Mini Sketch Pencil

[qquake]

This is a PSI Mini Sketch Pencil in chrome. The blank is a custom cast by my friend Dennis. The photos don't do it justice. There is a lot of depth in it that shows up in sunlight and bright light, that I couldn't capture with the camera. This is my first time turning one of these. I like the kit. It takes 3mm lead, and has a built-in sharpener.

 

[qquake]

I sanded it up to 3000 grit wet; used all 9 grades of Micro Mesh; then Meguiar's 105, 205, and #9 polishes. It still had visible micro scratches in it, so I repolished with Novus #3, then all three Meguiar's again. Seemed to help a little bit. It looks good to the naked eye.

 

[BULLWINKLE]

I sanded it up to 3000 grit wet; used all 9 grades of Micro Mesh; then Meguiar's 105, 205, and #9 polishes. It still had visible micro scratches in it, so I repolished with Novus #3, then all three Meguiar's again. Seemed to help a little bit. It looks good to the naked eye.

I sanded it up to 3000 grit wet; used all 9 grades of Micro Mesh; then Meguiar's 105, 205, and #9 polishes. It still had visible micro scratches in it, so I repolished with Novus #3, then all three Meguiar's again. Seemed to help a little bit. It looks good to the naked eye.

Jim, For remaining micro scratches on both wood and acrylic, I use EEE Paste from PSI. Just a small amount on a paper towel with the lathe turning works great. Prior to using, I wet sand to 1500 grit, and micro mesh acrylic with all grits up to 12,000. Does a terrific job removing micro scratches that remain after sanding. Increases shine on acrylic even if there are no visible micro scratches. I don't use micro mesh on wood, only on acrylics. 1500 wet sanding on wood followed by the EEE on wood gives a great finish. I never saw a noticeable difference to go any finer, especially if you use CA to finish the wood.

 

[qquake]

I've thought about EEE, but it's so expensive I've been reluctant to try it.

 

[jrista]

I've thought about EEE, but it's so expensive I've been reluctant to try it.

Have you ever used Magic Juice? I picked some of that up recently, just a set of the small bottles. It seems a tiny bit goes a really long way...so, it isn't as expensive as it seems. That stuff has some ultra fine grits that might help you take that beautiful blank to perfection.

I'm really intrigued by this kit. It is a pencil, right? Is there by chance a sharpener inside of that finial?

 

[qquake]

Have you ever used Magic Juice? I picked some of that up recently, just a set of the small bottles. It seems a tiny bit goes a really long way...so, it isn't as expensive as it seems. That stuff has some ultra fine grits that might help you take that beautiful blank to perfection.

I'm really intrigued by this kit. It is a pencil, right? Is there by chance a sharpener inside of that finial?

I just recently heard about Magic Juice, but haven't tried it yet. Yes, there is a sharpener. You unscrew it from the finial.

 

[BULLWINKLE]

I've thought about EEE, but it's so expensive I've been reluctant to try it.

Jim, at first that's how I felt. You use such a small amount that it's actually inexpensive.
I use about 1/4 th the size of a pea. I wipe evenly on the turning with the lathe off. Switch the lathe on and use a paper towel to work it in good. I continue with new paper towel until it's all removed from the turning.
EEE is a good name for it. It's actually Tripoli powder mixed in wax. That small tub it comes in will last you for several years !

 

[monophoto]

Jim, at first that's how I felt. You use such a small amount that it's actually inexpensive.
I use about 1/4 th the size of a pea. I wipe evenly on the turning with the lathe off. Switch the lathe on and use a paper towel to work it in good. I continue with new paper towel until it's all removed from the turning.
EEE is a good name for it. It's actually Tripoli powder mixed in wax. That small tub it comes in will last you for several years !

Agree that while the price per tub can be high, it doesn't take much, so the stuff tends to last a long time. And while EEE is a bit more expensive, that may be because it's imported from Australia. Yorikshire Grit is an other good product, imported from England (but there are distributors in both the US and Canada). And there are several US-made products that are similar - Dr. Kirks, Ack's Abrasive Polish, et al.

But if you want the lowest possible cost, you can make your own. Daniel Villarino, Darbin Orvar, and Mike Peace have all done YouTube videos on making abrasive paste using either commercial Tripoli compound or diatomaceous earth, and beeswax.

 

[BULLWINKLE]

Agree that while the price per tub can be high, it doesn't take much, so the stuff tends to last a long time. And while EEE is a bit more expensive, that may be because it's imported from Australia. Yorikshire Grit is an other good product, imported from England (but there are distributors in both the US and Canada). And there are several US-made products that are similar - Dr. Kirks, Ack's Abrasive Polish, et al.

But if you want the lowest possible cost, you can make your own. Daniel Villarino, Darbin Orvar, and Mike Peace have all done YouTube videos on making abrasive paste using either commercial Tripoli compound or diatomaceous earth, and beeswax.

Monophoto,
Thanks for that information. I wondered if I could make my own. I'll check out the things that you mentioned. I've also heard of some people using fine rubbing compounds used on cars. My experience with rubbing compounds that I tried were way too abrasive.