When to Use a Pressure Pot or a Vacuum Chamber | Alumilite

[@GoldenEdgedGreg]

Opening intro is so on spot, I wish every single KZbinr knew to say what the video holds

[@islamadli]

This guy literary saved me tons of hours of searching, reading, and experimenting on my own in only under 10 mins. You're a real-life hero, Thank you

[@RICDirector]

Hint from Nick Zametti: use a plastic bag to line your pressure pot, or at least to wrap your mould, in case of leaks!

[@MileyonDisney]

I've used them both for a few years, now. This was a great explanation. There's a new self-contained vacuum chamber spamming all of the resin channels, recently, telling people to use it for their resin. It's too small, and there's just not enough time to work with the resin. Don't fall for the perceived convenience.

[@ladghemmonaim2145]

I'm using polyuréthane who is better vaccum chambre or pressure pot ? I have just 2 min for degassing

[@Later2u]

@@ladghemmonaim2145 I'm using Smooth-On Polyurethane and they recommend using a pressure pot. No time to degassing with only 2 1/2 minutes to pour it.

[@qvisionstudios]

Thank you! Finally a video on why one is used over the other. Very helpful for us newbies.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad you found it helpful!! Thanks for watching!

[@csldc]

Thank you! There are oodles of videos that start at the intermediate level to explain how to use one or the other, but a scarce few on the difference between the two. Those that attempt to explain the difference are so overrun with jargon that they aren't useful to beginners like me. I very much appreciate your short, straightforward, audience-focused explainer.

[@mallarysangel]

Thank you brother. That really couldn't have been much better. Why can't everyone be so easy to understand? I often give tutorials on other subjects. I am the commissioner of a top 100 league in madden mobile, and it's imperative to keep it simple when teaching my guys how to play the game and organize their teams. They don't all have the time or experience I have to figure it out, so I just teach them and tell them why we do things the way we do as I go. That part is so important, and you did that. The only thing that may make this any better would be to show more visuals such as examples of failures vs successful casts and pours. You had some visuals, and you were clear about the others. I think your target audience is following you very well though, and understand exactly what you are talking about. I think you knew that when making this video, so kudos. Have a good day.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you so much for all the kind words - we appreciate the honest feedback! If we decide to take this topic to the next level and delve deeper, we'll definitely keep your recommendations in mind! Thanks for watching!

[@markelson4658]

This is probably one of the most informative videos I have found on the subject of using both the vacuum and pressure pot. I recommend this to all new starters. Thank You Mark UK

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the awesome feedback, Mark - we appreciate it!

[@honestabe6841]

Is there anyone I can go to so that I can build a custom made vacuum pot. The one I need has certain requirements that I can't find online. Should I just seek out any engineer or mechanic? Anyone got a direction they can point to?

[@rdyer8764]

Years ago I worked at a R&D company where we used vacuum chambers to remove air bubbles from small mixed batches, of long-cure-time epoxy before we applied it to our parts. So I always wondered why the guys working with resin mixed with wood for (lathe) turning always used pressure pots instead of vacuum chambers. NOW I KNOW! Thanks.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thats super cool - glad we could share some knowledge! Thanks for watching!

[@William_Mobley]

My roommate just gifted me a pressure pot as a late birthday gift. I didn't think it would be so easy to find such great info for it. Thank you so much!

[@Aguilo.Designs]

BEST video on the topic ever. Very well explained, not a boring moment. I wish I saw this before I bought both, but at least now I know that ONE process is good for either resin or silicone. Good job.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Mike! So glad to hear the video was helpful to you. Reach out if you ever have any questions!

[@newt7263]

Perfect, thank you! I ordered a pressure pot a couple days ago. I was concerned about my choice but now I know I ordered the right tool.

[@GC_Glassworks]

Hey, great video. Would you guys consider doing a video showing the differences between a clear resin cast in the vacuum chamber vs pressure pot?

