Unless I'm paid good money, I'm never turning this again.

[Drstrangefart]

I have no clue what this material is, but it came from a pool table. I think it's paper laminated with glue. I made a pen out of PAPER. Ironic. Anyhow, it came off the gouge in a huge cloud of dust. I included a sample of the material in the pic. It was going okay until it came time to separate from the bushings. The bushings took big chunks out. If I ever turn it again, I need to remember to take a razor, sack up and cut it off. I have small skews I forged for this kind of job, too. Anyhow, it was a pain in the neck from just barely round through finish. Also nearly impossible to get results sanding it. Most of the gaps and tearouts are on the other side. Normally I avoid trying to diminish flaws, but I wanted to show what COULD be done with this stuff. Maybe me and Dad can get something better out of it. Also, none of the red caps matched any of the red clips. Another carry/beater pen. At least no one will steal it.

 

[Bobalu]

Looks like MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to me. A lot of that is used in pool tables.

 

[Drstrangefart]

Looks like MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to me. A lot of that is used in pool tables.

And odds are, you're exactly right. Maybe I didn't make a pen out of paper after all.

 

[ToddMR]

Hey you never know until you try. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Andrew_K99]

I also think it is MDF. I hope you wore a good mask! That stuff isn't good for the lungs.

AK

 

[crabcreekind]

thats pretty cool, but probably would have helped if u soaked in thin ca or stabilized it.

 

[Drstrangefart]

thats pretty cool, but probably would have helped if u soaked in thin ca or stabilized it.

It was all in cutting it off the bushings. If I'd have just cut it off the bushings I'd be going on about how psyched I was about this new material I got for free.

 

[leehljp]

IF you like the color and general appearance of that pen, it looks like a couple of pens (that I remember) made out of stacked leather. It has been a long time since I have seen those posted, but leather has a great color. Very similar to what you posted, only each stacked section was only about 1/4 inch instead of the 1/2 to 3/4 MDF that yours seems to be.

One thing to consider - as you turn it close to size, apply thin CA liberally. That usually makes it turn a LOT better.

 

[Drstrangefart]

IF you like the color and general appearance of that pen, it looks like a couple of pens (that I remember) made out of stacked leather. It has been a long time since I have seen those posted, but leather has a great color. Very similar to what you posted, only each stacked section was only about 1/4 inch instead of the 1/2 to 3/4 MDF that yours seems to be.

One thing to consider - as you turn it close to size, apply thin CA liberally. That usually makes it turn a LOT better.

I've done 7 pens with leather. Lot of effort, but worthwhile. You're right about the look.

 

[Andrewsignore]

EEEWWWW

 

[robutacion]

Yes, is MDF and in fact, that material is one of the easiest materials to work with and very good on tools. A sharp edge tool will finish MDF without needing much is any sanding at all, the problem with it, as it has been mentioned before, is its toxicity and the fact that, when worked, very small particles are released into the air and human lungs don't do well with much of it so a good dust mask is a must...!

Natural colour MDF is very common, many pieces of furniture and other are simply sealed and varnished with clear products and the result is quite pleasant...!

Certainly a very economical material to use, in any situation...!:wink::biggrin:

Cheers
George

 

[Drstrangefart]

So, the pen just now sold for 10 bucks. Not a loss. Ya never know what people will like.

 

[wiset1]

Well, it looks like the material has been identified. Aside from that I think you did a great job with the material! It's fun to see what people make pens out of and this one looks sweet even if there are blemishes on the other side...the effort is there and looks awesome.

 

[Woodlvr]

Wow thanks for posting this as I was curious about it. I am getting ready to build some work centers in the shop but I need to improve my dust collection first. :frown:

 

[Rangertrek]

+1 !! on MDF and dust protection. Not good for the lungs, has very small particles and chemicals in the glue.

 

[workinforwood]

Sure looks like MDF to me. I like it with the joints like that..reminds me of bamboo growth rings.