I am relatively new to pen turning. I used to just use the old Hut Wax bar and forget it. However, the shine quickly diminished. I have since read a lot about applying CA. I have made 3 European pens recently and they looked great! I applied 12 coats of CA using the method on the video from Penn State Industries "I Can't Believe This Finish" video (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKCAFINSET.html) and followed that up using their sanding and polishing method. Again, I was extremely pleased. I was using Kingwood and Maple Burl. Obviously after 12 coats of medium CA, there is a build up on the bushings. How do you remove the CA afterwards (clean them)? Thanks! Tom
*** How do you remove CA from bushings? ***
- Thread starter tgraytn
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Texatdurango
Member
Dump the bushings in a jar of acetone, let sit a while, remove and the bushings are as good as new.
Karin Voorhis
Member
I 2nd the acetone even if I am a newbie
Texatdurango
Member
Now that we have that out of the way I'd like to share a tip if I may since you are relatively new to pen turning. First, there are many ways to get the job done and the only rule to remember is that their are no rules!
I have found over time that the easiest way for me to apply ca is to put the blank between two 60 degree centers as shown in the photo below. Once I am happy with the diameter of the blank I no longer need the bushings and when applying ca I will check the diameter with calipers.
In the photo a blank has been turned to the desired diameter and is now ready for ca. With a little neatness hardly any ca even touches the centers, what does is easily removed by a razor knife. You may like it!
I have found over time that the easiest way for me to apply ca is to put the blank between two 60 degree centers as shown in the photo below. Once I am happy with the diameter of the blank I no longer need the bushings and when applying ca I will check the diameter with calipers.
In the photo a blank has been turned to the desired diameter and is now ready for ca. With a little neatness hardly any ca even touches the centers, what does is easily removed by a razor knife. You may like it!
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CaptG
Member
It also helps to wax the bushings.
BigguyZ
Member
I know some poo poo the idea, but I also turn the blanks this way as well. You can't crank down on the blank, but you'll never need bushings again.
Chief Hill
Member
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2009
- Messages
- 635
Ahhhh Sh&$.
So a 4 1/2" angle grinder isn't really a good idea..... Man I knew I was doing something wrong. Nothing seemed to fit right.
So a 4 1/2" angle grinder isn't really a good idea..... Man I knew I was doing something wrong. Nothing seemed to fit right.
I use a pair of large linesman pliers - CA is quite brittle, so a couple of simple squeezes fractures the CA and allows you to peel it off like from a hardboiled egg...
(Make sure to use safety glasses!)
Andrew
(Make sure to use safety glasses!)
Andrew
bradh
Member
I like to leave the CA on the bushings. That way when you sand the next blank, the CA coating reduces the amount of gray sanding dust that comes off the steel bushings.
I only use the bushing to get in the ballpark and check final size with a caliper.
I only use the bushing to get in the ballpark and check final size with a caliper.