Truestone Blanks

[renowb]

Just wondering about truestone blanks. I haven't done any yet and need to know if the tubes need to be painted? I would hate to screw up a blank without asking first.
Thanks for your answers.
Bill

 

[mrcook4570]

All of the trustones that I have turned (nine different varieties) have been very opaque and do not require any painting.

 

[alphageek]

Nope.. None that I've seen need it either...

But!!!! SHARP tools are a must and take your time. Its a completely differnt product to turn.

 

[Stick Rounder]

Never had to paint any tubes but you need REALLY sharp tools.

 

[JimMc7]

I've never had to paint tubes on Tru-stones I've done, but the "Mother of Pearl" and "Tortoise Shell" from R&B Crafts are apparently exceptions (I've never turned either):

http://www.randbcrafts.com/mother-of-pearl.html

http://www.randbcrafts.com/tortoise_shell.html

 

[Brooks803]

definitely check out http://www.randbcrafts.com/main_page.html as you go through each color of trustone you'll get tips on turning as well as if you'd need to paint any tubes. I believe there are only 2-3 that really need to be painted.

 

[randyrls]

The TruStones cover a wide range of hardness and brittleness. The Whites and Turquoise web types are almost as easy as standard acrylic. Some of Jades and Chrysocolla are extremely hard. A carbide tipped turing tool is usefull for the harder TruStones.

 

[renowb]

Thanks guys! I appreciate it. Hopefully this will go well and I will post a pic if it does. Aw heck, I will post a pic even if it doesn't!:biggrin: