Ok I started out turning stems with Lucite. I was really attracted to the cost and i liked the variety. I had one hell of a time trying to get a thin bit, in fact I never did. I then tried some cumberland that I was givin last christmas. It turned beautifully and I got a nice thin bit.
So after reading many posts on ABS I have it a try. It melts really easily when sanding but I have found that it's very soft in the mouth and I can really get a thin bit.
Now my problem is with turning it. I can't seem to get nice coves and beads on it. It tends to gouge in. Is this a problem others have had, is it just a tricky material? Or have I just not figured out the art of turning yet?
Turning different stem material
Re: Turning different stem material
I don't know what equipment you use for sanding, but for initial stock removal on my belt sander/grinder, I use the coarsest grit I can. When I'm close to final shape I move to finer grits. The melting problem is then minimal.Briarfox wrote:So after reading many posts on ABS I have it a try. It melts really easily when sanding but I have found that it's very soft in the mouth and I can really get a thin bit.?
I have turned tenons with the metal lathe, but I haven't tried freehand turning the stuff. I'll have a go experimenting, but I suck at freehand turning.Briarfox wrote:Now my problem is with turning it. I can't seem to get nice coves and beads on it. It tends to gouge in. Is this a problem others have had, is it just a tricky material? Or have I just not figured out the art of turning yet?
Regards,
Frank.
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Grouch Happens!
People usually get the gods they deserve - Terry Pratchett
Frank.
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Grouch Happens!
People usually get the gods they deserve - Terry Pratchett
Re: Turning different stem material
Yeah, ABS can be a little bit gougy. But I actually prefer the gouges to those chips you get with acrylic. At least with ABS the gouged area stays on your workpiece, instead of spraying up in your face like those acrylic chips tend to do.Briarfox wrote:Now my problem is with turning it. I can't seem to get nice coves and beads on it. It tends to gouge in. Is this a problem others have had, is it just a tricky material? Or have I just not figured out the art of turning yet?
I guess it's just a matter of having good sharp chisels, holding them tight, and taking your time.
And practice. Lots of practice.
Yeah I'm using a belt sander to get the rough shape. I also keep burning my fingers when I try to remove the melted mess! I thought maybe rough paper was not the answer to rough shaping the stem but it sounds like it works for you Frank, so I'll keep at it.
I'm guessing that it's my freehand that is sucking. On the plus side ABS is cheap, so I'll practice and practice some more.
I'm guessing that it's my freehand that is sucking. On the plus side ABS is cheap, so I'll practice and practice some more.
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The secret to hand turning anything is practice. Even when you get the hang of one material, you'll find that moving to another material may confound you - like Robert's findings on acrylic.
Even when it comes to wood, you have to watch it. If you're used to turning green woods for vases and bowls, trying to turn a hunk of briar is going to seem impossible.
Even when it comes to wood, you have to watch it. If you're used to turning green woods for vases and bowls, trying to turn a hunk of briar is going to seem impossible.
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