freight for another example which has a max of 60 PSI. I think you missed the first one. My personal rule of thumb is to stay 10 PSI below what the max is for the pressure pot. So, I just got to 70 in my C.A. Technologies pots. Just something I do since I would rather stay well on the side of safety

[@vasyapupken]

these numbers are idiot-proof "on a safe side" kind of thing. all these vessels must withstand at least double of that (120-140psi given by compressor in case of faulty regulators and faulty safety valve)

[@DjGlenJon]

#1 dont blow it up #2 check safety pressure valve to ensure not blowing it up #3 cast some badass resin

[@ZacHiggins]

That's the perfect checklist 😀

[@popoandduck]

Dude, thats hilarious. My first time I was ducking and hiding! hahaha

[@ZacHiggins]

I was scared LOL Duck and cover!!

[@dalehammond1749]

Every caster wants this pot. Too bad they're all SOLD OUT.

[@ZacHiggins]

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