Picture in Pen Blank

[hmblaisdell]

I am interested in creating pen blanks with pictures. I see no current information on this web site or on most other web sites. I like this idea but since very few people seem to do it, I am puzzled. Should I continue with this interest or is there some reason other pen turners are not doing it. Does anyone have an answer?

 

[mg_dreyer]

This is one of my more popular videos on how to take a picture / image and get it ready for casting. I go over how to size the image, label paper and a few other things you should know. After that it is cast. Just check out my other videos and I have one by John Underhill on cast - but you would do clear not color.

10 Minutes To Better Penmaking - Label Prep

And think about coming to the MPG - we have demos on all these type of blanks and pan making.

 

[JohnU]

Label casting has been popular for many years and lots of people do it with logos, pictures and other images. Marks video is exactly what you need to make your images work in resin. Casting them is the easy part. Just be sure not to touch the edges with your fingers while putting them on the tubes and leave an overlap of 1/8"-1/4".
It's basically clear casting over a printed label. Sky's the limit. I would recommend using alumilite clear slow if you're new to casting.

 

[egnald]

You have already heard from the experts in label casting, John Underhill (JohnU) and Mark Dreyer (mg_dryer). You can get everything you need from Ed and Dawn at Exotic Blanks all the way from the right label paper to print on to the kits to all of the casting supplies.

I already had a California Air Tools Pressure Pot and the Alumilite Clear Slow for doing color casting, so after last year's MPG I ordered the Weatherproof Label Paper for Ink Jet Printers and one of the Underhill Casting Vertical Mold Systems from EB. Following directions from John and Mark, my first label cast blanks turned out great.

Here are some more of John and Mark's Videos on the subject:

What is the Underhill Vertical Casting System
Vertical Casting #2 Setting up Your Tubes to be Cast
Vertical Casting #3 Demolding your vertical cast
Mark Dreyer demonstrates GluBoost, Master Tint and Vertical Casting

Dave

 

[hmblaisdell]

You have already heard from the experts in label casting, John Underhill (JohnU) and Mark Dreyer (mg_dryer). You can get everything you need from Ed and Dawn at Exotic Blanks all the way from the right label paper to print on to the kits to all of the casting supplies.

I already had a California Air Tools Pressure Pot and the Alumilite Clear Slow for doing color casting, so after last year's MPG I ordered the Weatherproof Label Paper for Ink Jet Printers and one of the Underhill Casting Vertical Mold Systems from EB. Following directions from John and Mark, my first label cast blanks turned out great.

Here are some more of John and Mark's Videos on the subject:

What is the Underhill Vertical Casting System
Vertical Casting #2 Setting up Your Tubes to be Cast
Vertical Casting #3 Demolding your vertical cast
Mark Dreyer demonstrates GluBoost, Master Tint and Vertical Casting

Dave

 

[hmblaisdell]

How bad is the odor of Alumilite? I live in an apartment which has a woodshop..

 

[JohnU]

Alumilite Clear and Clear Slow have no odors. You'll be fine. Polyester Resins, like Silmar 41, is the resin you won't want to pour in your apartment.