THANK YOU!!!!!! I just got my first pressure pot and I got the new 10 gallon California air tools casting pot cause I'm casting larger things and I can't even explain how unhelpful the instructions were with any of the setup and operation!!! They should be paying you as a member of their customer support team 😆

Great video! I felt like my best friend was showing me the way. Thanks!

Thank you so much for posting this, it’s just what I needed. I got mine on Thursday and need to get it up and going. Love your videos and thanks again!

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Woohoo!! I'm glad it was helpful for you Sarah, and thank you for the kind words too 😀 Have fun casting!! 🙌🙌

Thank you so much for the video. We bought a 5.0 gal one and now we know what we did wrong. Thank you so much

Fine video, Zac - just ordered one based on your trusted review. Thanks!.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! You're going to love this pot, I'm still impressed with how simple it is to use and how well built it is

I just got this pot a few days ago, I'm learning alot ty so much ^^

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome 🙌🙌 Glad to hear that the videos are helping out too, that's always my hope 😀

Good work on keeping newcomers up to speed on the biggest part of the hobby. ✌

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks James! I was super excited to share this, been wanting them to come out with this pot for so long now 😀

My best friend recommended this one for me as I make jewelry. I got it as a gift for Christmas and am stoked to finally be using it. (I burned out for a bit but I’m back at my shop again.)

Excellent video - thank you so much! I ordered one and did the pressure test last night. Held like and champ and this thing is SERIOUSLY well made.

@supermanscott

Жыл бұрын

How long was shipping?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

That's so great to hear!! I'm glad you like it. I am impressed with the quality of these, best pots on the market!!

So glad you told me about the new pressure pot. Me and the other vets I teach woodturning to sure can use one and I will have to save for it but it is in the future

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!! I'm so excited they finally came out with a 2.5 gallon version. It's a great pot with a great price tag too!

@arlineastman

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins I agree. Being a 100% disabled vet and teaching other vets and paying for all what we use, money is hard to keep. This is why I subscribed several years ago to your channel. It helps me from wasting any money I would could have wasted. Like your idea of writing everything down. I have only did it twice and not using a pressure pot it came out ok since it was solid colors

I've had their 5 gallon pot for a while and love it. I just got the 2.5 pot and I agree with Zac about the great fit and finish.

@homerlex

2 жыл бұрын

There is a pressure relief valve on top of the pot. You could also open the ball valve without the compressor hooked up

@thebox814

2 жыл бұрын

May I ask what adapter you used to connect to your air compressor

Thank you for this video! Made my decision easy!

Awesome- I’m ordering one now. I have a CA Technologies 5 gallon that is really larger than I need, plus all the conversion to get it pressure cast ready. This CA Tools will be perfect. Thank you so much!!

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!! I know how cumbersome the 5 gallon pots can be, the 2.5 gallon is perfect for 99% of what most people need to cast. Have fun with it! 😀

@rbfour5

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins The 2.5 gal. CA Tools is on its way- and the bottom HDPE disc for the pot!

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

@@rbfour5 Whoop Whoop 🙌🙌

So, after watching this video on this Pressure Pot, I splurged and bought one! I was using a converted Harbor Freight pressure pot, which was good to start out with, but . . . yes, the top dented from the screw downs and leaked so much! I just pulled out resin cabochons with Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast as a top coat -- and the results are simply amazing! I also learned, the hard way, you have to release the air from your air compressor (after each use) in these humid states because moisture gathers in the tank and will transfer into the pressure pot -- that was also giving me some unpredictable results which may not have been the fault of the old pressure pot. Thank you for sharing!

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you like it! It's such a great little pot for the money, so happy they finally came out with these in the 2.5 gallon. I would recommend putting a filter on your air line to ensure that you don't blow any moisture into the pot. It's tough to keep it out out of the compressor tank when you're in a humid area. Good to drain the tank every night for sure though

@Boogie_the_cat

6 ай бұрын

Every time I buy Alumilite, the part B bottle is already yellow. Let's Resin Low Viscosity 2:1 is far superior.

@lilolmecj

2 ай бұрын

Reading your comment a year later. That was very interesting, I would not have known. Where I live the summer humidity is very low, but winter is damp, so good to know. I am not sure I can cure resin in my shop in the winter anyway, because though it can be heated I don’t think we keep it warm enough, and usually only during the daytime.

