Karl K. Juelch | Secrets of Expert Mold Making & Resin Casting
Reviewed by Kevin Futter
Secrets of Expert Mold Making & Resin Casting is an independently-published work by author Karl K. Juelch. The book aims to demystify the mould-making and resin-casting processes, with pro-level insights, tips and techniques to achieve the best results possible. It largely succeeds, but with some caveats. Here's the author's own description:
Secrets of Expert Mold Making & Resin Casting, 2nd edition, written and illustrated by Karl Juelch. 120 pages, over 100 detailed illustrations with supporting text show and tell exactly how to create high performance molds capable of making perfect, professional quality castings.
Most books and articles leave out important bits of information, making it impossible for the beginner to get really good results. I was lucky enough to apprentice with a master mold maker who shared the secrets of making flawless castings. I then spent a number of years running my own mold making and resin casting business. All that knowledge and experience went into writing this book--nothing has been left out, all the secrets are revealed. Starting from the simplest molds, the book will guide the reader to more advanced techniques using vacuum, pressure and heat for the most demanding casting needs. Also discussed are methods for making core molds to produce hollow castings. To the best of my knowledge this subject has never been covered in print before. Emphasis is on low cost, low tech methods that are suitable for home shop use.
There are no photographs in the book; instead, it has been copiously and expertly illustrated by the author himself. The illustrations consist of simple shaded line drawings with captions and annotations.
The book is made up of three main parts plus an index:
- Part One - Molds and Mold Making
- Part Two - Resin Casting
- Part Three - Mold Making and Resin Casting Machinery
- Appendix - Resource Guide and Sources of Supply
The material in this book is dense, and will reward multiple readings. It is in fact as much a reference work as it is a how-to manual. Much of the language is technical in nature, though everything is clearly explained. Part Three in particular is not really aimed at casual casters, as it details how to construct (or adapt) your own vacuum and pressure chambers, as well as advice on their proper use.
The various types of moulds are covered, along with the different approaches to casting and the equipment needed in each case.
This is a serious book about mould making and resin casting, just as the title implies. As such, it doesn't really suit the casual reader; the information is dense, technical at times and a little dry overall. There is much to be learned here however, and if you're interested in learning about or improving your resin casting techniques, this book will certainly help you. But you will need to invest some time in not only digesting it, but practising the techniques and approaches suggested. I recommend approaching the chapter on building your own equipment with caution though, especially if you have no experience in this area. The book even sports a disclaimer asserting no responsibility should you injure yourself!
Overall I think this is an excellent book that simply requires more of the reader than the standard 'handy tips' how-to book or article. As a neophyte caster myself, I'll certainly be reading relevant sections of it again as I attempt to improve my results.
Secrets of Expert Mold Making & Resin Casting is available at Amazon. Many thanks to Karl K. Juelch for the review copy.
© Kevin Futter 2013
This review was published on Friday, November 29 2013; Last modified on Friday, November 29 2013