Heating Jett Sett Basic™
Heating Jett Sett™ compound is easy to do in our Hot Pot or Electric Pickler. This is the preferred method because the water temperature is held relatively constant once it reaches temperature. Jett Sett™ can also be heated in a microwave oven, but certain precautions must be taken. Never place the compound in your microwave oven without submersing it in water. Never heat the compound above 180°F. Doing so may cause Jett Sett Basic™ to lose its desirable properties. Heat the compound slowly, checking often to prevent over-heating.
How do you know when Jett Sett Basic™ has been completely softened? The compound becomes translucent. Keep in mind that dense areas of compound will need more time to completely soften.
Working With Jett Sett Basic™
In it's softest state, Jett Sett™ compound is easily worked with your hands. Once it begins to cool and stiffen, the compound can be cut with a sharp knife or scissors. If you prefer to work with cold material, use burs, coarse files, or a saw to make changes.
Making Two-Part Fixtures
Since Jett Sett Basic™ will adhere to itself when heated, care must be taken when making two-part fixtures or forming dies. Petroleum jelly or plastic wrap work equally well. To use petroleum jelly, simply apply liberally between the two parts of your fixture and allow the Jett Sett™ compound to cool. Plastic wrap can also be placed between the layers to prevent sticking. This method is preferred when making a fixture to hold complex items because it is less likely to "lock" the item in, making removal very difficult. See our information on non-marring vise jaws.
Additional Applications
- Use as a masking material for sand blasting or bead blasting
- Make quick models for Cold Mold Compound or RTV molds
- Use with your ring clamp to hold oddly-shaped items
- Fill hollow items with Jett Sett™ for support while forming or planishing
- Make custom fixtures for use with your engraving block
- Use with your ring mandrel when setting stones
- Support fragile or oddly-shaped items when drilling or grinding
Storing & Reusing Jett Sett Basic™
When storing Jett Sett™ for later use, it is recommended that the compound be flattened into thin sheets. Doing so will make reheating the compound much faster since large dense areas of compound take a long time to soften.
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