Problems turning Polymer Clay

[PenAffair]

Hi Folks,

I've recently started making some Polymer Clay pens, and today was my first try with Premo. I was trying to make Faux Onyx and make a block, then pushed the tube into it. All seemed to go well until the turning. it started turning OK, but as I got closer to the bush size, larger & larger chunks of clay started chewing out of the blank, almost like a rubber tyre coming apart. One piece even went down to the brass. I tried with a second tube, different design, and had similar problems with pieces chunking out.

Is there any trick to using the tool correctly to turn PC, or could it possibly be it wasn't baked long enough or hot enough?

Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks. Russell.

 

[snyiper]

Well in my limited experience mine turn fine, the colors just blend together too much..but anyway I think my success has been getting the clay close to the finish size so the baking bakes a smaller area (275 for 15 min I believe with Sculpty 3) I turn to final dimensions with my Skew but there is very little material removal. I also use gorrillia glue to glue in tube before baking and they have seemed to hold up very well to turning.

 

[creativewriting]

Russell, try baking a little longer. I have experienced a little tear-out when the piece hasn't been cured properly or I didn't properly knead the clay before I wrapped the tube. When I am finished wrapping a tube there is a little less than a 1/4 inch thickness (depending on the kit). To be on the safe side I preheat the oven to 275F and bake the pieces for 30 minutes. The package usually says 15m per 1/4 inch, but I tend to go a bit longer. After about 20 minutes I will stick close by to make sure the oven isn't on Fire....just kidding.

As for turning sharp and light are the keys. If the tool digs in at all....boom! I use a small roughing gouge to get close to size. Then I move to a skew to finish. Now that I have my lovely Woodchuck that may all change. Then I wet sand with 600 to 1200, CA finish, then MM to 12000.

Good luck. It is tricky, but once you get the hang of it the options are unlimited.

 

[Russianwolf]

the woodchuck works wonders on PC.