Cast your own Banksia Pod Pen blanks

[@MRrwmac]

Thanks for helping Matt with the floor! He is lucky to have you as his friend!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

MRrwmac Its always my pleasure :)

[@rmprichard]

Good video, Getting ready to cast my first banksia pod. For my application, I've cut the pod to 2x2.5x5.5 as it will used for something different than pen blanks. I am planing to pour a portion of the resin in the mold, then over each side of the pod and insert a small pointed tool to make sure the "eyes" are not holding bubbles before I slide the pod into the mold and "top" off with resin. I decided to make a vertical mold from .5" HDPE but they are being cut with my CNC router. Since all the sides and bottoms fit into pre-cut channels, I don't need to use screws.. they fit so well, they almost hold water, and there is no leakage of resin.. I'm going to use 5/8" silicon rubber bands to wrap around the mold, but to be honest, they hold together on their own.. After casting a small tap with the hammer and the sides pull away.. I got tired of screwing HDPE together and found this design works much better.. Anyone that would like the design detail PM me..

[@zijayviousrucker8051]

Dema your pretty good at these things

[@cavemanjohnnie]

Nice video Dema, I'm just getting interested in stabilizing, and will be using my pressure pot.Thanks again for the helpful video.

[@rustypanels1917]

Great video Dem, you explain the process very well. Thanks for sharing.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Rusty Panels Thanks for watching :)

[@oaksho]

Great information in your video I thought you had to use a vacuum pump to get rid of the bubbles from the resin. Many thanks for posting Dema. All the best Tony

[@DemasShopforEverything]

***** Thanks for watching :)

[@Tsunamiguitars]

I have a pressure pot that will hold 60PSI solid for hours on end. When I saw that you took yours out after a short period of time, I took mine out after four hours. Although the Banksia pods had been fairly stabilized by cooking in an oven for an hour, I could see the bubbles start to form while holding the molded block in my hand. It was not completely cured, and in the end, although I was able to (I think), save a few blanks, the premature pulling of the pour was my problem. Then I realized you were using Aluminite clear, I am using Water Clear. Apparently, the Water Clear product needs to stay undr pressure until it is fully cured. Otherwise, I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Thank for the info. It may seem like I pulled it out quickly but that's video editing, would be boring if I recorded the whole time it's in the pot. :)

[@deemstyle]

Thanks for this video. I've wondered how to use the banksia pods. Great tutorial!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

deemstyle Glad to give you ideas :)

[@todlawson1263]

Great stuff Dimka! Very good job explaining! I just subscribed and liked!

[@anthonystrazhnikov2741]

Great job Dema

[@bwarner2008]

Thanks for the great tips and sharing your insight. Would you please share where you purchased or how you made your casts?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Thank you Robert, I assume you at asking about my molds? I made them myself out of plastic cutting board material, I think I have a link in the description .

[@jackofalltrades7822]

That is good stuff...are those seeds big enough to make a 2"x2"x5"? I have a project in mind that these would be really great for but it would require larger pieces.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Yea you can get these in various sizes. you would just need to make a mold :)

[@David5H]

Great video! I'm interested in trying banksia pods and this video answered a lot of questions I had! Any info on how to make the mold and mold stand? Any videos? Thanks for the help!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Thanks David, I make my molds out of plastic cutting boards, there should be a link to it in the video description. I don't have a video on making the mold

[@David5H]

+Dema's WoodShop Thanks! I will check that out. Do you have any issues with the alumilite trying to get through the edges or do the screws hold it together pretty tight?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Depending on how good the cuts are, it doesn't leak. The first time you use the mold all the gaps will fill and seal with the resin. As long as you only remove one side when you remove the cast piece from the mold

[@David5H]

+Dema's WoodShop Thanks for all the help! Really enjoy your videos! They are very helpful!

[@Dividedhead]

I've been wondering how this was done... Great video, great demonstration. I've only just started making pens and pencils (on my metal lathe... Haven't made a video yet) and these infused blanks are starting to catch my attention... Thought I'd investigate how to make my own. (they cost a fortune!) Watched your stabilizing video too... Very useful information also. I'm subbing cause I want to see how these turn out and what else you get upto :-) Thank you.

[@watermelongrin]

I use a vacuum chamber because it draws out all the air in the tiny crevasse, and allowing the resin to flow in once the pressure is released leaving NO bubbles.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Awesome, you use alumilite with 7 minute working window?

[@davewatson9700]

Well done, thanks, Dave

[@ypaulbrown]

yes yes yes....great video, thanks for sharing......you are an inspiration....

