Finishing Inlace Acrylester

[magpens]

I see there has been a lot of negativity about IA.

Even so, I am trying it.

I also see that it is renowned for its finished appearance and depth of color.

What I'd like to know from those in favor of IA is this ...

... what finishing techniques do you use ? Is sand/micromesh/polish adequate?

... or do you need to use CA to get the shine and depth ? Thanks

 

[jsolie]

I haven't turned a lot of pens with it, but the ones I did I finished wet sanding with micromesh up to 12000 then Hut plastic polish. They polished up fine and had pretty good depth.

 

[alphageek]

Finishes great with any typical polish, sand, micro mesh or buffing.

The issues people tend to have with inlace is well before finishing. If you can get past the brittleness during drilling and turning you'll do fine.

 

[TonyL]

I love it...very brittle when turning, but shines beautifully (so does Rhinoplastic).
I prefer to turn it with HSS, but I have also used carbide. My finishing process is in my signature block.

Trying sand at 400 rpms with 220 or 320 to 600, wet sand with MM to 12k, then the Maguire's 105 and 205.

I don't sand lengthwise...but I am in the minority.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Same finishing as any other acrylic.

No ca. Except - if you get chip out around the finished size, you can use ca to fill in some little imperfections.

 

[79spitfire]

Just polish. I go to 2000 grit, then Novus 3, 2, 1 Fast, easy, looks great!

The complaints about Inlace Acrylester are all about chipping out when drilling and turning. Careful handling will eliminate that.

 

[LanceD]

I make a good many fishing rod handles with IA and wet sand from 320 400 600. Then about a minute of polishing with Novus 2 polish. A couple of coats of wax then done.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

It's very hard, which means it's brittle - but it also means that it gleams!

Sharp tools and slow, careful cuts is the answer.

 

[magpens]

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful comments. I had no problems with the drilling or turning and after that it was a piece of cake ! Sanded to 2000 and then some Novus 3, Novus 2, and got a gleaming result. Really pleased. Will post a picture when I get my photo gear up and running again. Thanks again

 

[Russ Hewitt]

I love the stuff. I usually buy 2 or 3 blanks in whatever color I pick just in case. For my money it is about the best looking plastic out there. Working SLOW with SHARP tools is the trick. Shortcuts and aggressive cuts will lead to a guaranteed blowout. The end result is worth it.

 

[Quality Pen]

The stuff is very brittle compared to other stuff so I think the only difference is be less aggressive.

Sharp tools are "more" important as well.

Finishing is not particular. To get the best shine on anything, if that's what you're going for, learn and practice buffing techniques!