ahoiberg
Member
my first cast was relatively successful, no bubbles to be found, turned like butter and the tube stayed put during the turn. i did have a few chunks fly out while turning, which really surprised me giving how easily the rest of it was turning, but i patched up the bad one with CA and it still came out looking good. the odd part was when i was done polishing it up and such, i noticed a little bump. it was where the seam of the label was and i'm wondering if anyone else has had the label lift like this on them? i assume it lifted while it was curing and i just happened to notice it once all was said and done.
also, just to report, i used the "lesser" avery labels (the cheaper ones), the 18163 (2" x 4") cut down to size and designed on microsoft publisher to dimensions i took of the sierra tube. i bought both kinds of labels, the aforementioned ones and the 8253 (expensive, same size, supposedly for color) and wanted to try the cheapos before i decided to keep the expensive ones. i was pretty happy with the performance of the cheap one.
here's a slew of pictures from the process:
1) label lift:
2) ice cylinder tray and cured blank:
3) one side of the pen:
the other side of the pen is white with my brother's name on it, you can get the idea from the label lift close-up. and, don't worry, i'm not going to sell these with the timberwolves logo on them, this is a gift for my brother.
i feel like i've rediscovered penturning again, this casting business is fun!
also, just to report, i used the "lesser" avery labels (the cheaper ones), the 18163 (2" x 4") cut down to size and designed on microsoft publisher to dimensions i took of the sierra tube. i bought both kinds of labels, the aforementioned ones and the 8253 (expensive, same size, supposedly for color) and wanted to try the cheapos before i decided to keep the expensive ones. i was pretty happy with the performance of the cheap one.
here's a slew of pictures from the process:
1) label lift:
2) ice cylinder tray and cured blank:
3) one side of the pen:
the other side of the pen is white with my brother's name on it, you can get the idea from the label lift close-up. and, don't worry, i'm not going to sell these with the timberwolves logo on them, this is a gift for my brother.
i feel like i've rediscovered penturning again, this casting business is fun!
i forgot to put weight in it and had to improvise. then, just bandsaw off the plugs about 1/8" from the tube opening and clear out the remainder of the plug, barrel trim to the tube and you're ready to turn.