Prices for getting started
Several people in the past have wanted to get a general idea of what it cost to get started into making plastics. This is a very hard question to answer because you can go from simple to broad. There are several different suppliers to buy from and different prices. What I have done is put together some pricing from a few different suppliers and figured up 3 different scenarios for getting started. One goes from very basic, the next to a little more, and the third to a semi advanced. None of these are scenarios get really involved but the 3rd one will allow you to do quite a bit of stuff. Remember that these are just general ideas and nothing specific. Some people might dissagree a little with these and some people will agree. My attempt is to only give you ideas to think about if you are thinking about getting into making plastics. I did not list exactly everything you will need. There me be small little odds and ends thing that you need also, I just mainly tried to touch on the major things needed. I hope this will help some of you. This set up is for microwave use and I included a price for just a basic small microwave, no need really for anything fancy. If you have an old one then you can subtract this price. Please do not use the one you use to heat the food you eat daily.
lite beginner beginner semi advanced
1 quart plastic $14.50 1 gallon $30.50 2.5 gallon $68.50
10 paint colors $33.50 20 colors $91 40 colors $182
gloves $5.50 gloves $5.50 gloves $5.50
safety glasses $5.00 glasses $5.00 glasses $5.00
glitter 3 colors $11.25 5 colors $18.75 7 colors $26.25
2 pyrex cups $12 2 cups $12 2 cups $12
2 molds $120 3 molds $180 5 molds $300
microwave $60 microwave$60 microwave$60
total $261.75 $402.75 $659.25
please remember these are just general ideas and your actual price may be a little higher or lower. I just wanted to give you a ball park figure. several people ask the question of what it costs to get started and never really get a general idea. I hope in some way this helps. for others who make plastics if you do not feel this is a good little basic idea, please constructively add to it or mention other things.