Make or buy your own ballistic gel?

[DizzyJ]

Came across an ad for a ballistic gel "kit"

Was wondering if it's worth it or should I try to make my own?

Looks like the kit can be re-used (melt and reform) several times.

Anyone got experience with this?

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[Nosferatu]

I've made my own before. It's not rocket surgery.

 

[WillametteWill]

I use 10% (FBI) gel from Clear Ballistics. I'm on the 4th remelting, I believe. They have shown good consistency, even after melting.

 

[jeremyb]

If you use Knox gelatin, it does not store well. Use it soon after forming or refrigerate it.

 

[DizzyJ]

I use 10% (FBI) gel from Clear Ballistics. I'm on the 4th remelting, I believe. They have shown good consistency, even after melting.

Decided to go with this brand and starter kit. It was on sale and I got a12% off coupon from optics planet.

 

[WillametteWill]

Decided to go with this brand and starter kit. It was on sale and I got a12% off coupon from optics planet.

It's worked well for me. Here are a few tips. The roaster to melt the gel in the mold apparently varies depending on which one they are able to get in stock (they told me this when I called). On some of them, the lid does not completely fit and leaves a small gap. I cover the top of the mold with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold it over the top lip (bottom) of the roaster.

The gel is tough to cut and tear apart for melting. I saw one video where they only cut it into five or six pieces but all the other, and what I have always done, is to cut and tear it into about ice cube sized chunks. This can take a while. But you get an awesome forearm workout. They will not all fit in the mold so you have to add more as it melts. I use a utility knife to cut slices and then tear off chunks to then tear by hand.

You CAN get the gel too hot and it can catch fire so work up on your settings and do it outside if you can. I have to melt three blocks for a class I'm doing next month so I'm watching for a few days of dry weather.

Getting it out of the mold can be a PITA but I've learned to just pull the gel (once cool) away from the edges a little at a time and work your hand between the gel and mold. It was hard at first but now after having done it a few times, each block only takes a few minutes to get out.

You can hit the sides with a heat gun to clear up any smudges left by your fingers or wrapping (keep the plastic wrap they come on and keep them in this and inside the box). Be careful not to overdo it, as the heat gun will melt the gel.

Midway USA sometimes has sales on the gel if you want to add to your collection as does Clear Ballistics.

Have fun!

 

[DizzyJ]

It's worked well for me. Here are a few tips. The roaster to melt the gel in the mold apparently varies depending on which one they are able to get in stock (they told me this when I called). On some of them, the lid does not completely fit and leaves a small gap. I cover the top of the mold with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold it over the top lip (bottom) of the roaster.

The gel is tough to cut and tear apart for melting. I saw one video where they only cut it into five or six pieces but all the other, and what I have always done, is to cut and tear it into about ice cube sized chunks. This can take a while. But you get an awesome forearm workout. They will not all fit in the mold so you have to add more as it melts. I use a utility knife to cut slices and then tear off chunks to then tear by hand.

You CAN get the gel too hot and it can catch fire so work up on your settings and do it outside if you can. I have to melt three blocks for a class I'm doing next month so I'm watching for a few days of dry weather.

Getting it out of the mold can be a PITA but I've learned to just pull the gel (once cool) away from the edges a little at a time and work your hand between the gel and mold. It was hard at first but now after having done it a few times, each block only takes a few minutes to get out.

You can hit the sides with a heat gun to clear up any smudges left by your fingers or wrapping (keep the plastic wrap they come on and keep them in this and inside the box). Be careful not to overdo it, as the heat gun will melt the gel.

Midway USA sometimes has sales on the gel if you want to add to your collection as does Clear Ballistics.

Have fun!

I read about a release spray for the mold somewhere. Any input on that?

 

[WillametteWill]

I read about a release spray for the mold somewhere. Any input on that?

My understanding is that the spray is only for the plastic molds, not the metal ones. If you find I'm incorrect, please let me know!