Release agent for stator ?
By Dave B, Section Wind Posted on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 07:03:53 PM MST
Best release agent ?

I know people use several different things for the release agent when casting stators but now that there are so many being built I'm looking for feedback on what seems to work best. I used car wax on my previous and I think I could have used something better, also I need to taper the edge of the mold a bit which should help a lot. Suggestions and comments are appreciated, thank you. I am using Wests System Epoxy and am sold on this product although I know it's thermal properties are not up there with the stuff the Dan's are using. It is very strong and will be fine as long as I don't over run it. Thanks for the input.  Dave B.

Release agent for stator ? | 15 comments (15 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#1) by wdyasq on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 12:16:00 PM MST (User Info)

Wax and Polyvinyl Alcohol work well. Ron Adventure is just bad planning." -- Roald Amundsen

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#2) by Flux on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 01:19:42 PM MST (User Info)

Epoxy is more difficult to release than polyester. You need a good taper and reasonable surface finish on the edges ( use filler if the end grain is porous). Carnauba wax is the common one, furniture polish may be ok. Pva is often recommended but I have never got it to work, think you may have to spray it. Never found silicones effective with epoxy. Flux [ Parent ]

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#3) by snowcrow on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 02:15:24 PM MST (User Info)

Hi Dave, I've found paraffin wax or bee's wax to be the best thing to use when working with epoxy.   I've used it for year in the woodworking trade to keep my clamping blocks from sticking to the work. I think it hold up better to the heat during the curing process then the car or furniture wax. Snow Crow

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#4) by tecker on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 03:15:58 PM MST (User Info)

Spray Silicon works good goes on easy . Dry lube

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#5) by electronbaby (roy<at>windsine.org) on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 05:40:52 PM MST (User Info) http://www.windsine.org

Ive used car wax years ago with varying luck. Ive used axel grease rubbed into the wood molds I use with very good luck. Ive also used linseed oil too with good luck on wood molds. You just need to make sure its a couple coats so the wood wont absorb most of it over curing time. some of the others mentioned might work good too. I use whatever is laying around i guess. :-) Have Fun!! RoyR KB2UHF

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#6) by s4w2099 (movlw0x13h@yahoo.com) on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 06:11:50 PM MST (User Info) http://www.s4wsbox.com/

I use a heavy coat of turtle wax. It almost falls of from the mold by itself.

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#7) by ibeweagle (ibeweagle@hotmail.com) on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 07:11:30 PM MST (User Info)

best found was Johnsons paste wax for floors works wonders for resine should out due expensive release agents try out on pourous wood with floor wax on it to see if it will release good luck ibeweagle

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#8) by clflyguy (sidney.raiford@gmail.com) on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 08:34:55 PM MST (User Info)

Dave, Make sure you have a degree or two of draft angle first then spend a little more time on the mold, coat it with the west system stuff to fill all grain, let cure then sand. Now apply a second thin gloss coat, set level somwhere and cure- no heat, it makes bubbles. When cured use real honest to gosh mold release wax and wait an hour or two between each of the four coats. Mist twice with PVA (Part-All) and let dry. Lay up the stator.. It will fall out of the mold when cured.   -Gus

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#9) by Dave B on Sat Jan 12th, 2008 at 09:59:44 PM MST (User Info) http://www.madbbs.com/users/bruggelog

Thanks for all the ideas. I have silicone spray, grease, car wax, floor wax and candle wax here. I had thought seriously about using the grease and making sure I cut a bit of taper to the edge of the mold. I think that was part of the problem last time and the car wax may have been OK but I think the grease will get into the grain better. I guess I'll figure out what to use in a couple days, I wound the coils last night. Thanks again,  Dave B. [ Parent ]

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#11) by wdyasq on Sun Jan 13th, 2008 at 10:54:35 AM MST (User Info)

Make sure you have a degree or two of draft angle first then spend a little more time on the mold, coat it with the west system stuff to fill all grain, let cure then sand. Now apply a second thin gloss coat, set level somwhere and cure- no heat, it makes bubbles. When cured use real honest to gosh mold release wax and wait an hour or two between each of the four coats. Mist twice with PVA (Part-All) and let dry. ---This is as near to correct as anyone has posted Ron Adventure is just bad planning." -- Roald Amundsen [ Parent ]

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#15) by blueyonder (windwoodgood at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Wed Jan 30th, 2008 at 04:06:51 PM MST (User Info)

hi clflyguy.  you have done a nice job with the fibre glass work.  i am only learning . so i need to ask you about the mist with the pva.   dos that mean you put it in a spray bottle and spray a mist on.   i have tried with a brush and get it in globules  forming i should say.  maybe there was a bit wax on it before i put pva.   i supose i could try a spray bottle with a fine mist but wasent sure if it would clog up . if i leave it in the spray bottle.    love the pics   its a ill wind that dos no good [ Parent ]

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#10) by fcfcfc on Sun Jan 13th, 2008 at 07:56:23 AM MST (User Info)

Hi: I am surprised no one suggested spray Teflon release lube..??..

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#12) by Shadow on Sun Jan 13th, 2008 at 10:57:04 AM MST (User Info)

I use Polyprolyene board (Puckboard) instead of wood, Then you dont need any release agent. Although I still smear on a thin layer of vaseline.

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#13) by wooferhound (tim((NoSpamAt))wooferhound.com) on Sun Jan 13th, 2008 at 12:37:58 PM MST (User Info) http://wooferhound.com

I used Plastic Wrap (Saran, Glad) I covered the mold with it, laid out all the coils and stator bits, Poured the Polyester Resin. put on another layer of plastic wrap, and pressed it together. Once set the Stator just popped right out and the Saran wrap pealed right off. I did'nt expect the wrap to come off so easily and intended for it to stay stuck on there which would have been fine. No mess or residue and the mold was nice and clean when I finished. W o o f -={(

Re: Release agent for stator ? (3.00 / 0) (#14) by brianschanafelt (brianschanafelt@yahoo.com) on Mon Jan 14th, 2008 at 11:36:23 AM MST (User Info)

I have used parafin wax by making it into a long flat piece about 1/2" thick and press it into the mold some of the wax tends to melt but is has been successful for me so far. thanks for all the tips "something free is money well spent"

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