Segments&Scallops - Metals&Materials

[rblakemore]

OK, I have looked at the pictures and found some old tutorials and videos. And will attempt something more complicated than a flat segment. But, what kind of metals are used? I think that I see brass and aluminum; so how thick and where do you find these? I have seen some other thin materials. What are these? If not metal or wood, what are they and where do I find them?

 

[Edward Cypher]

Many use alluminum cans, and copper sheets can be bought at craft and hobby stores. If it is plastic it could be pic gaurd from guitar shops or music supply houses. Many also use colored venneers that can be bought at woodcraft, rocklers and ebay.

 

[firewhatfire]

Aluminum flashing. I bought a 100 pack of 5x7 sheets at Home Depot for about $10

 

[Krash]

Aluminum flashing. I bought a 100 pack of 5x7 sheets at Home Depot for about $10

This is what I use also. Plus, HD or Lowes should have brass sheets.

 

[Woodkiller]

Those cheap plastic credit card looking things that you get in the mail all the time work well too

 

[mikespenturningz]

I use aluminum flashing also but I was stupid and bought the roll. I would buy the small sheets if given a chance to do it over.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Did you happen to see this thread?

http://www.penturners.org/forum/f179/segmenting-aluminum-wood-108968/

I wrote this quite some time ago and it is made to help others with more complex segmenting. It is only a start but gives enough information to get the basics that you can add to.

 

[kingkeyman]

Brass is pretty hard. Start with aluminum, then try copper. Enjoy some success with these metals before you try brass. Aluminum flashing is excellent, pop cans are a bit thin, and the effect is not quite as stunning. Once you have some success with aluminum flatten out a copper water pipe and try that. Let the glue cure for a day or so before you drill the blank. Use a sharp bit and take it slow, don't let it get hot or you will melt the glue. Figuring it out can be frustrating, but if you keep at it it can be very satisfying.

 

[rblakemore]

Mike, I missed your post when I was looking; but, I have looked at it twice this morning. I like your technique and with your kind permission, intend to use it!! My first segment like this will probably just be a 45 degree with a metal flashing between the segments. Starting simple to build confidence and technique.

 

[Krash]

Starting simple to build confidence and technique.

That's where it starts! Segmenting a bunch of fun.

 

[Hendu3270]

I use the small aluminum, brass and copper sheets they sell at Lowes in the hardware isle. They are in one of the big pull out drawers. I didn't like the aluminum can thing. I couldn't really see one layer and it was a hassle to glue up multiples.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Comment in that thread will bring it back to the front and give others a chance to read it also. Maybe you will get a new bunch of guys going on it.

Mike, I missed your post when I was looking; but, I have looked at it twice this morning. I like your technique and with your kind permission, intend to use it!! My first segment like this will probably just be a 45 degree with a metal flashing between the segments. Starting simple to build confidence and technique.

 

[keithbyrd]

I also have some acrylic segmenting sheets - I haven't tried them yet but will when I return from business travels next week.
Bear Tooth Woods - Segmenting Sheets

 

[rblakemore]

How to cut the metal??

OK, I have segmenting design that I want to use. And I have a piece of brass sheet and aluminum sheet; but, how do I cut these??? Some kind metal shears will be uneven and leave the metal piece warped. Should I cut these on my table saw (with a metal blade of course)??

 

[Krash]

OK, I have segmenting design that I want to use. And I have a piece of brass sheet and aluminum sheet; but, how do I cut these??? Some kind metal shears will be uneven and leave the metal piece warped. Should I cut these on my table saw (with a metal blade of course)??

Do you have a bandsaw? That is what I use.

 

[Woodkiller]

A regular saw blade will cut aluminum, brass, or copper. A bandsaw or table saw or any hand saw will work just fine.

 

[Hendu3270]

OK, I have segmenting design that I want to use. And I have a piece of brass sheet and aluminum sheet; but, how do I cut these??? Some kind metal shears will be uneven and leave the metal piece warped. Should I cut these on my table saw (with a metal blade of course)??

Depends on how thick the sheets are. I've used the small sheets (can't remember how thick), from lowes that is a little thicker than the typical flashing that some use, and it cuts nicely with a pair of scissors. If it were thicker I would use some shears. If were thicker than that I'd use my bandsaw with a metal blade in it. No need to worry about super nice clean cuts though. The final smooth cuts are on the lathe.

 

[rblakemore]

Did I use the wrong material

I may have messed up, I have read that stainless or galvanized steel is a no-no, do not use; but, I had a piece of flat aluminum labeled a "Shingle Flat 62 38", I have used it (pen will be posted separately). But, I have a looked at a similar piece and it is labeled from a stainless steel company. Does anybody recognize what I used? Tough to work with; but, looks good.

 

[flyitfast]

If you do much travelling, keep the key cards you get in the hotel. Great for segmenting/enhancement. However, clean the ink off the card and don't used the raised numbers if using credit cards.
gordon

 

[JTisher]

I may have messed up, I have read that stainless or galvanized steel is a no-no, do not use; but, I had a piece of flat aluminum labeled a "Shingle Flat 62 38", I have used it (pen will be posted separately). But, I have a looked at a similar piece and it is labeled from a stainless steel company. Does anybody recognize what I used? Tough to work with; but, looks good.

Most likely it's aluminum

If a magnet sticks to it it's probably galvanized steel. I don't know why either one would be a problem since you did make the pen. All I can think of would be rust, but ca should seal it against that. The amount of zinc exposure would be so small as to be nonexistent.

Stainless on the other hand is very abrasive. It would be hard on the tools, and cause a lot of heat issues like melted glue and more melted glue.

All I can say is the pen is made (and looks good by the way) so just make sure the edge of the segment is sealed and make another.


Joe