Worthless wood

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

tbird

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
80
Location
MI
I've done two worthless wood blanks and they both have milky/cloudy spots
in the alumilite in the smallest nooks of the blank. This has happened when sanding. Is there something I am doing wrong? What is the best way to sand one of these blanks?
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
5,678
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA.
Marcia,

If the blanks were mine, please let me know. I have an uncoditional guarantee and would want to take care of the problem if they are defective or you are unhappy.

If they are not mine, can you post a picture of what you are talking about?
 

tbird

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
80
Location
MI
No, Curtis they aren't your blanks. These are my first attempts with WW and Alumilite and I noticed the same milky spots on both blanks, but I don't notice those spots on other peoples pens. I would like to get into casting my own, someday:tongue:, but not if I can't get them right!:mad:
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0084.jpg
    DSC_0084.jpg
    58.5 KB · Views: 190
Last edited:

dasimm

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
137
Location
Colleyville Texas
I had this happen to me when I first started casting with Alumilite. No one was ever able to identify the cause, but I found if I let the blanks set for about 5-7 days before I turned them then this problem went away.

I "suspect" (I have no evidence to back this) that the Alumilite was not 100% cured. Giving it additional time to set seems to have resolved this issue - for me at least.

Hope this helps.
 

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
5,678
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA.
Marcia,

Where are the milky spots? It is hard to tell by the pics. Would it be possible to take some close-ups of the area in question?

David, It is most definately not Alumilite that has not cured unless you did not get it mixed thoroughly. Without seeing close up pictures, it is hard to say for sure.

To both of you...always make darn sure you are getting itujjkpo;/ mixed thoroghly. Throw away Alumilite's direction on dye...mix your parts A and B BEFORE adding any colorant of any kind. Use a clear plastic cup and you will be able to see when the 2 parts are thoroughly mixed. When you first pour them together, they will be cloudy. Mix until it is completely clear with no streaks. Then add your colorant.
 

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
5,678
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA.
Marcia,

Still can not really see it that well but I am wondering if it could be tiny air bubbles up agains the wood? Is you wood COMPLETELY dry?
 

tbird

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
80
Location
MI
I'm fairly certain the blanks are dry and its possible they are air bubbles since the only place the spots show are in the tight, small crevices of the wood. I'll just keep trying. :rolleyes:
 

MesquiteMan

Retired Head Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
5,678
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA.
Hey Marcia, if you have one that is destined for the trash, why don't you send it to me and let me look at it closely. I've been at this quite a while and have run into most issues. Seeing it in person my just be what it takes to diagnose the problem. Let me know if you want to do this and I will send you my address.
 
Top Bottom