Turning fillers/powder

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R

RKB

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Read here about filling cracks and character voids with powder or stone. Looking for ideas on type of product to keep it the shop for those times it's needed and/or desired? As an example I was looking at some turquoise stone filler, but at 25.00 per unit and in 4 sizes that can add up quickly. Looking for some suggestions/ideas. Thanks alot.
Rod
 
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For black dried coffee works well, I've heard espresso powder does too.

Get a locksmith or go to one of the big box stores that cut keys to get metal filings a metallic filler.
 
I went to Lowe's and they gave me a bag full of key filings. They are more shavings than filings but I think they will still work. I haven't used them yet.
Another thing I just bought at Michael's is a bag, like 2 lbs, of the colored sand that they use at weddings to pour together. There was a turquoise-like color. It was only $3 so I bought some to try. I haven't tried yet though.
 
One thing to watch for with the sand at Michaels is all of it is not silica or mineral based. Some of it as plastic and the one I mistakenly grabbed was and didn't react well with CA.
 
BeSquare said:
One thing to watch for with the sand at Michaels is all of it is not silica or mineral based. Some of it as plastic and the one I mistakenly grabbed was and didn't react well with CA.
Click to expand...

Good information!

It looks like sand but I will be mindful.

Thanks!
 
southernclay said:
For black dried coffee works well, I've heard espresso powder does too.

Get a locksmith or go to one of the big box stores that cut keys to get metal filings a metallic filler.
Click to expand...

I keep a bag of espresso powder in the shop all the time...a few woods it doesn't go with, but not many!
 
BeSquare said:
One thing to watch for with the sand at Michaels is all of it is not silica or mineral based. Some of it as plastic and the one I mistakenly grabbed was and didn't react well with CA.
Click to expand...
And silica will really do a number on your tools. A few years ago someone made a blank out of the sand combined with PR. They had to re-profile their gouge (a lot) before they ever finished the pen. Small amounts I'm sure won't be that aggressive, but it's still something to think about. I think using some of the faux fillers might be better. Arizona Silhouette used to sell faux turquoise I think.

Here's another place for faux turquoise: http://turtlefeathers.net/text/inlace/nuggets.html
 
Last edited:
BSea said:
BeSquare said:
One thing to watch for with the sand at Michaels is all of it is not silica or mineral based. Some of it as plastic and the one I mistakenly grabbed was and didn't react well with CA.
Click to expand...
And silica will really do a number on your tools. A few years ago someone made a blank out of the sand combined with PR. They had to re-profile their gouge (a lot) before they ever finished the pen. Small amounts I'm sure won't be that aggressive, but it's still something to think about. I think using some of the faux fillers might be better. Arizona Silhouette used to sell faux turquoise I think.

Here's another place for faux turquoise: InLace Nuggets/Granules
Click to expand...

That's a good callout too, if you think about it some folks use sanding belts to sharpen their tools :D
 
Go to a local locksmith. Explain what you are going to use them for and they usually will give you more then what you need. I got a 2lbs coffe can full, just by walking in at a strip mall and asking.

Good luck.
 
BeSquare said:
BSea said:
BeSquare said:
One thing to watch for with the sand at Michaels is all of it is not silica or mineral based. Some of it as plastic and the one I mistakenly grabbed was and didn't react well with CA.
Click to expand...
And silica will really do a number on your tools. A few years ago someone made a blank out of the sand combined with PR. They had to re-profile their gouge (a lot) before they ever finished the pen. Small amounts I'm sure won't be that aggressive, but it's still something to think about. I think using some of the faux fillers might be better. Arizona Silhouette used to sell faux turquoise I think.

Here's another place for faux turquoise: InLace Nuggets/Granules
Click to expand...

That's a good callout too, if you think about it some folks use sanding belts to sharpen their tools :D
Click to expand...


Very true! I'll think twice before I use it to make sure what it is made of.
 
As for the key shavings, be extremely careful...the little pieces are very sharp. No bare fingers here.
Also, run a magnet over the shavings to get out any steel shavings and leave only the brass. Not only is the brass softer than your tools, but, it will not rust.
 
I purchased a whole rainbow of colors, some natural stone other manmade alternative stone, from Bear Tooth Woods. The small size bottles that they sell will last a LONG time, and they are not overly expensive.
 
I have used charcoal sticks mixed with CA. works good on burl voids. I imagine is is similar to the suggestions of expresso powder.
 
Don't limit yourself to coffee. Dry mustard, curry, turmeric, chili powder or any other spice that is a good colour match or contrast will work nicely.
 
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