[@CrimzonJester]

Just curious, I make Epipes, and use a Vacuum Chamber. Using a JB Eliminator and a decent vacuum chamber i have no problem getting the Castin Craft to get into every last nook and cranny. And from the looks of it, Castin Craft is a LOT thicker then the alumilite. Is the Pressure chamber more of a preference? I have used it for straight acrylic blanks, to amalgamations and stabilization, and havent had any problems.. Also, A pressure tank isnt removing bubbles, your shrinking them to microscopic levels, which in turn create a little bit of an unstable blank technically speaking.. Like an air tank.. The Vacuum chamber pulls the air bubbles out by expanding them and raising them up and out...

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I would say pressure casting is better than vacuum casting. Vacuum just elimintated air bubbles, pressure forces resin into all the voids..

[@CrimzonJester]

o.O seems to fill every last line in my banksia.. Possibly you didnt have a strong enough pull on your vacuum, or there was a leak in your container, or you didnt let it normalize long enough after. I will say tho, i LOVE the setup to make the blanks. been using Dixie cups since they are such a perfect size, but i cant get decent marblizing out of a cup. and that blank maker you have would work amazingly. reusable, and jsut perfect.

[@houtjeboom]

Very nice .....where do you buy the pearl stuff or the other dyes?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

thats all alumilite products..

[@DerekCadmus]

This is a pretty fascinating video and very informative. Between the pen kits themselves and this process, what's your cost basis in materials? Also, I've never seen one of those pressure pods or any of the other materials you used. Can I assume these aren't found at my local big box home center?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Derek the banksia are around $11 and resin i have no idea, but the worthless wood is all scrap, and u can't find banksia in a regular store. Rockler and woodcraft.

[@holgerengelhardt1090]

Hi Dema, I have looked this Video serveral times and I like it very much. Please can you give me some information regarding your Mould an material for it? I like your Videos they are very helpfull for me as a woodworker beginner! Best regards from Germany Holger

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Holger Engelhardt Thank you Holder, my mold measures 5.25 x 5 x 1.75, that's the inside volume, I did 1.75 to have enough wall height so I can get enough resin with out having is over flow the edges, regular pen blanks are .75 square. I can get 6 pen blanks out of this mold. I have put links in the description were you can find all the materials I used in this video :)

[@GTLee9]

Dema, what are the interior dimensions of the mold you use for the pods?

[@todlawson1263]

I forgot to ask. Did you end up making a video of you turning them and the final product? If so, I can't find it:) Again, great job mate!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I havnt been able to make a video of the final product yet, planning in the next week or so.. thanks for watching..

[@jorgea3013]

I would like to purchase a pen blank mold such as the one used in your video. How can I get one?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I don't have any at the moment but can make you one. They are $30 each

[@head3537]

Хорошие вещи делаешь, Дима. Сколько времени держишь под давлением? Да, еще вопрос, чем делаешь заливку ? Со стабилизацией понятно - Кактусовый сок, а вот дальше какой полимер?

[@lazaromarcel36]

I LOVE YOU, KZbin VIDEOS , WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOU HDPE PEN BLANKS MOLDS , THANK YOU

[@martinsamcreaone]

Air compressor or vacuum bell ? The tank is to remove air bubbles?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

pressure pot used with air compressor , it gets rid of the bubbles and gets the resin into all the cracks and crevises..

[@martinsamcreaone]

***** The wood you need it to be treated first? I tried with epoxy (without compression) I have "releases / no grip" between the wood and resin.

[@martinsamcreaone]

***** In France there is no alumilite products :(

[@DemasShopforEverything]

That sux, clear casting resin works the same, just different mixing steps..

[@12Brian12]

And does a pressure pot dried them faster ?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

wood working No, the pressure pot does not dry them faster, it only gets rid of the bubbles.

[@TheJkaeser]

Dema, I'm interested in casting my own blanks and would like to know where you got your pressure pot. Would a painters pressure pot work ??? Thanks, Jeff (new subscriber)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Jeff, yes i use a painters pot that i purchased at Harbor freight, i have a video on that and the setup :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIm0Yqt9mLOMe6c

[@Zoch]

What material is the castingboxes made of as it's not sticking to it ?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Its made of a plastic cutting board material I purchased from SamsClub for around $8 and I don't use any release spray..

[@davesmith3114]

have you tried some kind of diffuser on the air inlet of the pressure pot? or is it not that big of a problem?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I'm not sure what you mean. I don't have anything

[@davesmith3114]

Like something that deflects the air so it doesn't mess up the epoxy. I just picked up an old all metal pressure cooker at goodwill and I will be modifying it this week I'll send you pictures of what I'm talking about. Also keep up the great work your videos are very inspiring and I can't wait to tryout some useless wood casting!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Oh,my chamber lid already came with something that reflects air away from the resin

[@FairviewBethelChurch]

Dema - thanks for sharing this video and others. Do you have a good source for the banksia pods in the USA that's reasonably priced? Thanks. Dan

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I get mine at Woodcraft, Rockler and I think PSI has them in bulk by weight but you cant pick was sizes go into that, other than those 3 places I have not been able to find any,,

[@sjscreations2608]

Hey Dema, I literally got 3 huge banksia pots yesterday and I was wanting to do exactly like what you've done, however I don't have a pressure pot. Does it make a big difference? If I vibrate the sides and uses a torch to heat up the resin shouldn't that do the job? Are they good to drill, they don't fall apart? Have you made anything else from banksia pods? Sorry to ask so many questions!!! Cheers Sean

[@skwidvishus1188]

Хорошая работа, ум!

