Thread: Been making some brushes...

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

You've got a lot of range there - I like that, a lot of different looks. In my thread on the resin brushes I was looking for tips on turning and got a lot of good info. Are your resins polyester? Any troubles turning that material?

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.

Originally Posted by vferdman

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.

Thanks for the info! Funny you say that cause I found I could clean up using files on the lathe. When using hand held lathe tools, it can grab easily and chip. When using standard tool post on a metal lathe, turns perfectly (I'm sure most of this is my inexperience with hand held tools). But as you mentioned files work well too... Nice work.

Shane

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Thanks for the info! Funny you say that cause I found I could clean up using files on the lathe. When using hand held lathe tools, it can grab easily and chip. When using standard tool post on a metal lathe, turns perfectly (I'm sure most of this is my inexperience with hand held tools). But as you mentioned files work well too... Nice work.

Shane

Shane,with your hand tools,make sure the cutting edge is exact center to the workpiece,or a few degs above center.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Shane,with your hand tools,make sure the cutting edge is exact center to the workpiece,or a few degs above center.

I made another tool rest to accommodate the new tool such that I would be in that position. And it seems to work but still can act very grabby. Just gotta keep practicing.

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

I made another tool rest to accommodate the new tool such that I would be in that position. And it seems to work but still can act very grabby. Just gotta keep practicing.

Do not do alot of phenolics,one thing I did learn is that spindle speed is very important.
The other thing I learned is that HSS cuts better than Carbide,why I have no clue.

I have created a synthetic hair brush for a custom order. I used Dymondwood for the handle and finished with about a dosen coats of CA, which was polished with some chrome polish (yes, it works).

Dimensions:

Total height: 100mm
Handle height: 51mm
Loft height: 49mm
Knot: 24mm

WOW, you have done a great job using a drill press. I have done the same but not with brushes but it's an idea. I have used a drill press & files to shape things, then use sand paper for polishing the final process. Very well done!!!!

Well, I now have a lathe, but I am very much a beginner with it and the resin is really finicky and, as was mentioned above, chips easily. I will experiment with slower speeds (or faster, if anyone has recommendations, I am all ears) and various tool placements. I tried a skew and a spindle gouge so far and the gouge seems to be kinder to the material.

Originally Posted by vferdman

Well, I now have a lathe, but I am very much a beginner with it and the resin is really finicky and, as was mentioned above, chips easily. I will experiment with slower speeds (or faster, if anyone has recommendations, I am all ears) and various tool placements. I tried a skew and a spindle gouge so far and the gouge seems to be kinder to the material.

I'd probably start with wood first to get a feel for the tools. I haven't had the lathe back online for a few weeks now, but the resin was still trouble last time I was messing with it. "Riding the bevel" does help...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Ride the bevel. this a technique that all wood turners need to know and is something my grandfather never taught to me. I was constantly catching my edge, and the tool would backup on me. I did a little research and learned the technique. It's day and night once you've had some practice doing it.

Riding the Bevel - NewWoodworker.com LLC

Also, here's a video. Notice how clean of a cut it produces.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Naz15qfiTNo