Zebra casting help needed

[Rmartin]

I planning to try my hand at casting a 2 color zebra blank. As usual, my imagination is better than my reality. I'm thinking of using a clear tube and adding a little of each color until it's filled. Unfortunately, I think it's going to harden on me before I can get it filled. I've seen some zebra blanks posted so I know it can be done. Any ideas?

 

[Brooks803]

Are you wanting to use PR or alumilite Richard?

If PR it shouldn't be too difficult since you can pour in layers so having it harden won't really matter bc it'll chemically bond to itself.

 

[Rmartin]

Are you wanting to use PR or alumilite Richard?

If PR it shouldn't be too difficult since you can pour in layers so having it harden won't really matter bc it'll chemically bond to itself.

I think aluminite is out of the question. I've used it with a pressure pot and man that stuff sets fast. The problem I'm going to run into if I do small batches at a time is keeping the color the same. But then I suppose, if I set aside exact amounts, the color should be close when mixed separately.

 

[Brooks803]

Zebra - Pen Turning and Making - The Fountain Pen Network

No clue how it was made though!

 

[Haynie]

The hardest part about zebra casting is getting then to stay in the mold.

 

[ChrisN]

The hardest part about zebra casting is getting then to stay in the mold.

How big of a mold do you need to cast a zebra?

 

[Ed McDonnell]

Pouring alternate colors won't give you a very interesting / realistic zebra pattern. If you have a rotary carving tool (dremel / flexshaft / cnc router or mill with rotary capability) you can make a pretty decent zebra blank in a few (not so easy maybe) steps.

1) cast a white blank and turn it to finished size and shape.
2) Using your rotary tool, carve grooves for the black stripes They don't have to be deep or even since they will be filled in with black opaque resin. I carve about 0.01" deep.
3) cast the carved blank in black resin.
4) turn the blank to final shape and size being careful not to turn away your design. When the design becomes visible, stop turning.

Here's a picture of something I did a couple years ago:

You are limited only by your patience.

Ed

 

[toddlajoie]

Here's a picture of something I did a couple years ago:

You are limited only by your patience.

Ed

Spectacular!!!!!!

 

[Rmartin]

Thanks for posting the picture and your methods Ed. Great looking pen!