JSC Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 In another thread "Smallie" asked about those using a Presto Pot and having trouble with valve plugging up when not in continuos use. Attached shows the "Choking It Down Nozzle" ... Air hose connector of which the one on the right is one that I cut off to limit the restriction ... it will still plug if left idle for a short time.. Problem solved ... I got a Heat Gun in for use in powder painting ... Just give the nozzle a quick blast with the heat gun and you are in business .. should work OK for preheating molds as well. JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pastorshane Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use a heat gun to heat my molds as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint308 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Just curious. Why do you use a reduction nozzle? Saint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted March 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Saint I found that in using a reduction nozzle that I get a better Pour .. both for an open mold as well as with a closed (in a closed mold it seems to fill better than with the open nozzle as you reduce the "splash".. With an open mold you have a better control of the flow most noticeably with a small mold item.) Course what works for one person might not work for another. "Have A Good One" JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EugeneM Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I just fixed a presto pot and I was wandering how you guys kept those nozzles warm guess I will have to get me a heat gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint308 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 JSC: How hot do you pour your plastic? I am curious because I bought a couple of reduction nozzles back when I first started with my pot. However, I never used them because the stream was thin enough for me. I may try them at some point. Thanks. Saint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted March 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Saint I use the Presto pot mostly for closed molds .. I run the heat as hot as I can without scorching .. about 340 with calhoun regular .. with one batch I had to add a little softner to get the pour right. I also use it to pour larger open molds (Frog and a special Eel I have) with out "choking" it down I have trouble with over flow in the open molds. For pouring smaller open molds I prefer the Lees Pot and I have 2 of them and in making 2 color stuff naturally use both of them in conjunction with cooking in the micro wave. Have A Good One JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinamike Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hey guys why not just add a self heating nozzle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angler310 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 and how do you ad a self heating nozzel to an open pour pot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted March 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 CarolinaMike Now that self heating nozzle sounds like a winner . Tell me more. JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallie Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Self-heating? It takes energy to make energy. How does that work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinamike Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 You can probably put a small heat band around the nozzle itself and then insulate it with woven fiberglass. You will have to have some type of temperature control. My nozzles I had made at a machine shop, they are 3" in diameter with a hole drilled in them to slide a cartridge heater in. Just make sure to get one that is 110V. You will have to specify the length of cord you want, do not short yourself on the length, you will want it to be long enough. I put a straight plug on mine and then plugged it into a lamp dimmer switch that I purchased at Lowes. There are a whole lot better ways to control the temperature, but it involves a whole lot more money too. Oh, did I mention that you can get the heat bands at Thermal Corp, they also have the temperature controls too. This is where most people get their supplies for the big pressure pots too. They have a website and their phone # is 800-633-2962. When you pull up their website, there is a picture of a small heat band, remember to insulate these with something and have a good nozzle handle because they do get hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallie Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 It may not be truely self-heating but it is a good idea. Thanks for telling how to keep it flowing. I think I have seen band heaters on eBay too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Thanx for the info Mike will check it out. JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbroggi1 Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 The little self igniting butane torches used for cooking works wonders, very controlled flame and instant clog relief Cost $10.00 + butane Here are the nipples I use the one on the left is your standard airline fitting cut shorter and drilled out to my desired size for pouring Sticks, The flattern one seems to help out when pouring into 1 piece craw type molds as well as narrow 1 piece worm molds (finesse style) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefaddiction Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Question about the pots? Does someone make a much smaller version? One to hold lets say 5 cups or so? I know it may should weird but I would like a small one better then a larger one starting out. I want a lot of different colors then a lot of just one color. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbroggi1 Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 The reugluar Presto will pour as little as you want I do 2 cups quite a bit get about 45-50 the last 5 I tilt the base and when I done there isnt enought for 1 more good worm. Let cool a few minutes and wipe it clean the plastic just peels away and go on to the next color you'll be pouring again in about 5 minutes to reheat. But anythink you do get out save it for next time as you just remelt it or any bad worm pours not that there are many. If your looking to simply pour 1 cup than a microwave and pyrex cup would be the way to go. 10-20 worms at a time Here is one of mine stirring and pouring about a 2 cups DropShots.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted March 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Scott .. I have not checked lately but there was.. smaller pots example smaller Deep Fry pots .. I used ne of Sears Specials for many years to cook my plastic in before pouring into a "Wax Dropper" The electrical connection are in bad shape at the present but I have drilled it and built a "Stirring" assembly for it .. got to get a tap the right size whenever I get a chance ... this will help me in making 2 color pours .. --------------------------- Mbroggi1 Thanx for the tip on "Flattening" the nozzle .. I can see where that will help with the open mold stuff, Thanx JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
