Fast or slow. Heavy or light

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Aaturner

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Jan 16, 2018
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Belton, Texas
I am new to turning pens , and want to try and get the best possible finish on acrylics. Do you sand through 12000 micro mesh at a high or low speed? Heavy pressure or light preasure? Any feedback would be a great help. Thanks guys and gals
 
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leehljp

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Feb 6, 2005
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Tunica, Mississippi,
Instead of heavy pressure, use lower grits and move up using the next up grit. I have noticed over the years that "heavy pressure" is used when a slight defect is noticed and one (we or I) want to get it out without having to go back down a grit. Take your time and enjoy the journey of pen making. It is the enjoyment of the journey that produces the best pens.
 

TonyL

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Mar 9, 2014
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Georgia
You are going to get a ton of excellent, up to date advice from experts here. You also may try in the search box "Scratch free acrylic Finish". You may find a process that appeals to you. Happy turning and finishing!
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2010
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1,798
Location
webberville, mi
I agree. Low speeds. My pen lathe goes down to two hundred something. That's good. I also support clearing off the mess from the previous grit before the next one. I keep separate "baths" of water for each grit (the plastic cream cheese tubs from Panera work great ).
 

DJBPenmaker

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Nov 10, 2016
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Location
Cheshire, UK
Yes, slow speed mine is about 500, wet sanding also sand lengthways between each grit. Then a plastic polish to finish

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JPW062

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Nov 3, 2016
Messages
156
Location
Ohio
Definitely light touch.
I go a bit faster on the finer grits. Maybe 1000. I seem to get a really smooth finish that way. In my mind it is building up enough heat to melt a bit, but I am not really sure about that.
 

JimB

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Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Messages
4,683
Location
West Henrietta, NY, USA.
Definitely light touch.
I go a bit faster on the finer grits. Maybe 1000. I seem to get a really smooth finish that way. In my mind it is building up enough heat to melt a bit, but I am not really sure about that.

You are not building up that much heat. If it was melting anything you would have a mess, not a smooth finish
 
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