This is the one I told you about a couple months ago. I got mine from California air tools when they released it and I've been using mine for 3 months and it has never lost pressure.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know!! I wouldn't have known if you didn't tell me about it. These things are great pots, the perfect choice for most people I think =D

@WoodResinCustoms

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Awesome pot for the money

Super excited they came out with the 2.5gallon, I'm going to get one very soon. I am quite disappointed that the bottom is not already flat, I thought since it was made for resin casting they would have taken that into consideration 🤷🏼‍♀️

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

It's a great pot too! You probably won't find a pot with a totally flat bottom just due to the physics involved with pressurizing the tank. It's pretty flat though, much flatter than the Harbor Freight pots, and it's close to the CA Technologies ones. For most hard molds, it's really not a problem, but you definitely will want to put something flat in there for silicone molds.

@steinbierz

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Couldn't silicone molds be set on a rack in the same way that HDPE molds are? Thanks.

I was so excited to discover this pot! But I found out they're all SOLD. The story of my life.

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Oh no!! They should have them back in stock soon

@samanthafischer1130

Жыл бұрын

They're back in stock now!

Great video. Mine is arriving on Thursday and you should get Amazon credit.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! Thanks brother!! 👊

Hi Zac, Looks an amazing pressure pot. I couldn't warrant paying that, £211, for one as I don't do a lot of casting. Great video as ever Zac. Take care mate. Cheers, Huw

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Huw! Yeah, it just depends on your budget and what you plan to do with casting, but this one's definitely the best bang for your buck

Thanks for the video. Purchased one yesterday. Got it today.

@Ken.norwood2

2 жыл бұрын

Now all I need to do is buy resin.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Woohoo!! The fun is just beginning 😀

@Ken.norwood2

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Do you have a sticker I can Put on my Pot as you are the inspiration to get this

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

@@Ken.norwood2 Hey Ken, I finally saw your email (sorry for the delay, it got buried in the inbox) and replied a little while ago. Send my your mailing address in an email, and I'll get one out to you =D

Thanks for the video.

Thank you so much for your review! I just ordered the 2.5 gallon with the mold rack system for it. Sadly the bottom disc was out of stock. If I will mainly be using the rack, will I need that bottom disc? I also wanted to get your recommendation for an air compressor for the 2.5 gallon pot. I don't want to over do it price wise if a fancy one isn't need 😂 thank you again!

I’m a newbie to all of this. Your channel is fantastic. Question for you. You checked the temperature of the resin prior to the pour. What exact temperature were you looking for and how important is that step in the process?

Thank you for this video. I always wanted to do this, but I thought the pots were much more money. I looked into the HF one, but I didn't think it was worth half the price because of all the modifications and extra parts you had to get. Plus, some of the KZreadrs did complain about leaks. Can't wait to get mine. One question. How long do you normally keep the molds in the pot? Right now, I just want to make pen blanks.

Hello, and thanks for the video! My 2 1/2 gallon California Air Tool pressure pot arrived just days ago. This video really helps. I didn't even know what a regulator was. My question, what is the orange cap thingy? What does it do?

It’s almost an inch deeper, but you didn’t take into account that the bottom curve a lot more, so its probably not that different from Ca in terms of depth, but the finish on the pot looks so good 😍

About to get started with resin/wood turning on a lathe. Have you already or can you talk about a pressure pot vs a vacuum chamber? Do you need both? When would you use one vs the other, etc?

Hello Zac. I really love your channel. I bought this pot back in September 2023 but never used until a few days ago. I love the pot it holds the pressure really well. The issue is that the pressure gauge is not registering the pressure. According to the manual, I need to replace the gauge but there is no part number to buy or instructions on how to do it. Can you help me with a part number and instructions. Thank you so much.

Love your videos. Have you done one that details your work area, storage of your materials, etc.? I am setting up an area of my shop for casting/stabilizing and have been wondering about work surfaces, maybe a table on casters that I mount my two pots (5 gal. California with a 2.5 on order), where to put my vacuum chambers/pump, etc. I realize everyone's situation, space size, etc. are different but always looking for ideas. Thanks.

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you're enjoying the videos. I have a few shop tours as the shop has progressed over the years, here is a playlist of them: kzread.info/head/PLoeB-EPC_91tKFu6xSOcW5utfqRNiIjCJ

@lorenzix9938

Жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Is it possible to make shelves with Mdf/wood?