[@ironbomb6753]

Rybonator has videos showing this.

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

@@ironbomb6753hi , can you please send me the link to it because I can not find it

[@RhumpleOriginal]

Best video. Literally showed one specific thing no other person has been discussing. Liked and subbed

[@1957Ramboat]

You Rock!! You are friendly and very personable. I recently retired and am outfitting my new workshop with all the basic woodworking tools, including a new lathe, which I’ve always wanted. I’m going to enjoy learning about working with resins from your videos!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's high praise, Tim! If you have any questions feel free to give us a shout!

[@dmitriykozmin3091]

this is a perfect explanation. just what i needed! thanx. subscribed

[@HeltonTyson]

I just have to say that I love you. I had that question unanswred in my mind for a really long time. Ty soo much

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You are so welcome - glad we could help!

[@bigdaddy7670]

Great video, but I have been using Alumilite clear for 2 years and I vacuum de-gas the mixture before pouring it into the mold. Alumilite TDS recommends this. I use a 1-gallon pot, which degasses quickly. Usually under 1 min. I then have about 6 min to pour.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great tip!

[@Berkana]

What are your thoughts on casting in vacuum? As in pouring 3/4 of the way up the mold, putting it in the vacuum chamber, de-gassing it, then pouring the rest of the resin, then degassing that and letting it set in vacuum? Would that work? I'm asking because I have a vacuum pump and chamber, but if I can make it work with that, I prefer to not buy a compressor and pressure pot as well.

[@brianlindsay9097]

This was very clear, thank you! My biggest confusion is that the internet is super divided on whether "pressure-potting" the silicone before casting is appropriate, with advice ranging from "never pressure cure your silicon because the bubbles will spring back" to "it's perfectly fine, I do it all the time". I'm not going to lie, money is a huge issue to me, and I can't afford to buy both a pressure pot AND a vacuum chamber, with their associated pumps. If I need a vacuum chamber (and pump) to make the pressure pot work, then I best not invest in a pot right now. But... I really need to get these bubbles out of my casts. I may be SOL, but any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We totally understand! It's tough because every maker has a different method. If your castings have bubbles in the resin and that's what you're most concerned with, pressure pot all the way. It entirely depends on what you're making and what preventative steps you can take. For example, mixing slowly, pouring into one corner, etc. all helps bubbles in silicone molds release, so that when you cast with resin you'll have smooth castings.

[@debthompson534]

Great video. Totally helped me understand the differences between the equipment. Glad I found this video, it saved me hours.

[@nobodyshome8726]

Absolutely a very well spoken man with a superb way of explaining the difference in the vacuum tank and pressure tank usages...I was wondering which I needed most ? And now I can stop wondering. I definitely need a pressure pot first and foremost . Thank you so much for the information, I am now subscribed to your channel .

[@MakingArt.DoingStuff]

Great video, thanks. I'm in the process of casting a part that has a closed mold, there's a small opening in which I end up putting a bolt, the part is casted on the bolt and that's that so there's little space for any air to move around. My question is, if the pressure pot compresses the air, does a closed mold collapse, reshape etc and will the air inside the closed mold shrink just the same? I'm about to pick up a pressure pot but thought I'd ask to see what your take is on this.

[@calv.io.n8080]

Super informative, I guess I have to heat the pressure pot to room temp for cold weather?

[@tracybrislin]

Great video ! How and why ,what to do and not to do, clear explanation! Just don't get any better. Thanks.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the feedback, Tracy!! We're glad you liked it!!

[@bases4war]

Been casting for years and have had great success pressure casting resin and using pressure on silicone moulds. I have never needed vacuum. Super crisp details for wargames bases.

[@al-oh8fq]

Ok i know it is a foolish question but will not pressure squeeze your silicone along with the liquid resin? your cast should become smaller in scale and a bit squashed no?