[@angeldelchev916]

Can I get an advice from pro's. Firstly, im about to use polyester clear resin for wood casting. 1st question is this- is it possible to get good results,(mostly bubble free) when it comes to big pieces of timber impregnated with clear PR resin WITHOUT vac/pressurising ? 2nd question- is it possible not to stabilize the wood with cactus juice, I see Dema is not stabilizing at all but i dont know if its going to be ok for bigger pieces up to a meter in length when it comes to strength of the actual bond, or does stabilizing have nothing to do with strength and durability? 3d question- can I use allumilite dyes and pearls with standard Polyester CLEAR resins ? Do they like each other if you will? Im going for clear PR resin because its cheaper and Im a beginner with wood casting, also I am aware that PR does get quite hot and fumy but that wouldnt be a problem for the wood that is covered with the resin right ? Ive seen those resin /wood tabletops people have made and I was wondering if PR resin would be strong enough to hold pieces of timber together without breaking or de-bonding? Thanks and looking forward to your replies.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Hello there, it's almost impossible to get bubble free results without a pressure pot, I have a video comparing this. You can use alumilite dyes on polyester resin, it will never harden. I learned the hard way :)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Stabilizing the wood all depends on how soft it is, some woods are fine without being stabilized

[@angeldelchev916]

+Dema's WoodShop Thanks for the quick reply Dema, so if the wood is super dry it shouldnt need stabilizing right ? And what is as good alternative to allumilite dyes for PR resin ? I want something pearly and phosphorescenty ? What should i go for ? If not Polyester, can I use Polyurethane instead? Is it true that it stays a bit chewy after curing ? Is it machinable in that case?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

+Angel Delchev the wood has to be dry anyway, im talking about woods that feel like they are falling apart, or are vey light and soft. i use PerlX Color Pigment: amzn.to/1Db3uUf

[@angeldelchev916]

+Dema's WoodShop and they work with Polyester or Epoxy or both ?

[@daveknaut632]

where did you get your pressure pot? i haven't been able to find one.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Harbor Freight

[@Freefallpilot65]

How were you able to get Australian seed pods past customs?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

They are sold in hobby stored all over the usa

[@12Brian12]

Can you any pigment for casting ?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

wood working Yes you can use any color pigment for casting..

[@petecy9592]

that was very nice

[@GTLee9]

Greetings again Dimka. I have a question. I have a harbor freight paint pot for casting. I made a tray similar to yours. I also made a mold out of the cutting board you recommended. The thing is when I cast the pod the tray sat in the pot cocked because of the round bottom I guess so the slab was narrower on one end than the other. Did you have any troubles with leveling your setup?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I have a tray the I leveled before casting anything.

[@howardtrott1289]

So where do you get the pressure pod from? and what is the mould made from?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

got my pot from Harbor Freight and i use HDPE cutting boards for the molds

[@TheSafecrkr1]

hey Dema, did you stabilize the pod with cactus juice before you cast it?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

No, but I should have

[@TheSafecrkr1]

;-)

[@torjohansson811]

Hey Dema. I tried to cast using PR but after demoulding the cast is creating small bubbles coming out of the wood/pod surface. I made another cast using gum pods at the same time using same PR mixture. Do you think there could be moisture in the pod?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Hi Tor, I have had some moister in some pods. I found it beneficial to put the blanks in an over at 200 degrees for a few hours, to get the moister out. But wait for them to cool down before you cast them. Alumilite doesn't react well to moister.

[@mstinas21]

Awesome thanks

[@ronaldomazzini3280]

Hello, my name is Ronaldo, and I live in Brazil, I would like to know if you sell the colored rezina tablets that you make, thank you for your attention.

[@munawarsoomro8958]

Hello Dema I tried to make the mold with same cutting board material last night, but my drywall screws just spin out on me. What am I doing wrong? Appreciate the help.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Munawar Soomro Did you pilot drill the holes first? are you using coarse or fine thread screws?

