Finishing Mica,Acrylic pens?

[Mark4583]

I havent turned any of the Mica or Acrylic type pens yet and was needing to know if theres any diffrence when it comes to turning them and applying a finish?
Thanks

 

[gerryr]

Welcome to the IAP. For turning plastics of any kind, I use a round nose scraper, keep it sharp and take light cuts. If you're thinking of using some of that Micaswirl stuff from PSI, I think it's really imperative that you sand off the edges before starting to turn it. I bought five of those things and three of them literally exploded while I was turning them. Acrylics are much easier to turn. As far as a finish goes, there isn't one, just use Micro Mesh, wet, to 12000. You can then use a plastic polish like Novus or 20/20 or even some stuff from Wally world.

 

[ed4copies]

Welcome, Mark!!

If you have not turned plastic and you start with Mica, I'm willing to bet you will give up on it SOON. Start with acrylic-PSI predrilled is fine- once you're comfortable with that, move on.

Mica and inlace are the most difficult-to turn and to drill.

 

[SteveRoberts]

I find mica easy to turn, too darn easy, it takes a flick of the wrist to go to the tube. I have to visualize a laser on my chisel to keep from pressing too hard. I haven't blown one up, perhaps it is the time turning the PR cast $$ snakes that makes me so careful, I used to sand them down first on the belt sander, now I just go in with the gouges but I do so LIGHTLY untill I get ribbons.

Steve

Originally posted by ed4copies
<br />Welcome, Mark!!

If you have not turned plastic and you start with Mica, I'm willing to bet you will give up on it SOON. Start with acrylic-PSI predrilled is fine- once you're comfortable with that, move on.

Mica and inlace are the most difficult-to turn and to drill.