Another seashell question

[jimskio]

Ok I have this idea about casting seashells, the little spiral ones. I work on an island and have access to a lot of these little spiral shells anywhere from 3/16" to 5/8" long. Only thing is I will have to try to clean them out first. I was thinking of grabbing a hand full, casting as a solid blank, then drilling for the tube. I figure with pressure the resin will get down in the shells enough that they will hold in place while turning. Seems like carbide tools should do fine with the shells, not sure. I'm thinking with all the internal spiraling of the shell that this would make a pretty cool looking pattern for a pen.

I did a search and found the post about seashells from, I think, 2004. I hope this will be different as I want to cast the whole shell. I also would need someone to cast this for me because I have no pressure pot. If you would be interested in casting this for a trade or something please let me know. I would probably start with shells bought first due to having to clean the live shells. Cleaning these will take a while.

Thanks
Jimskio

 

[ALexG]

I've never tried it but I believe making a solid blank may not work as when your drill bit hit a shell would chip internally sideways since the shells are irregular. Why not using the old method of gluing shells on the tube and the casting all together? you can also fill the mold with more shells then pour the PR. I'd like to see the pen you after you make it

 

[Akula]

I attach the shells to the brass tubes. Each piece then cast in clear. I'll try and find a pic but it does take time ect to make them but people love them and they do look nice

 

[Akula]

Ok, found one. I did this one several years ago and improved on them but you can get the idea. Regular HSS tools work just fine