Nice video

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dominic!

Hi Zac, need some advice on what air compressor to get, without it being over kill - I will be working with resin to make dice. (Got a Vevor Chamber pot already) much apricated

I was going to buy this one! Now I will for sure! But I'm dying to see the result! Where is that video?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I'm not sure that I did a video on what I put in there

I wish it was possible to get something like this here in Australia. I had a hard enough time finding any kind of pressure pot at all, and the only model I could find looks to have all the same drawbacks as the infamous Harbor Freight pot, although it costs about as much as this one. Of course, trying to ship this California Air Tools pot into Australia would probably cost about as much as the pot itself.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

You might check with Ben over at Ben's Worx. He's using a pot, not sure where he got it, but he's in Australia and might know where to find them

@Magmafrost13

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins His video on setting up a pot is actually how I found the model I found in the first place haha.

thank you so much for such helpful video. would you please tell me what kind of air compressor would be suitable for this pot? Will one with 1/4 hp enough?

I picked up a vevor pressure pot, and went through the trouble of converting it for castings. It's only holding air around 45psi. Would that be enough pressure for larger bowl blank castings?

Hello. I'm not sure if this is going to be a stupid question or not but I'm hoping you can help. I was wanting to know if I need to get an actual air compressor or if I can use one of the tire air compressors that they have that generate more than 60 PSI. And, if I can use one of the portable compressors, what kind of attachment / hose would I need to purchase to connect it to the pressure pot? Thank you so much!! I appreciate your knowledge so much!

Thanks for showing me how to get it out of the box 😂

Clean review. I want a 5 gal. pot for wood bowls

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, the 5 gallon is a better way to go if you're going to do larger projects as well, it's a great pot too!

@crocuscreekwoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Thanks Zac. I got the 5-gal pot but haven't used it yet. I look forward to getting started with it.

@crocuscreekwoodworks

Жыл бұрын

Hey Zac. I have used the pot several times and it is awesome I love it. Thanks for your video.

I am getting into resin poring for silicone molds like for dice and all and was wondering if this works with something like that right out of the box?

I purchased this pot based on your recommendations, I seen the pot in use in videos but no one shows how to release the air. The larger pot has a release valve, this one has an outlet. How do I release the air?

for the HDPE disc you use, How thick is it? did you round over the bottom edge? to get a better fit to the pot

Zac, can you discuss moisture in the air compressor and how you tackle that? I know all air compressors create moisture in the system and resin doesn't like that.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I can do a video on that topic for sure! Thanks for the idea Tim =D

@justplaindawnmurry2145

Жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Being from a climate with high humidity, I would love to see a discussion concerning this moisture topic! I have a HF small tank compressor and it has turned into a pew-ew situation. the drain plug is not at the bottom of the tank, so the moisture left in the tank never really left -- and once I became smart enough to tip the tank when releasing the air/water from it, brown (rusty) water was being released from the tank. I am going to purchase the Makita air compressor that you suggested below and get a high desiccant filtration system -- I sure hope I can get my set up going soon as the cool, dry weather is now coming upon us and I want to get creating!

Thanks for sharing, why did you leave the half stir sticks in the top of the molds?

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!! That's a great question! I figured someone was going to ask about that. I used the sticks to hold down the cholla since they wanted to float

Excellent video! I have 2 questions. Do you have any experience in CO2 tightness of the pot? I want to know if I inject CO2 into the pot to about 60psi, how much pressure I might lose after 24 hours. Another question is I am planning to replace the pressure gauge with a digital pressure gauge, what kind of gauge should I purchase? Thanks.

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Unfortunately I have no experience with CO2 or digital gauges. I just use regular compressed air with mine and the standard gauges. Sorry I couldn't help with that

Mine is extremely Unlevel. I put on all of the wheels and for some reason it’s not level, so if I push on one side of the pot one of the wheels is up in the air, and when I let it go, a different wheel goes up in the air. I put a circle in the bottom to try to level it that way but due to the wheels being uneven I can’t seem to fix the problem. I can’t take the wheels off because the bottom is concave and wouldn’t sit evenly.

Did you put those chollas in a toaster oven to get the darker color? Just got my pot today.

What would be a suitable size compressor to run with this unit?

