Coal?

[Scotty]

I would like to make a few pens from coal for my family. I am thinking crushed coal cast into resin. Probably not the prettiest idea, but I like the coal theme. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[wood-of-1kind]

That's a <s>hot</s> idea, no I mean a <s>coal</s> idea. Ah, you know what I mean but do share the results once you make one. Good luck.

-Peter-

 

[maxwell_smart007]

Yep, wear gloves and be gentle - coal dust gets EVERYWHERE!

 

[barrels]

Just an Idea..maybe crush the coal into a smaller granual ..that might look good


Eric

 

[rhahnfl]

Is that instead of a lump-of-coal from Santa? [}]

 

[ahoiberg]

this will be interesting... but if you crush it too fine, it might just end up being a black colorant... coal all the same but some chunks of it might look cool too.

 

[les-smith]

How about adhering the coal to the tubes somehow and then casting that.

 

[Fred]

Whatever you do, when finished be sure to post a picture here so the rest of us can see the end results. Neat idea too!

 

[kghinsr]

Scotty
do you plan to use hard coal or soft coal. I would think hard coal would drill better and could be turned
just a thought.
ken

 

[Scotty]

Our old farm was sold sometime in the 1960's. A coal company ended up with it later, and all of it has been strip mined. There is no evidence of a homeplace at all now. There is an old cemetery still there. My g grandparents are burried there. I picked up a few lumps of coal when I was there last time. Would like to do something for my bro and sis, so thought about a coal pen. I do not cast at all, and not all that good at turning to be honest. I have made about 25-30 pens. That's the reason for the questions here. Anyone ever done it? Anyone willing to give it a shot if I send them the coal? Ken, I think all this is soft coal. I thought about trying to drill and turn a piece, but it would still be very brittle. What would make it more durable? Thanks for the ideas and help. You all are the experts here, certainly not me!

 

[Blind_Squirrel]

You might want to consider sending a test piece out to have it professionally stabalized.

 

[JWW]

I think that coal would make a beautiful pen. There are several people who sculpt coal figures and such so that might be an avenue to find out about stabilization.

I stoked our furnace with coal for many years as a kid and played around with it too. I wouldn't think that drilling would be a problem.

Getting consistent pieces might be a problem but once it was broken up you could sift it to get it consistent.I don't know much about the casting process but maybe the tube could be suspended during the pour thus eliminating a drilling problem if one was expected and keeping the suspended coal consistent..

 

[alamocdc]

Small chunks cast in a swirly red-orange resin might look cool. Especially with some yellow streaks mixed in. Give it that burning look.

 

[Scotty]

See, now that is why I ask for your help.....you folks are creative. I only create sawdust and wood shavings. Anyone willing to cast a few for me? I need six for family. An even dozen wouldn't hurt. Thanks.

 

[ElMostro]

All I can say right now is that it is MESSY but doable. I am working on one blank right now, it will be a Sierra. Blank is cast, cut and drilled, tube is inside and ends are milled...it is in the mandrel and ready to go. Unfortunately there is this thing called WORK I have to go to everyday so I had to pause. Will turn the blank tomorrow morning (before work) and hopefully be able to post pics over the weekend. I will post even if its a bust. More to follow, Eugene.

 

[Scotty]

Sounds good. Can't wait to see the results. Good luck!

 

[ElMostro]

Scotty, check out this posting.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29558

 

[Scotty]

That is off the chart great!! Exactly what I had in mind when I ask about it.