Sand and then buff - no micro mesh

[mmayo]

First, my hate for inlace acrylester has been greatly reduced. A hint here at IAP to turn the ends first has helped along with (perhaps) better turning and sharpening skills. I use HSS and then carbide to turn nice ribbons once the blank is round.

Notice the first photo, it shows a newly buffed blank next to one just after turning and abranet sanding through 400 and 1,000 grit emory paper. I only use the first two buffs on my Beale buff for acrylics. The buffing time was 30-40 seconds for each tube. The other photos show the finished "Diva" pen which should sell quickly.

 

[Terredax]

You can actually stop at 320 grit, provided there are no deep scratches created.
I've even stopped at 220 grit, but it also depends on the compounds.
I haven't used the Beall buff, so I can't determine the types and quality of the compounds.
The wheels can play a part in it also.

 

[mmayo]

You can actually stop at 320 grit, provided there are no deep scratches created.
I've even stopped at 220 grit, but it also depends on the compounds.
I haven't used the Beall buff, so I can't determine the types and quality of the compounds.
The wheels can play a part in it also.

My skill level requires a bit more sanding, but I get there.

 

[OZturner]

Nice work Mark,
Great Result on the Acrylic Blank.
Congratulations,
Brian.

 

[RKB]

Mark, Your work is always GREAT. :biggrin:
Thanks for sharing this shop tip. I going to give it a whirl and see if I can get a good finish that way.

Rod

 

[TonyL]

it was inlace, acrylester, and the homemade hybrid blanks that compelled me to learn how to use hss and a skew. there are 2 finer abrasives that you can use after the WD. If interest. see "my" 4 stage buffing system in the library. No wet sanding and no MM.

 

[leehljp]

. . . I use HSS and then carbide to turn nice ribbons once the blank is round.

If it works - use it. Great work! Great Shine!

It is interesting how we arrive at the same results - and doing the opposite - I use Carbide to get close to shape than HSS for fine cutting most of the time.

 

[magpens]

Love it !! . Well done !!

Is that a Flat Top Streamline pen ?

 

[Terredax]

My skill level requires a bit more sanding, but I get there.

I'm confident you will get there. Your finish already looks nice with your method. Finishing is about a light touch to help prevent additional surface imperfections.

 

[mmayo]

Love it !! . Well done !!

Is that a Flat Top Streamline pen ?

The kit is a Saturn from WoodTurningz. The "gold" on the Roadster from CSUSA is more brassy than gold. Perhaps the Ti gold is longer lasting, but looked inappropriate with this blank.

Who sells the rounded finial for these kits?