Hi Zac, I’m having problem getting the right adapter for my California Air Tools Pressure Pot for Resin Casting, Model 365CW. I am using a 3 gallon air compressor from Walmart, 3 gallon Hypertough brand

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

There are a couple different couplers styles out there, but I'm just not sure which style it actually comes with or what it's called. You might take it into a plumbing supply shop near you, they may be able to sort you out by looking at it.

Hi, Zac. I got this exact set up a while ago. I’ve attempted multiple times to create the product that I want to sell but I keep getting bubbles in the final result. I’m getting a bit frustrated and would like some guidance please.

What kind of compressor would be good to get for this pot? Also do you think I could kill to birds with one stone and get a compressor that works for both the pot and an airbrush?? Thanks Zac!

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

I recommend the ultra quiet compressors for casting. It's preferable to have a tank that is close to the same capacity as the pressure pot, and you need it to be able to go up to the needed PSI level. Here are a couple examples of compressors that I would recommend: Makita: amzn.to/3m2AR89 Kobalt: www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Quiet-Tech-4-3-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Twin-Stack-Air-Compressor/1001013970

what did you do with your Harbor freighters :)

looking for that rack on turners website. cant seem to find it. got link?

What air compressors would you recommend? I'm trying to get started but avoid spending too much money. I know it's rediculas but would a tire pressure version work for the first few attempts until I can also throw money on an air compressor?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I recommend going with a tank that is close to the same size as the pressure pot so you're compressor doesn't have to work too hard to get it pressurized. The quiet compressors are really great too, so much quieter than the regular ones. California Air Tools makes great compressors, and I bought one from Lowes that works great too

Would you suggest this pot over the C.A. TECHNOLOGIES RESIN CASTING 2.5 GALLON PRESSURE TANK? From your video it sounds like the C.A tech pots don’t come ready to use, but I’m not sure what that means.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I can't really recommend the 2.5 gallon C.A. Technologies pots now that these came out. The California Air Tools is excellent quality and totally ready out of the box for way cheaper. Been waiting many years for a 2.5 gallon like this to come out so I can recommend something high quality with no setup and a reasonable price tag! If you need a larger size, the California Air Tools 5 gallon is excellent as well

got a CAT-365C 5 gallon from Cal air tools. I'm kind of thinking of pouring epoxy on the bottom to level out the dish. Any thoughts on this? may it be a bad idea? :)

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

We’ll, you can do that, but it won’t necessarily be level if you move it to another spot or turn it. I just toss in a disc of HDPE or wood in the bottom to flatten it out, and it’s not permanent

Mist resin I have sets in a few minutes. Will this pressurize fast enough?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

That depends on the compressor you use, I recommend using one that has a tank the same size as the pressure pot so it just pushes it in right away

please can you give advice of a good small compressor, if resin casting was the only thing it would be used for. I do feel this is so often missed as space is so much more easy to get over the pond.

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

I recommend using a compressor that has a tank on it that is close to the size of the pressure pot, otherwise you will be waiting for quite a while for it to fill the tank. The smaller "pancake" compressors are the smallest I'd go with. There are a lot of great quiet ones out there. I have one made by Kobalt that I got at Lowes that works fabulous! There are also a ton of them on Amazon as well

@drphobus

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Thanks that help a lot

@richsw49

2 жыл бұрын

I have a cheap Harbor Freight pancake compressor that I have had for 15 years. Works fine for my 5 gallon pot.

I just ordered mine! It'll be my first time using one and I'm feeling a bit confused. How do I figure out what kind of air compressor I need?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Sweet!! Congrats!! I would recommend getting one that has a similar size tank so it will fill the pot up right away

I am looking at this pot from Amazon. Total price is 370 dollars including shipping fees and import tax to Norway. Is it worth it? Thanks for the video!!

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I think this pot is the best option out there. Not sure if there are any other options in Europe, but I don't think you'll be disappointed if you get this one 😀

Has anyone else been having trouble with the regulator's pressure gauge on this pot? Mine just straight up wasn't working no matter which direction I turned it (it had zero effect on the pressure gauge's reading and I had to use the on/off ball valve to keep the psi steady at 50ish psi) before the knob and its mounting hardware straight up fell off (the knob, the bolt, the washer, the nut).

