brez
Member
I have turned a pen from casein but I'm stumped on how to finish it. What advice/experience does anybody have to offer?
Thanks
Mike
Thanks
Mike
Casein is a protein derived from milk which following a 6-9 month pressure and curing process results in a beautiful, hard, lustrous material. This material was used extensively in pen making prior to the advent of modern resins and has been re-introduced by Conway Stewart on a range of models. Casein is a natural material and as a result has some properties that must be carefully handled. Firstly casein is water soluble - it can be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth but if left submerged for any time it will begin to dissolve. Secondly the material contains pores which can swell and shrink when subjected to changes in heat and humidity. This can affect the fittings of the bands and so is best avoided in areas of extremes of temperature or humidity.
I don't see any real benefit to casein - especially if it's just white.
I've made a number of casein pens, included a number that were segmented with other materials, largely tru-stone, and have used a CA finish with what I believe to have been good results. I know several that have been carried around for a couple of years now, and seemed to have held up well. Substituted a refill in for one about a month ago, and the finish still looked to be in great shape. Maybe I've just been lucky so far, knock on wood!!