[@crackerjack3359]

Thanks for that. I'm a wood turner. Most of the voids I fill are on curved and vertical surfaces. I use plastic hot glued to the wood to make a mold. If I seal the mold completely with no vent does the pressure pot still work

[@adamswitlak1242]

Great video, pal. Quickly and easy you've just explained the whole story.

[@vaughanza]

Thanks for the great video, thanks So I want to cast a vehicle tail light and by watching your video you saying is I have to buy both tools to do the job. Vacuum pot for the silicon mold and pressure pot for the resin. thanks

[@darksi226]

Very, very helpful. No one starts with basics when it's things they know. So simple, but there were things that really helped me decide on the pressure pot, confidently.

[@m.g.7828]

This was a really good video, but what I needed from it could be summarized in few words: vacuum for silicone, pressure for resin

[@dconkey1]

I wish I had seen the tip about silicone in the bottom of the pressure pot about a year ago.

[@glen3257]

thank you for this video. Like and new subscriber. I want to get into resin lathe turning and researching whether to buy a vacuum pot or pressure pot.

[@GimmieMoBeads]

One of the best videos I've seen so far. Thank you!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad it could help - thanks for watching!

[@amandageyer795]

I have been debating if I need both or with one I need! I don’t generally make my molds so boom pressure pot for moi! Thank you!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

So glad this was helpful for you!

[@s44577]

Super helpful video and so well explained. You just saved me time, dollars and frustration. Thanks so much!! Glad I found your channel!

[@dianac2031]

I can watch all of your videos!!! Thank you for packing lots of information in an easy to understand way. You make it fun to learn!!! Gotta love Alumilite! Best man for the job 👍

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the awesome words Diana!

[@tlbx57]

Very helpful and comprehensive. Thanks!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@bjornml.08]

Thanks for a great explanation! I was just trying to figure out the differences between the two.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Haditastic]

THIS IS WHAT I NEED, BIG THANKS TO THIS CHANEL

[@BobBlarneystone]

Good advice. One thing I've never seen is the use of a magnetic laboratory stirrer with a teflon coated magnet bar. One could add the resin in the mixing container, turn on the stirrer and then slowly add the hardener, being careful to avoid making bubbles. I imagine that it would be thoroughly mixed with few or no bubbles. Of course, when filling in around small objects such as wood blocks or pine cones, that air may become trapped under/around the objects, so a pressure pot may be till necessary.

[@michaeldequatro1012]

Thanks for the video. I saw that your pressure pot is only $99 at Harbor Freight, but I also saw one on Amazon for $200. I didn't realize you had to make some adjustments to the HF one. Now I don't know what to do.

[@TkayBlack]

Man, thank you👌👌 you just saved my money

[@PantheraPress]

I see two questions I don't think were addressed: 1. What do you consider a long working time/open time for resin? Hours? Days? Any resin I've worked with typically takes 8+ hours before de-molding - I've never heard of a brand (besides UV or something) that would cure in the 10-15 minutes it would take to degas (though I'm not super experienced and I'm sure fast set resins do exist) 2. If your mold is not going to fit in a pressure pot or you're doing large projects like river tables what are you expected to do? ( I assume the answer is to degas the resin in a vacuum chamber before pouring instead).

[@anullhandle]

Yes you can vacuum degas epoxy then pour. You'll likely still need to pass a propane torch over the surface to release trapped air that rises to the surface. Depending on viscosity epoxy can expand quite a bit while degassing.

[@My52PickUp]

Great video, very helpful. What kind of cilcone are you pouring into the base of the pressure pot?

[@michaeltracy2566]

Thanks for that!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching, Michael!

[@Felipe-tw1wg]

Quick question, can you use the pressure tank as a vacuum chamber? Since they are relatively small, their surface is also small. Remember pressure = force x area... the atm pressure on the walls might not be that hard and hence, you could do both pressure and vacuum with a single tank. Is it a bad idea?

