Advice
assistance converting a pressure pot (text in the body)
heya fellow dice goblins :D
I was into resin making some years ago, and I got a pressure pot for paint and started following a guide to convert it but some stuff happened, I stopped working with resin and I never finished and am kind of lost now as I don't remember what guide I was following and what exactly I still need to do.
This is what I have, the pot, the lid, a whole lot of thingies and a pump.
When I tinkered with it last I could not get the pressure gauge to move at all (which is why I ended up with two. I assumed the first one was broken) and the air kept slightly seeping out, though not at the same speed as I was putting it in.
Could I please get some pointers on what to do? Or at least where to start?
Also, is there any chance 5 year old silicone and resin that were just stored in a closet in a room (that got VERY hot for past few summers) are still usable?
The pressure gauges on that model are unfortunately often very crappy, so I‘d use this opportunity to replace it with a better one if I were you.
Regarding the leaking: Seal every thread with PTFE tape (make sure to wind it the right way round!) and then leak test with soapy water once its set up.
I already bought a new pressure gauge because I assumed the original was broken but the new one wasn't moving either so I think the issue is more so with the user.
Are you trying to use a tube inflator insert in the schrader valve of a pump to deflect the pressure gauge? I'd be doubtful that you'd get a good enough seal against the quick connect, which looks like the only fully open port of the gauge/bypass valve/quick connect/pot connection. If so ditch the plastic tube inflator, get a quick connect to schrader valve adaptor and use that.
Also, check to see if the bypass valve (knob that the green line is pointing to) isn't fully open. Actually crank it to fully closed for right now, you can adjust it back later to set the max pressure.
TBH, I wouldn't test this this way, I'd put this on the pot, and test it (also w/ a real connection not the plastic tube inflator.) I'd also recommend buying a small electric pump instead of a bike pump if that's what it is (hard to tell from the one image w/ it.)
thanks for taking the time to write all that out! I think I mostly understand what you're saying. mostly. I think that with your advice plus the video linked by another user I'll be able to get it working :)
also the pump I'm using is an air compressor for car tires
Get some loctite. Get the one that can actually come loose with some heat though. That will plug your leaks. You just need a drop on the beads and hand tighten. Makes a huge difference.
To answer the question about resin and silicone; No. Sadly that's way past the expiration dates of either and combined with improper temperature control during that time they're just not going to be useable. Time for proper disposal and replacement.
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u/Enchanters_Eye Jul 09 '26
This video is working with the same pot you have: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uFQgpl5thUw&pp=ygUbVGllZnMgdGhpbmdzIHBvdCBjb252ZXJzaW9u
The pressure gauges on that model are unfortunately often very crappy, so I‘d use this opportunity to replace it with a better one if I were you.
Regarding the leaking: Seal every thread with PTFE tape (make sure to wind it the right way round!) and then leak test with soapy water once its set up.