Snakeskin blanks

[jscola]

I just recieved snake skin blanks from Don . Thanks Don!! I don't want to mess them up mabye you guys can give me advice on best way to turn & polish them . Thanks to Don Ward for the blanks & thanks for the extra wood blanks!! I also have some Cactus blanks from Mesquite Man I want to turn but don' twant to screw them up ether so any suggestions would be appreciated!!! Thanks,: Joe

 

[JimGo]

Joe,
I think Don usually knocks the corners off the blanks on a belt/disc sander, but if he doesn't I'd suggest doing that to reduce the likelihood of breaking/tearing/cracking/chipping. Once that's done, I use a freshly sharpened round-nose scraper on all of my acrylics; I find that I'm less likely to get a catch that way. If there are major tool marks, I'll either touch them up with a VERY gentle touch from a skew, or use 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. From there, I wet sand using the finishing pads that are made for plastics and other synthetics. I find that they do an excellent job. If I REALLY want a superb shine, I use a few grits of the diamond polish from Beta Diamond Products.

 

[Skye]

Remember to cross sand as well.

Also, the cactus blank may need the holes painted.

Oh, and dont fumble and drop them. It may put a hairline crack in the blank.

 

[its_virgil]

You're welcome, JOe. Thanks for purchasing the raffle tickets. Also, my apologies for getting these to you so late and thanks for understanding. I hope the extra blanks are some you may not have turned.

Now, to answer your questions about the snake skin blanks. I did knock off the corners on the first few I turned but I don't any more. If you feel more comfortable sanding off the corners, then do it. I use a skew from start to finish. Often ribbons curl up and go directly into the dust collector...on long ribbon into the abyss of the collector's bag. I sand 220, 320, 400, 600, MM 1500 to 1200, then Hut Ultra Gloss Plastic polish, but novus or another plastic polish will probably work. I often add a coat of CA on the top, but not always. Then iI buff.

Be sure to post pics when you finish the pens.

do a good turn daily!
Don

Originally posted by jscola
<br />I just recieved snake skin blanks from Don . Thanks Don!! I don't want to mess them up mabye you guys can give me advice on best way to turn & polish them . Thanks to Don Ward for the blanks & thanks for the extra wood blanks!! I also have some Cactus blanks from Mesquite Man I want to turn but don' twant to screw them up ether so any suggestions would be appreciated!!! Thanks,: Joe

 

[bob393]

Good info on the painted interior of the blank.

 

[johneaton]

Be sure that you never store them (snake skin blanks)in an unairconditioned area in the summertime. They will look fine until turning time; then you'll see, there cooked.
Also, turn slowly. Wet sand w/ the colored pads; I forget what they are called, and use a plastic polish. Just use caution and don't be rushed. These breakages are expensive ones. John Eaton