Barrel trimmer

[attie schoeman]

I find that using a barrel trimmer on acrylic rods, I think I start a crack which eventionally propogates and you lose the whole blank. Is my statement correct?? At what speed do you use a barrel trimmer, especialy on acrylics?

 

[theidlemind]

I spin them pretty fast and press lightly.
Also helps to keep your trimmer sharp.

 

[thewishman]

I trim from 700 or so RPMs to twisting by hand. Looking at your weekend's work thread, looks like you give your trimmer a workout!

Here is a trimmer sharpening thread - the second post has great how-to links:

http://www.penturners.org/forum/f19/how-sharpen-barrel-trimmer-2266/

 

[08K.80]

I don't use one of those, I cut the ends on my lathe. I wrap tape around a rod until it fits snuggly. I found a bag of metal rods at the craft store and it has various sizes in it. Then twist the blank on and cut off the end.