[@johnhoffman9413]

Just curious, that tip you gave where the mold would not fit into the pressure pot. Could you not just set the pressure pot on its side, secure it so it can't roll, and use it that way?

[@Think_4_yourself_plz]

If you use a slow cure resin, would you still be able to use the vacuum tank instead of the pressure pot?

[@tipstricks8040]

super simple and amazing explanation, really loved the way you present and explain

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@melosense84]

Hello! Could you please advice - no matter how hard we try, we still couldn't get bubblesfree cast. I suspect that plastic gets hard just too fast, after hardener is added it would take just 5-8 mins for it to get already hard and I just can't securely close chamber and add 4 bars of pressure in that time😅 Should we consider "longer living" plastics?

[@alejandrogarcia4593]

Awesome instructional video!! Thank you

[@vernonleeper]

Awesome video thanks for sharing. I was going to use the same pot for the same process.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!!

[@GRIZZ357]

Sweet right to the point, thanks brother

[@thedjkay]

What if I put the final resin mold in a vacuum chamber and leave it until it hardened instead of vacuum first then put it in the mold, will it work? I just bought a vacuum chamber and I thought it's best for resin. So again if I mix my resin pour it in my mold then put the mold in the vacuum chamber suck the air out and leave it for few hours will it work? I'm using silicone mold and deep epoxy resin!

[@znorman23]

Hey, where did you get the pressure relief valve for your pressure pot? Is it a 5/8”? I’m having trouble finding a chonker that big.

[@iaincullen7646]

The perfect KZbin video regardless of topic! Is using u pressure pot advisable if I'm layering resin? So, pour...Place object....pressurise...take out before full cure to minimise layering lines....pour....pressurise. Will the trapped bubbles expand again before a resin is fully cured? Thank you again for the video

[@shaniquashinankelfeat8487]

Okay this was helpful, so thank you! But I mostly use UV Resins NOT 2 Part Resins, (mainly because the cure time is so much faster and it's easier to keep things suspended in place in my resin) And I don't know how what you taught me in this video correlates to the use of UV resins...? Any and tips or tricks, for the use of UV resin in these two devices would be helpful.... And is there such a thing as a clear pressure pot? That might fix my issue because then I could UV light cure while my molds are in the pressure pot?

[@Putzenaround]

Great video. I subscribed because as a novice I would be a fool not to. Thanks, and keep them coming. Very well explained.

[@Kracov_the_Madman]

I have looked everywhere, but I couldn't find anything specific about how long to use the vac chamber, and how much pressure to use.

[@danielastone7924]

YOU MADE MY DAY!!! 😊THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You are so welcome!

[@autumnjeserich2689]

I'm casting really tiny parts(needles for instrument clusters) and due to the size I have found running air vents in my mold makes them unusable because they break by the time I can sand it and polish it back to smooth. One piece molds have the issue air being trapped in the small needle shaft, the pressure pot is able to overcome it for the small needles but the RPM and Speedometer needles that are longer the pressure pot can't overcome it. Is it practical in my use case to fill my silicone mold in the vaccum chamber and to run it in vaccum to force the trapped air out of the needle shaft in my mold so resin can fill that area before going to the pressure pot? I'm using alumilite amazing clear clast and my molds are platinum cure silicone

[@cjadams7434]

Since UV resin has a mostly unlimited working time..can it be used in either pressure pot or vacuum chamber? .. to just get rid of bubbles before curing with UV?

[@MG-vo7is]

Excellent! Thanks for the explanations.

[@amywike1196]

Idk why but this makes me think of a hyperbaric chamber. I'm looking for a system that helps get bubbles out of a deep pour. Pretty sure I'm in the right place.

[@ninnin22ninnin]

Fantastic video all around! Thank you!

[@elaineware3969]

Quick question..do you unhook the air compressor once you’ve reached 40psi or do you leave it on the whole curing time? Thanks

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great question, Elaine! We typically keep our hose attached, just in case there happens to be a leak/loss of pressure we can quickly add air.

