Hi Bob, my advice for sanding the polymer clay blanks would be to start with a higher grit wet/dry sandpaper and keep your sandpaper wet. I'd start with 400g, 600g, 800g, 1200g, and 2000g. then the micromesh and buffing. You wouldn't have had such an issue with scratches if you hadn't started so coarse.
@@RJBWoodTurner No problem! I also heard you mention you use a cyanoacrylate on your acrylic blanks. Although I have not tested it myself, another polymer clay artist who makes a lot of pen blanks, said that it works very well as a beautiful finish on polymer clay. Since you've worked with it, you may want to try that out as well! Oh and one last thing, you can turn pen blanks with chisels. They just have to be made thicker, a strong brand of polymer clay and cured properly. You can learn more about polymer clay on my channel if you wish. I even have a paid tutorial for making a Faux Burlwood Polymer Clay Pen (not turned) if you want to learn about making your own polymer clay pen blanks. www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-03/vol-060/
When I first started turning pens -- several years ago -- my wife made me several polymer clay blanks. None were as fancy as the one turned in this video, but they ended up looking very nice. A few things I learned: 1) You can use a skew or a spindle gouge, as long as the tools are sharp and you take VERY light cuts. 2) Polymer clay responds well to wet sanding. The water helps prevent the sandpaper from loading and keeps it cutting cleanly. 3) Polymer clay is soft. The pen will stay looking nice longer with a CA finish.
I make these, too. I always use wet abranet, and have never started at 120 grit. That is a bit harsh for polymer clay, unless it is really rough. I always start with 300 and go up from there. Also, don't jump grits too fast. You won't get enough of the previous scratches out. 300, 400, 500, 800, then wet micro mesh. I then buff.
Hey Bob, I just found this video and wanted to say fantastic video and thanks for the pointers. I've been turning wood and acrylic but once we moved i didn't have room for my lathe so i'm turning to polymer clay and having a blast with it, my pens are looking great and i can do designs you just can't find in wood or acrylic.
I've been turning pens for some time but having come across polymer clay earlier this year decided to have a play! I found a nice sharp scraper with light cuts worked well for where I hadn't got the clay smooth before baking it and then wet sanding worked a treat!
Its a beautiful pen. I have seen polymer clay but I didn't know much about it, so I didn't try any but now I might. For somebody who cut up asbestos sheets in the 60's ssnding doesn't really bother me! Thanks James
If the cane layer is this you can easily sand off the pattern. When the cane layer is thin and the backing layer is thick the sanding problems appear. Solution is to make the blank with a thick cane layer and no or very think backing layer. Another solution is to make the blank very close to the desired thickness. Sand very lightly and then apply a finish of choice. I recently purchased materials and supplies to make my own blanks when weather forces indoor projects. I have found this technique is fun and the choices are endless. I purchased a counter top oven for the curing and pasta machine at a thrift store.
I have made about 30 pens using polymer clay blanks that I've made myself. There are several methods of making a blank. A lady in New Zealand by the name of Tony Ramsfeld makes some stunning pen blanks by putting very thing slices of a design on top of a base design. You cant turn this styles because you will loose the design. I either make a thick veneer and wrap around the tubes or make a 3/4 X 3/4 blank and then bake as per the clay manufacturers directions. Both of these methods can be turned to any profile you want. I finish with micro mesh and CA glue. Keep up the great videos, I enjoy them! Mark Ellis
That's really neat! I have seen it done before but not nearly enough. I use most of my polymer clay for sculptures but I do have scraps and also have an obsession with Mokume Gane so maybe I could make some pen blanks too. :p I have already made some PC pens but using generic ball point pens which I covered in clay then baked. The ink has to be removed before baking but once baked can be put back in and as long as you can still buy that type of pen the pen you make is refillable. :D - Heidi
You should post that request around on some of the polymer clay Facebook groups. I’ll bet there is an artist who would be willing to do just that. Regards, Bob
When polymer clay is baked it almost turns into a plastic like substance. I have turned many polymer clay blanks and yes I have used tools no problem and wet sanding is best. I have also finished with CA glue with out any issues. Hope this helps.
