release agent needed?

[dentdoc]

I am just getting started with building my first wind turbine. I have not started yet but was starting to make the mold for the stator and was wondering if I should use a release agent in my mold for easy removal? I did not notice it being used in the projects that I looked into on this site but thought it would be helpful.

If you do suggest using a release agent could I use pure bees wax (I have excess from my hives)?

Thanks for a great site!!!!

dentdoc

[Flux]

You will need a release agent for polyester on most materials. Vinyl ester or epoxy will need a release agent on anything but a few slippery plastics.

Your beeswax should be fine. Apply a coat, buff it up let it stand for a few minutes and apply another coat and it should be fine.

Flux

[Capt Slog]

I found that when my stator was cast, it generated a lot of heat, it was hot enough to feel very warm through 5/8 plywood. I think that because of this, some waxes can have too low a melting point to be of use, and that when they get warm they soak into the wood.

I used to keep bees too.  I can't remember the melting point of beeswax, but I think that it's lower than the the parafin wax that I used.

I rubbed a candle all around my moulds and then melted it in to the wood with a blow torch, I did this a couple of times and had no problems with the stator releasing from the top and bottom faces.  It did stick to the outer face, but this was due to a poorly made mould, and not the release agent.

[wooferhound]

This question was asked 10 days ago

here it is

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2008/1/12/19353/6797

[Ungrounded Lightning Rod]

I can't remember the melting point of beeswax, but I think that it's lower than the the parafin wax that I used.

Beeswax has a much HIGHER melting point than parafin wax.

Dripping most candle wax on skin from a foot or two will cause pain but no significant damage.  Dripping beeswax will cause serious burns.

[brianschanafelt]

Try some good old turtle wax. My stator pretty much fell out plus makes a really nice finish.

[Experimental]

Hi Dentdoc,

    For over twenty years, I have made boats and race car parts and all I have used in my molds is Automotive paste wax --- BUT, be sure to let the wax dry for about four hours, between coats.

If you don,t let each coat dry, you will only have one, as putting one coat over another, without drying time between won,t work...

    I recommend three coats in all, but usually use four, as wax is cheeper than fixing molds !!!

    PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) is also a great product, but a lot of folks make the mistake of useing it, over wax -- as it is a water mix product, it will "bead" up on wax, just like water ,It can be used over wax, if sprayed on in "dust" coats, but the wax will work fine, and it,s easy to find -- PVA, a little harder to aquire and really works best , when sprayed on..

   I "taper" the cut slightly, then coat my stater mold with resin, which seals the wood, or whatever you made the mold from -- then sand it lightly to remove sharp edges ,then wax !!

   My stator usually, falls out of my mold after cureing !!!

   Happy building, Bill H...........

[TomW]

This question was asked 10 days ago



*SIGH*