[@darsmith3448]

Thank you! I just love your company, your products, and your customer service! This is a very good video! All take care. Blessings and Re Jouir -Darlene

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you for the kind words, Darlene! Please reach out any time if there's anything we can help you with!

[@darsmith3448]

@@AlumiliteCorporation Thank YOU!!!

[@SnyderTools]

Will a pressure pot help push the resin in the smaller gaps of a silicone mold?

[@beezlebubz5428]

I’ve heard mixed opinions on a problem I run into. Of course I came to the channel that always gives the best description and process, so here I am. I use your Mold Maker (amazing btw) but when I cast in polyurethane I get ‘zits’ on the cast. Some have said cure the silicone at the same psi I use for casting the resin in. Assuming I do both in the pressure pot at the same psi (40) I’m wondering if this would fix the issue. I get the silicone will expand and the air bubbles will come back but if hammered with the same psi in the pressure pot when casting resin they should theoretically shrink back to the original cure. Very informative video as always and greatly appreciated!

[@RICDirector]

Bumping for attention...good question!

[@KerryAnne1111]

Thank you, that was extremely helpful.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@cedarandsound]

A vacuum chamber should effectively be about 10-15 minutes right? So that's fine for deep pour epoxies that take 2-3 days to fully cure right?

[@HISTORIAN-y9i]

Thank you from Turkey

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@ulyssesbejarano1847]

what vacuum pump do you recommend, what CFM should I aim for?

[@CLeeMiller]

Question on the pressure pot .... if the mold does not fit as demonstrated in the video, can you set the pressure pot on its side and run it????

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You absolutely can put the pressure pot on its side to fit large molds. We want to make sure everyone's being smart and safe and make sure to secure the pot to a rig or something to keep it stable. And, as always, follow the manufacturer's recommendations first - if they don't recommend that for the pot you have, then we can't either.

[@zonedoutt6962]

I understand why you would not want to put your mixed resin in the vacuum chamber since it would likely cure before you could pour it again, but what if you've already poured it, can you put your mold in there? Like you did for the pressure pot?

[@THEFIFTHDIMENTION]

Yes

[@psman-ns4lt]

Liked and subscribed, it was cut and right to the learning. I didn’t know I knew so little.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Happy to hear it! That's what we're here for.

[@Joannime]

Hi guys! I want to start mold making, doni need a vacuum chamber? I have seen some people say that a pressure pot works fine, and others say that you need a vacuum chamber. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on the topic! Any advice?

[@mfx1]

I'm not a moulder but often work with them and I often see them put pre-filled moulds into vacuum pots, then carefully de-gas them then slowly let pressure back in, I assume this last stage may also help force the resin etc. into the nooks and crannies of the mould, this helps reduce the time problems as you do the whole operation in the mould.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianr3699]

I work with deep pour resin that has a long open time (days). Wouldn’t the vacuum chamber be a better choice?

[@ODGuitars]

Couple of questions: I'm using a 24 hours epoxy for sealing burl woods, building a vacuum chamber for it now. Is it better to build the pressure chamber instead? Also, can it be made out of playwood (17mm thick) ?

[@dumbcat]

pro tip: you can replace the wing nuts on the pressure pot with bolts. then use a torque wrench (or electric drill with torque setting) to quickly and accurately tighten the bolts

[@waterlilly62lori]

I use large molds, can you put mixed resin into the pressure to be poured?

[@rhoder2]

If you pour resin into the mold, could you put it into a vacuum chamber and let it set while in there?

[@wolfchan4389]

so a vacuum chamber should be fine then if you are using slow cure resins right? I have mainly been using art resins with a 24+ hour cure time so it seems like a vacuum pot should be fine to use on those and the silicone casts

[@herocraftone5920]

Should we buy vacuum pump 1 stage or 2 stage for Vacuum Chamber?