Hello Tony, it’s been a very long time since I’ve heard from you. Great to have you comment on one of my videos. Thank you for the insight and for sharing your experience. Regards, Bob
Hello Huw. I’d bet If you contact her you could arrange to have some sent over. I currently don’t know of anyone in the UK making them but there are so many crafty people that there must be someone. Regards, Bob
I have noticed that in your last 3 video's that you are getting scratch marks in the blank when you have finished polishing them. I dont know whether its because of the magnification on the monitor but they do not look finished to me..
Hi Bob, my advice for sanding the polymer clay blanks would be to start with a higher grit wet/dry sandpaper and keep your sandpaper wet. I'd start with 400g, 600g, 800g, 1200g, and 2000g. then the micromesh and buffing. You wouldn't have had such an issue with scratches if you hadn't started so coarse.
Thank you for the advise. I’m hoping to turn many more PC blanks and this will help me improve my process.
Regards,
Bob
P.S.: I subbed to your channel so I can follow along and learn. 😃
@@RJBWoodTurner No problem! I also heard you mention you use a cyanoacrylate on your acrylic blanks. Although I have not tested it myself, another polymer clay artist who makes a lot of pen blanks, said that it works very well as a beautiful finish on polymer clay. Since you've worked with it, you may want to try that out as well! Oh and one last thing, you can turn pen blanks with chisels. They just have to be made thicker, a strong brand of polymer clay and cured properly. You can learn more about polymer clay on my channel if you wish. I even have a paid tutorial for making a Faux Burlwood Polymer Clay Pen (not turned) if you want to learn about making your own polymer clay pen blanks. www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-03/vol-060/
Thank you. I will look at some of your past videos.
Regards,
Bob
When I first started turning pens -- several years ago -- my wife made me several polymer clay blanks. None were as fancy as the one turned in this video, but they ended up looking very nice. A few things I learned: 1) You can use a skew or a spindle gouge, as long as the tools are sharp and you take VERY light cuts. 2) Polymer clay responds well to wet sanding. The water helps prevent the sandpaper from loading and keeps it cutting cleanly. 3) Polymer clay is soft. The pen will stay looking nice longer with a CA finish.
Thank you David,
I appreciate this information as I plan to turn more PC blanks and will use this information to improve my process.
Regards,
Bob
I make these, too. I always use wet abranet, and have never started at 120 grit. That is a bit harsh for polymer clay, unless it is really rough. I always start with 300 and go up from there. Also, don't jump grits too fast. You won't get enough of the previous scratches out. 300, 400, 500, 800, then wet micro mesh. I then buff.
Thank you for he info Candy.
Regards,
Bob
Hey Bob, I just found this video and wanted to say fantastic video and thanks for the pointers. I've been turning wood and acrylic but once we moved i didn't have room for my lathe so i'm turning to polymer clay and having a blast with it, my pens are looking great and i can do designs you just can't find in wood or acrylic.
Thank you Michael,
PC is beautiful and you right the designs are endless. I haven’t begun making my own blanks but may one day.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful result Bob,will look out for those blanks on this side of the pond!Keep well buddy!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Alan.
Regards,
Bob
Absolutely stunning pen Bob, thanks for sharing, take care
Thank you Val.
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob...lovely pen...great video...All the best.....Andy
Thank you Andy.
Regards,
Bob
I've been turning pens for some time but having come across polymer clay earlier this year decided to have a play! I found a nice sharp scraper with light cuts worked well for where I hadn't got the clay smooth before baking it and then wet sanding worked a treat!
Thank you for the info.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent Bob, a stunning pen. I’ve never tried one of those, perhaps now I will. ❤️❤️👍👍
Thank you Eric.
Regards,
Bob
This pen looks amazing I never have tried a clay blank I learned something new today I would have messed it up thank you for posting the video.🎃👻👍
Thank you You.
Regards,
Bob
Dang, Bob! I need to get in touch with the gal who made that blank and see if I can get my hands on one of those. Haha. That was a fun video.
Thank you Robert.
I can probably get you Sarah’s contact info if you really want a blank. LOL.
Regards,
Bob
Its a beautiful pen. I have seen polymer clay but I didn't know much about it, so I didn't try any but now I might. For somebody who cut up asbestos sheets in the 60's ssnding doesn't really bother me!
Thanks
James
Thank you James.
