Cheap pen blanks

[Slacker]

Cheap pen blanks i'm new to this so I'm uncertain if I'm doing this right but just to let everyone know I was on eBay and found some cheap rhino plastics pen blanks for sale. I believe they are seconds or do not meet their quality control standards but look perfectly fine to turn. They come in flat rate postal box with over 100 blanks for $100 Some have to be cut to size all of them seem to be over 3/4 inch by 5 1/4 there is a few doubles and triples but I didn't mind. All together in my box there was 102 full size blanks and (2) 1/4inch slivers at 5 1/4 long. Just thought I'd let everyone know if they're trying to build on a budget I want to stock up

 

[magpens]

That looks like a nice find !!

Just be careful with Rhino ..... can be quite chippy ..... especially if tools are not kept really sharp.

Take really light cuts.

 

[J_B]

Mal is right, very chippy and will fly apart when you dont keep those tools sharp. I know many of those may have big ol curve in it as well. I have seen a lot that too with rhinos.

 

[duncsuss]

Ditto what Mal said.

RhinoPlastics are usually Polyester Resin (which is not "Acrylic"). It's typically more brittle than Acrylic Acetate, and it chips if your tools are not sharp and presented correctly to the workpiece, also if you try to cut too aggressively. Results can be great if you have the knack.

 

[ed4copies]

Rhino Plastic are GREAT to use for practice, AND they make a nice pen!!!

Learn to turn slightly more challenging materials and the "normal" materials become EASY!!!

If you never challenge yourself, you will always be an intermediate turner, at best. Nothing wrong with that, if it makes you happy, but some prefer to excel.

Whatever makes it fun==FOR YOU!!
May want to use the negative rake carbide cutter, if so it is shown here:

 

[RobS]

Highly recommend a negative rake carbide cutter or a negative rake scraper. The negative rake carbide will cut them like butter.

Negative rake | mysite

www.ncwoodturningtools.com

 

[ed4copies]

One important consideration--polyresin will be more difficult in cold conditions!!!

If I can get the shop warm on Saturday, (over 65 degres is preferred) I will make a video of turning RhinoPlastic with a skew and or a roughing gouge.
Expand your horizons!!! Have fun!! Remember, even if it "blows up", it only cost you a buck!!! FANTASTIC Practice.

 

[ed4copies]

Joined yesterday?? WELCOME!!!!! Kyle.

 

[Slacker]

Mal is right, very chippy and will fly apart when you dont keep those tools sharp. I know many of those may have big ol curve in it as well. I have seen a lot that too with rhinos.

Yes I agree they are very chippy specially when you rush i'm grown kind of used to them started on them before acrylic. They do sand and polish very nicely though

 

[Madman1978]

I love Rhino Plastics!

 

[Darrin]

Well shoot.
I missed this one!

 

[RobS]

Last item. Drill slowly, about 300 rpm, and use the @rherrell sanding jig to square.

 

[egnald]

Greetings from Nebraska - I have looked at these bargain boxes on several occasions, but haven't taken the leap yet. I do have a lot of Rhino blanks though and really like the finished products. True, I've had a few blowouts (drilling) and a couple from being too aggressive when turning (or insufficient glue between the blank and the tube). Even so, they do finish very well with just sanding, micro-mesh, and buffing. - Dave

 

[TonyL]

Excellent score. I turn and stock those all the time. Enjoy!

 

[David350]

I found that same seller a few years ago and I think I bought 3 boxes and am still working on them. They do polish up nicely and I have used them for numerous pens, laser pointers, and perfume pens...

 

[Madman1978]

I am having great luck with Rhino Plastic. I used Rhine Plastic on these 2 pens for my daughters. I was able to complete the cigar with a Rhino Plastic blank.