Calling on the casting brains trust!

[penmantoo]

Originally Posted by seamus7227

not to change the direction of this thread, but what do the trees look like that they come from? Or the wood itself? I agree with Roger as well, throw them in a mold and get to casting! Its only 10:12pm here, what time is it there?

g'day all .The timber of the banksia makes a far more interesting pen than the pods they are ok for some turning jobs the timber is chocolate colored with various dark dolored flecks a rather dusty residue is the result of turning a recommend always use a mask as for a finish i use a product called stylwood that i have added a small quantity pure canauba flakes to
the finish is a rich and attractive pen .the down side there is a fair amount of waste due to imperfections in the timber but the result is worth the effort

[penmantoo]

Originally Posted by Justin_F

Hi guys,
Can you please put on your thinking caps and give me some advice? I have been sawing Banksia Pods for some pens I've been asked to make and it seems a shame to throw out the bits left over. I have broken seed shells (half round bit bigger than your thumb nail), slices of varying thicknesses and the brown dust and red dust. (See pics).

What would you do with them and a bit of Polyester Resin??

All thoughts appreciated from you guys and gals!

Jus

Living in oz as i do why dont you try making pens from the timber of the banksia they really do make an interesting pen but there is some waste and a mask is a must

[Donovan's Corner]

I recently pretreated a Banksia pod with thin CA. I have turned the ends and cut the main body to pen blanks. I have seen no red fuzz and the outer skin is intact with very little tear out. The bits left over are in purple and blue PR. At 3/4 inches thick how long might it take to set up? This is my first attempt at mutt blanks...

[PenMan1]

I think I would start by placing the nut scraps on a piece of waxed paper, then carefully fill each void with a different colored stone and glue. Once dried, I'd run it over the belt sander to flatten everything, THEN, I'd cast them in clear resin and use them as interesting and unusual segments in pens.

IN FACT, if you have LOTS of scraps, I WOULD LIKE to try this!!!!

[sbell111]

Originally Posted by Donovan's Corner

I recently pretreated a Banksia pod with thin CA. I have turned the ends and cut the main body to pen blanks. I have seen no red fuzz and the outer skin is intact with very little tear out. The bits left over are in purple and blue PR. At 3/4 inches thick how long might it take to set up? This is my first attempt at mutt blanks...

No one can answer this question for you as there are two many variables, such as temperature, moisture, amount of catalyst, etc. Generally, when I cast in resin, I'll just leave it under pressure overnight (or all day). It's probably overkill, but leaving it longer will do no harm.