[@nicholugrim1108]

another helpful video tnx

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!!

[@oyvonnee]

Awesome information. Thank you for making it simple.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@xavierdesaegher7353]

Hello, I discover your channel because I am interested to create my knife handles with wood and resin. I congratulate you for your videos and thank you already for your sharing. Also, I don't speak much English (I use an application for written English) and I would like to be sure of what I understood. the vacuum chamber allows all the air to be evacuated from an object such as wood. We dip it in resinel (which one?), colored or not, so that it fills all the free space. For the pressure pot, we can put the object in the prepared epoxy (mixture A and B, which one?), and this allows to trap the air in the object and to harden the epoxy around this object.no? so if I want to color heartwood, and marry it with resin, I first pass it in the vacuum, with a bath of colored resin, then in the pressure pot to make a handle with epoxy? thank you for your return, and your information on the products to use. good continuation Xavier

[@datrandomdugggy5537]

would you be able to hook a air compresser to a vaccume chamber to get a presure pot or is that a bad idea?

[@MrA6992]

Hello there! first things first: GREAT VIDEO! it solved my doubts on the topic in a perfect way! thank you so much for it! then, I'm sorry to bother you, I would like to know one thing before buying a pressure pot: I cast reeeeeally small pieces for my miniatures (for example a head of a 28 mm miniature), so my moulds are often small (2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm).. my question is: if I put them in the pressure pot, isn't there the possibility that the mould collapses for the pressure, and the result is a deformed piece? or the pressure is just enough to make the air come out without deforming the "walls" of my mould? thanks for your time, and again.. great video!

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Good information

[@jamesadams162]

is it possible to pour resin into a mould and then put in a vacuum chamber?

[@billybob884]

very informative video, thanks! sucks all this equipment has to be so expensive though, tough to break in as an amateur...

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's very true - this equipment is definitely an investment. One thing you could do is start off with epoxy that doesn't need a pressure pot or vacuum chamber. It's a good way to get your feet wet before dedicating more time and money into the practice!

[@StevenVacher]

Great video, really answered all the questions I had.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@rodolfolourenco7502]

Hi there, great video! Do you think that is it possible to build a pressure form 8' long x 4' wide x 3" deep, put the wood and epoxy inside to build a river table ? Is it sounds crazy ?

[@andrewpassey1769]

Brilliant, many thanks 👍

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks Andrew!

[@steinbierz]

I was very interested in your Pro Tip on pouring silicone into the bottom of your pressure pot. I hadn't thought about that and was recently watching another video where they recommended using an HDPE disc in the bottom. They linked to a relatively cheap one so I ordered one and, although I haven't used it yet, it should work fine. I am intrigued by the silicone though as I have another pot that I don't have a bottom for. Are there any downsides to pouring silicone in the bottom of the pot when my only use will ever be for casting? Thanks.

[@yoopermann7942]

its kinda funny when i learned how to mold with resin i was never taught about a pressure pot or vac chamber, now it seems like that is what is holding me up from starting my own shop,, i just cant grasp what size i need and where i can get both in one stop

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're not sure about getting both at once but here's where we like to get ours: Pressure Pots - www.californiaairtools.com/air-tools-accessories/pressure-pots/ Vacuum Chambers - shopbvv.com/products/best-value-vacs-10-gallon-aluminum-vacuum-chamber?variant=14482661310579&Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwlID8BRAFEiwAnUoK1Ugno6S_ChBX6eXP5nfXJPMVSfFI6p-xBg8ALHJbAwDbEC5pFbm-9xoC1t8QAvD_BwE As for size, it all depends on what you expect to be making!

[@TonyGarrett-p1c]

Hmm, I wonder if one of these could vacuum seal canning jars?

[@David-bc4rh]

So the compressed air bubbles that get trapped in the resin remain pressurized after curing? So the resin object will be slightly pressurized after curing?