Cicada

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tphoyt

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I caught a Cicada in my shop this morning.
I may try to cast it in clear epoxy.
Anyone ever tried this?
 
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kd4pbs

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You'll need to put it in a pressure or vacuum chamber to help get all the bubbles out. I use a pressure paint pot to cast epoxy stuff.
Should look pretty cool once finished!
 
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tphoyt

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I have a pressure pot. I’m no stranger to using epoxy on all sorts of stuff. I just haven’t done an insect yet and was wondering if I should try and dehydrate it first. I’ll see how it goes and post the results.
 
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kd4pbs

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I imagine that would be a good idea. There's no telling what a little moisture and some bug guts would do in an anaerobic environment.
 
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tphoyt

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I wouldn’t hesitate to try these. We have a lot here this year but not what I would consider an invitation. It’s been about ten years or so since we had an invasion and it was crazy.
 
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tphoyt

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I have been busy but maybe this weekend if it rains.
It’s been in a bag with silica gel packs drying out so it should be good to go by now.
 
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Jeff J

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How much pressure on a pressure pot to cast something like this? I use a pressure pot to pre-oil engines but it’s easy enough to clean out for other uses.
 
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kd4pbs

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I concur.
I have also used a vacuum pump instead of pressure. Seems to work equally well, but vacuum pump oil is more expensive than air pressure.
 
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tphoyt

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Well here it is. Fail on perfect.
Unfortunately I was called out to a fire alarm in the middle of the pour and it was a couple hours before it made it into the pressure pot so there are some bubbles. Due to the shape every bubble appears as 2 or 3 due to the reflection. And it seams I didn’t seal it well enough and some air escaped around it at some point durning the cure. Maybe I’ll try again some day.
 

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Mc Tool

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I just found this .... might help :)
To cast a cicada in epoxy resin, first ensure the insect is preserved and dry. Then, pour a thin, shallow layer of clear epoxy resin into a silicone mold, use a heat tool or torch to remove bubbles, and place the cicada onto the layer with tweezers. Once the first layer is partially set, pour additional layers to fully encase the cicada. For best results, use a clear resin, work in layers, and monitor for and remove any air bubbles that form.
 
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tphoyt

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Thx
That’s basically how it went down I just wasn’t there to deal with the finale steps before it was to late and the epoxy had gelled to much to mess with it. It will still make a good paper weight.
 
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Mc Tool

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tphoyt said:
Thx
That’s basically how it went down I just wasn’t there to deal with the finale steps before it was to late and the epoxy had gelled to much to mess with it. It will still make a good paper weight.
Click to expand...
And you could probly find another cicada and have another go
 
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tphoyt

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I have found them a few times but they are usually not intact. They have missing wings or legs. I’m guess birds attacked them. This one turned out to still be alive when I caught it. My buddy told be they play dead and that’s why it was so easy to catch. This turned out to be true as the next day when I picked it up it screamed at me. It still didn’t move but was clearly alive. I left it outside for the day but it never flew away so I guess it’s time done.
 
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Jeff J

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My dog finds one intact just about every time we walk. Of course they don’t remain intact for long. The bugger loves to eat them.
 
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Mc Tool

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Jeff J said:
My dog finds one intact just about every time we walk. Of course they don’t remain intact for long. The bugger loves to eat them.
Click to expand...
Mine cannot leave bees alone , stupid mutt was sitting at my feet and I could hear a muffled buzzing sound ,that and the stupid look on her face , so I gives the command to "drop it " she opens her mouth and a bee flies out. Funny as hell to watch when she gets stung 😂
 
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