[@munawarsoomro8958]

I did pilit holes and screws were fine thread, 1" & 1.25"

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Munawar Soomro ok, i have had issues with fine thread screws, the plstic is not strong enough, you need softwood coarse thread screws, that should fix your issue :)

[@munawarsoomro8958]

***** Aweseome. I'll try it tonight.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Munawar Soomro Cool, let me know if that works for ya :)

[@L.Helmers_Wood_Turning]

I believe that is Banksia Grandis, there's over 60 species of Banksia over here (I'm in Australia)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Haha yeah we Americans just generalize and call them all banksia pods

[@marceaton3128]

What size are your molds? I can only get four blanks per pour.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

The inside is 1.76x5.25.5. With a slab of banksia you will only get 4, that's why I put the end cut off on the empty space to get me 2 more. So o get 6 blanks pit of my mold

[@DemasShopforEverything]

1.75 x 5.25 x 5 "

[@marceaton3128]

***** Did you use the plans from Turn Tex?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I did, but adjusted for my blade kirf

[@GTLee9]

Hi Dema. I have tried casting banksia pods. The first time I got a lot of air. The second time the air bubbles seem worse. I have a scale and weigh the A and B. I'm using Alumalight . Do you do anything in addition to the resin ?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I have had alumilite foam up on me when there was too much moister in the pods, try drying them in an over overnight at 200 degrees

[@adamquincey4371]

Excellent....

[@TacticalChipmunk]

How much do you sell these pen blanks?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

$14 each

[@MRrwmac]

Working on installing a wood floor can be noisy. Would be nice to get it installed before a friends newborn arrived.

[@crazywhitedog78]

Would you be willing to pour a 1.5 " x1.5"x 6" blank of this ? I would totally pay for it.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

i think your looking for a call blank, a blank that size in banksia is very difficult to achieve due to the many hidden passages in the material..

[@andrewcullen8635]

I was confused to start with because you kept saying moulding the wood, To me moulding is making a resin copy of the original, What you are doing I would call resin filling any voids/cracks in the wood to strengthen it

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I think you miss understood, and I don't think I said molding the wood. I use a mold made of plastic to put the wood in then pour the resin over it this filling any cracks and voids, the molds makes sure the blank comes out square .

[@andrewcullen8635]

Hi, You said at the beginning you put them into a mould?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Yes I do, but a mold has different meanings, I can creat a mold from a piece to copy a shape or make a square mold to pour resin and get a shape, in this case I put wood into a square mold and pour resin over the wood, the mold creates a rectangular blank when the resin cures

[@andrewcullen8635]

I use moulds with my model making so I forget there are other uses for them, Enjoyed the vid

[@mysteryelctronics]

Дима, будь другом, скажи по нашему, что это за штуку ты обрабатываешь???

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Ivan Mini это банксия из Австралии, они большие и повесить на деревьях с большим количеством семян в них, когда семена выпадают, отверстия пусты, и мы используем их, чтобы сделать ручки из них после заполнения пустой области.

[@mysteryelctronics]

Спасибо, очень интересная "Шишка" и работы у тебя очень красивые, я подписался )))

[@bent540]

lol, FYI compressing air doesnt make it go away!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Never said it does, it compresses the bubbles into smaller bubbles and not really visible, thanks for watching bud

[@bent540]

***** i just watched your stabilizing chamber build vids. i should have figured that you know what youre doing. thanks for your vids btw.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Lol thanks for watching :)

[@CSGKnivesAndGear]

Hi mate, just a bit of advice from an Aussie. It's a good idea to wear a dust mask when working with banksia pods. They're not good at all for your lungs. I know I couldn't see your face in the video but just thought I'd let you know on the off chance.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

+CSGSurvival thank you, I always use a respirator no matter what I turn.

[@Tsunamiguitars]

Mold was about 80F. I just needed to leave it in the pressure pot overnight instead of pulling it early as your video suggested. No offense, lesson learned.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Cool , I think casting stuff is always a learning curve. This is a pretty old video, bet I would have done a bunch of stuff differently now.

[@maximsergeevichmalyshev9812]

Дима а ты по Русски случайно не говоришь?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Да, чем могу помочь?

[@maximsergeevichmalyshev9812]

Так и думал ))) Да ищу материалы по совмещению дерева и смолы. Видел столы в которых трещины и червоточины залиты смолой. А сама смола сделана под вид малахита. Вот заинтересовался.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Я не знаю где в России найти, у нас в США мы где хотим найти можем

[@maximsergeevichmalyshev9812]

Я имею ввиду как создавать эффекты такие под различный мрамор или малахит или янтарь. Где найти смолу то я уже нашёл. Когда ты добавляешь пегмент. Он как порошок или жидкий?

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Порошок чтоб блестела и житкасть для цвета

[@ТолькоНебо]

Диман, привет! На русском есть видосы??

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Нет, извини

[@ТолькоНебо]

+Dema's WoodShop Всё нормально!!:)) Удачи тебе и спасибо за работу!!

[@TacticalChipmunk]

How much do you sell these pen blanks?