Horizontal round molds!

[RAdams]

SUCCESS!

Here they are with the very first blanks cooling inside! They work ALOT better than what i was getting from the PVC technique with my cactus.

 

[RAdams]

dang it, that pic sucked. Let me reshoot it later today.

 

[Mark]

Looking forward to seeing what the final results are. The Cactus rounds were great to start with. These should be awesome.

They look like little pillows for your blanks.. :biggrin:

 

[RAdams]

As promised. The new, Improved, Horizontal round molds. Allthough the finished blank is more of a keyway shape with the key installed.


The blanks are all cactus blanks. The two colored ones are part of a special order. They were really fun to make!

 

[Mark]

Nice...

Have you had the opportunity to turn one yet?
What's the clear spot in the middle (is that just the pic)?

 

[RAdams]

I have one from the second pour that is drilled, painted, and glued. I am waiting for the glue to dry and i will turn it.

I am guessing you are talking about the top blank when you ask about the clear spot?

That is a section in the middle of the blank that has no cactus. The blanks are at or over 6 inches long, and not all the cactus is big enough to make a solid cactus blank. So, considering most of the pens we make are two piece bodies, I make some of the blanks two piece, meaning you cut it in the clear section, and turn the excess clear spot away. Then you have two half blanks that are perfect for a Euro, or slim, or whatever other two piece pen you are making!

 

[Mark]

Cool. Yes, the top blank. - Thanks.
Looking forward to the turned results.

Dude, Lovin' the cactus...

 

[rsmith]

Dummy question of the day:bulgy-eyes:, are the molds flexible? I would assume so if you are able to get them out of the mold...what material is it?

 

[BRobbins629]

Now that's three of the most clever molds I've seen. So is the tutorial now $150?

 

[Brooks803]

ya beat me to the punch Ron. I bought some material to try and make molds just like those! They look great, what size blanks will they make?

 

[RAdams]

They are made from acetic cure silicone. They are VERY flexible! I can even get a rolled up cactus to fit from end to end.

The small mold makes a blank that is 6" long by just over 9/16.

The big mold is 6" long, and just over 3/4 in diameter.

Bruce, There is no tutorial on these (yet). They are easy to make and there is no secret technique. It's all about using the right materials, which i happened to luck into. If anyone wants to know how to make these things, just ask... But i could make them for like $15 each if someone didnt want to mess with it!!:biggrin:

 

[RAdams]

this is a finished product. Normally i would put another 10 or so coats of CA, but i was in a hurry, so this pen only got 5 or so coats.

 

[glycerine]

That looks great!

 

[RAdams]

Thank ya! It was a challenge for sure!!

 

[Mr Vic]

Ron, How does one tell if the silicone is teh Acetic cure type? Are they plainly labeled as such or is it in the fine print. I looked at some the yesterday and couldn't tell.

 

[jpr28056]

Ron, How does one tell if the silicone is teh Acetic cure type? Are they plainly labeled as such or is it in the fine print. I looked at some the yesterday and couldn't tell.

I was having that very issue and finally found it on the tube under the warnings. It warned that it gave off acetic acid fumes. Other than that mention I didn't find it mentioned anywhere else. Finally bought some today.

 

[RAdams]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that.

It will only say something about releasing acetic acid during the cure process, which is what acetic cure silicone is (From what i understand.. I am not a silicone specialist) I know that it also smells strongly of ammonia or something. pretty harsh chemical smell that will water your eyes if you leave it in teh pressure pot for a few days and open it with your face over it.

 

[Mr Vic]

Thanks....Just have to remember to take my glasses shopping....