Looking for Advice on Celluloid

[Robert111]

I'm thinking about trying celluloid (nitrate, not acetate) for a custom pen and wondering about the strengths and weaknesses. Would those who have actually turned it give me their impressions, especially what to be careful about. Specifically, I'm thinking about AAP's dark tortoise.

 

[cnirenberg]

It can't smell any worse than Ebonite can it? I know Mike at IPD sells the Lucite version and Ed probably carries it too. You can't go wrong with Lucite..

 

[Dalecamino]

Robert, drill it , turn it, and part it slow speed, like 250. I like to use soapy water to keep it cool also. No big deal.

 

[watch_art]

I turn it fast like anything else - never have any problems. Never had it burn up or blow up or anything scary at all.

4000 rpms at least.

Drill slower obviously - but turning at about 4k.

 

[ed4copies]

All are correct, slow drill, turn at any speed. Most important don't get it hot, low melting point and hard to recover from melting.

I drilled with water and usually painted inside the hole.