Material used to cast steampunk blanks

[mmayo]

What material is used to cast the steampunk blanks I buy? It is not listed. All of them turn like butter and are crystal clear. I’ve bought them from five different vendors.

 

[Jim1027]

I too would like some info on this. I bought a pack of watch parts that came from China and they were all so brittle, bending them was impossible.

 

[mmayo]

I have not purchased the watch parts, but the steampunk are far easier than alumilte. Easy to trim and easy to turn.

 

[magpens]

@mmayo

Mark, where do you buy your steampunk blanks and what do they consist of ? . What is cast into them ?

Are you primarily asking about the type of resin that is used to do the casting ? . Are they cast with the tube in ?

 

[mmayo]

I have purchased them from Exotic Blanks, Turners’s warehouse, and perhaps a couple of other places. All were precast steampunk blanks that needed substantial trimming and the usual sanding flush before turning.

I do not cast yet, but this clear material would be on my list if I jump in.

Thanks in advance for the assistance

https://www.turnerswarehouse.com/products/steampunk-pen-kit-blanks-industrial-steampunk-by-turners-warehouse?_pos=1&_sid=feb37b0ff&_ss=r



https://www.exoticblanks.com/mik-s-armor-plates-steampunk-pen-blanks-steampunk-pen-kit-6102-6104.html

Bear Tooth Woods - Steampunk Piping Pen Blank - PSI Steampunk Bolt Action

 

[magpens]

Thanks for replying, Mark.

I have also bought and used those "same" so-called steampunk blanks. . I don't know for sure, but I think they are made with a polyester resin, often just called PR for short. . I could be wrong on that, but that is what I think ... ready to be corrected if necessary.

I actually disagree with you saying they are easier to trim and turn compared to Alumilite. . And I say that because I have had PR blanks chip.

I have never had Alumilite chip. . But having said that, I have to say that I do all my turning on a metal-working lathe at a speed of 400-1200 rpm.
That could make a difference. . Also, the name Alumilite is a company name and can refer to a variety of casting materials. . I think that a lot of us may use that name to refer to one specific product made by that company which has been popularized by certain pen-blank-making "maestros".

A common polyester resin is Silmar 41, as you may already know, and I believe that is the casting material that I have turned most.

Here is a comparison of Silmar 41 polyester resin with Alumilite (which, by the way, is a brand name and does not refer to the material composition)

Silmar 41 or Alumilite

Which do you prefer and why? I am in need of some resin and want to decide which to order. I have been using Silmar 41 with good results, but everyone says how good Alumilite is, so I am confused. Please help, Steve

www.penturners.org

If you do a google search for Silmar 41 you will find a lot of information and comparisons with other casting materials.

Here is one link to the Alumilite website:

Products - Alumilite

Alumilite products include casting resins, mold making, bar top coating, wood turning resin, dyes, fillers, releases, powders, tools and equipment as well as kits. We strive to create and deliver high quality products every time.

www.alumilite.com

 

[Sylvanite]

According to the Exotic Blanks product description, Mik's steampunk blanks are cast in polyester resin. I suspect the other brands are too.

I hope that helps,
Eric

 

[mmayo]

According to the Exotic Blanks product description, Mik's steampunk blanks are cast in polyester resin. I suspect the other brands are too.

I hope that helps,
Eric

Thanks. PR it is

 

[Darley]

I
do Steampunk blanks but I buy old watches on eBay or going to a watcher maker / repair who will be happy to give you parts for a pen

 

[Darley]

pen finishedView attachment 224345View attachment 224345

 

[Darley]

Pen finished

 

[jttheclockman]

Pen finishedView attachment 224346

I think he is trying to do do Steampunk pens not watch part pens as in his post #5

 

[mmayo]

Thanks to all. Polyresin is easy to turn for me and shines perfectly in seconds on the buffing wheels.

For now the thought of a pressure pot and the expensive learning curve may lead me to continue buying from folks farther around the learning curve. I have many irons in the Woodworking fire now

 

[menglor]

walmart sells watch parts as well.

watch parts gears

www.walmart.com

 

[More4dan]

The watch part blanks I purchased were cast in West Systems epoxy. I’ve be using Liquid Diamonds epoxy for tube in cast. Both epoxies turned like butter and shine like glass.


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