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of that problem happening before

Do I have to stabilize my wood before resin casting?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Not necessarily, you could also seal it with epoxy or something similar or just fully dry it out

Have you done tests on low psi (40) Vs high psi? Is there a minimum psi to reach? I just got a 10l vevor pot and most people I've seen cast at 40psi but I've read 50psi should be the minimum but also 40psi and also 70psi 😵‍💫

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I don't recommend going below 40 PSI, you run the risk of bubbles coming back if the pressure drops below that. 50-60 is a good number to shoot for... but only go as high as your pot is rated for

I build model semi trucks, would like to get a pressure pot to cast some of my scratch built parts. Is it true if you pressure pot you gotta use it to make the mold?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Not necessarily, the main thing is you don't want air bubbles trapped in your silicone. I usually degas the silicone in a vacuum chamber then I pop it in the pressure pot to let it cure. That just makes sure that any air bubbles that might have still been trapped in the silicone will be collapsed when the mold is under pressure

@terryperrott8567

Жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins Thank You, bubbles in mold around the model part is no good

Hi Zac, would an airbrush compressor work with a pressure pot?

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

It would just depend on the specs, but even if it could reach the target psi, it would probably take a long time

@DJVoyagerXue

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZacHiggins TY for taking the time to answer me, sir. :)

hello mate im abit stuck im nearly there with my setup. Im trying to recast a model ive just made and the only resin i can find on amazom has a pot life of 2 mins! how long does it take a pressure pot to "remove" the bubbles? Do you think i can mix, pour , add mould and remove the bubbles in timeframe? the fill point is a large flat opening the size of the model its self so has plenty of room to do its thing.

@sprzzee3250

2 жыл бұрын

its a 1.6 Hp compressor

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Pressure acts instantly on air bubbles in resin, so as long as you can get it in the pot and pressurized before it sets up, you're good to go

@sprzzee3250

2 жыл бұрын

oh nice one! wish me luck on a bubble free cast! great channel by the way

where can i get one for switzerland? 😭

Sorry, complete noob here, do I need to be getting the pressure tube thing separately?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

No worries =D You would need to have an air compressor as well to pressurize the pot

how to stop a leak around the seal

Can you please please help me, every single video I've watched and even the manual for the thing doesn't say how to depressurize it. I don't know whether I turn the red lever again without the hose attached, if I'm supposed to pull the safety pin do I hold the safety pin? Why is there another thing that they call the air release valve but that's not the thing that actually releases the air is it supposed to be the safety thing? I'm so confused and now I'm terrified because I have this pressurized tank sitting here that I don't know how to empty 😭

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I know how you feel, I wasn't entirely sure the first time I used pressure pots. You have nothing to worry about though, you can technically use any of the fixtures on the pot (safety, levers, air release) to release the air. I just crack one of the ball valve levers on mine and let it gently release the air 😀

Hi Where can I get a pressure pot like that?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I have links in the description above =D

How do you let the air out brother .😎👍🏻

@homerlex

2 жыл бұрын

There is a pressure relief valve on top. You could also open the ball valve when the compressor is not connected

@ZacHiggins

2 жыл бұрын

Just crack one of the valves... ball valve, safety, or the other screw air valve that's on the lid. I recommend letting the air out relatively slowly 👍

@PeterAgostiniJdcap26

2 жыл бұрын

@@homerlex I thought the regulator would prevent it . Did not know it was a bilateral opening.

What will be the cheapest compressor for it and where to buy it thanks

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

I would recommend going with a 2 gallon quiet compressor. There are lots out there, California Air Tools makes some that get great reviews, I personally have used one from Lowes that works great with this size pot

@abrahamvelazquez77

Жыл бұрын

Hi Zac thanks for the tips and recommendations can you please show me how did you relisted the air after you ready to open the lid thanks again

There doesn't seem to be any protection against removing the air hose with the valve open. A better design would have a check valve on the inlet and a separate discharge valve with a rate-limiting diffuser.

Hello! Can you sell this pot and send to Vilnius, Lithuania?

@ZacHiggins

Жыл бұрын

Possibly, you'll have to ask the folks at Turners Warehouse, you can contact them here: www.turnerswarehouse.com/?ref=nvww

I thought a pressure pot was used for getting the bubbles out of resin? Im a little confused

@angeluni

3 ай бұрын

I think the preassure-pot makes the Bubbles unvisible tiny through the preassure und a Vacuum chamber pulls the Air out

why not add resin to the pot until the dip goes away. it can sit down there forever.

You showed everything but how to depressurize the pot.

comcast is the worst

why not add resin to the pot until the dip goes away. it can sit down there forever.