Regards,
Bob
If the cane layer is this you can easily sand off the pattern. When the cane layer is thin and the backing layer is thick the sanding problems appear. Solution is to make the blank with a thick cane layer and no or very think backing layer. Another solution is to make the blank very close to the desired thickness. Sand very lightly and then apply a finish of choice. I recently purchased materials and supplies to make my own blanks when weather forces indoor projects. I have found this technique is fun and the choices are endless. I purchased a counter top oven for the curing and pasta machine at a thrift store.
Thank you For the information Edwin. I am sure this will help others wanting to get into making polymer clay blanks.
Regards,
Bob
Really nice pen Bob take care .
Thank you Glen.
Regards,
Bob
Great video Bob and a very nice pen once again.
Thank you Nigel.
Regards,
Bob
I have made about 30 pens using polymer clay blanks that I've made myself. There are several methods of making a blank. A lady in New Zealand by the name of Tony Ramsfeld makes some stunning pen blanks by putting very thing slices of a design on top of a base design. You cant turn this styles because you will loose the design. I either make a thick veneer and wrap around the tubes or make a 3/4 X 3/4 blank and then bake as per the clay manufacturers directions. Both of these methods can be turned to any profile you want. I finish with micro mesh and CA glue. Keep up the great videos, I enjoy them! Mark Ellis
Thank you Mark.
Regards,
Bob
Looking good Bob.
Thank you Paul.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner Just remember. If you ever make it to Dallas, You are always welcome in my shop. :D
Thank you Paul,
I appreciate hat.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice looking pen 👍
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
After each grade of Micro Mesh, I go back and forth, this does a lot to remove an circular scratches, that the eye seems prone to catch
Great tip Paul.
Regards,
Bob
If you're gentle with it, you can turn them with carbides, just be extra careful when you turn the ends.
Thank you Scott.
Regards,
Bob
beautiful pen! nice job!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
That's really neat! I have seen it done before but not nearly enough. I use most of my polymer clay for sculptures but I do have scraps and also have an obsession with Mokume Gane so maybe I could make some pen blanks too. :p I have already made some PC pens but using generic ball point pens which I covered in clay then baked. The ink has to be removed before baking but once baked can be put back in and as long as you can still buy that type of pen the pen you make is refillable. :D - Heidi
That is awesome Heidi. I’d love to see you try your hand at some pen blanks.
Regards,
Bob
Great job, Bob! I am thinking that pattern would make a great kitless pen. Wish someone made full sized clay blanks.
You should post that request around on some of the polymer clay Facebook groups. I’ll bet there is an artist who would be willing to do just that.
Regards,
Bob
👍,, thanks for sharing,,did you ever post anything for pens for troops,,I probably missed it
I did post all of the pens I received over on my other channel in an update video.
Regards,
Bob
Nice job on the pen.
Thank you George.
Regards,
Bob
Cool, I started following her on Instagram...
I’m just learning about her but the videos so far are fascinating.
Regards,
Bob
Enjoyed the video. If the pin is dropped do they break easy one concern have a blessed day
That I don’t know (yet). I hope I don’t find out any time soon.
Regards,
Bob
When polymer clay is baked it almost turns into a plastic like substance. I have turned many polymer clay blanks and yes I have used tools no problem and wet sanding is best. I have also finished with CA glue with out any issues. Hope this helps.
If the polymer clay has been baked and cooled properly then it should not break easily.
Hello Tony, it’s been a very long time since I’ve heard from you. Great to have you comment on one of my videos. Thank you for the insight and for sharing your experience.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you, this is excellent information to know as I truly did not know the answer.
Regards,
Bob
1st to comment!! Hi Bob, Do you know if these are available in the UK? Nice pen. Cheers, Huw
Hello Huw.
I’d bet If you contact her you could arrange to have some sent over. I currently don’t know of anyone in the UK making them but there are so many crafty people that there must be someone.
Regards,
Bob
I have noticed that in your last 3 video's that you are getting scratch marks in the blank when you have finished polishing them. I dont know whether its because of the magnification on the monitor but they do not look finished to me..
I’ll take a closer look, thank you Gerald
Regards,
Bob
Not Cinco De Mayo, you mean Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead. Gringo! LOL
Thank you.