My resins are polyester. I do have some epoxy resin, but have not tried it yet. Polyester resin is really tough. I don't have trouble turning it, but it is a tough material. I love the way it polishes up. I use metal polishing compound you would find in an auto store (Compound No. 7 is what I got) and it does wonders after wet sanding up to 600 or so. Also, I do not have a lathe (yet) and use a drill press and rough files for shaping. Not an optimal setup, but is very economical as far as material is concerned. I am on a prowl for a mini-lathe and eventually will get one, but for now I use what I got and probably spend more time on my method.