Craftdiggity
Member
Happy Easter Everyone.
I spent the day Friday turning several pens using different types of soapstone and alabaster. I had little trouble with the softer Soapstone materials, but the Alabaster, being a bit harder, cracks when I press in the parts. It doesn't fall apart, and I use a penetrating epoxy to keep it from getting worse, but I'd love to know if there were a technique or two to avoid the cracking.
I have been thinking of coming up with a way to shave a bit off the inside of the ends so that the brass tubes do not touch the stone. I realize that I will have to turn the ends a bit thicker than usual , but I have no problem with that.
If anyone has another suggestion I'd love to hear it.
Chris
I spent the day Friday turning several pens using different types of soapstone and alabaster. I had little trouble with the softer Soapstone materials, but the Alabaster, being a bit harder, cracks when I press in the parts. It doesn't fall apart, and I use a penetrating epoxy to keep it from getting worse, but I'd love to know if there were a technique or two to avoid the cracking.
I have been thinking of coming up with a way to shave a bit off the inside of the ends so that the brass tubes do not touch the stone. I realize that I will have to turn the ends a bit thicker than usual , but I have no problem with that.
If anyone has another suggestion I'd love to hear it.
Chris