Thread: Sand alum?

I am using "sand" as a verb, not an adjective - I dropped my alum today and of course a chunk fractured off. Has anyone used sandpaper or some other abrasive to re-shape their alum block and smooth out the sharp, jagged surface left behind after fracturing?

Thanks - Gags

Maybe just run hot water on it,reshape it by rubbing on it.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Maybe just run hot water on it,reshape it by rubbing on it.

Tried that very briefly and seemed like it would take too long, hence my inquiry!

I am sure that would work, since that is what happens naturally through normal use, right? I was just wondering if anyone with limited patience like me experienced the same misfortune and tried to expedite the solution!

Thanks a lot, though - it may very well come to that.

No reason why it could not be sanded,just do it.

Or if you're worried about getting "sand" in it use a file...

I get mine at the asian market $1.35/lb. come in all sorts of wierd shapes.

You can shape it anyway that you want to. Sometimes when you get a new one the surface is rough. I have smoothed out the surface by rubiing it on a wet washcloth.

You can't wash them for very long and you usually don't get to drop them but once.

Will N.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I get mine at the asian market $1.35/lb. come in all sorts of wierd shapes.

That actually looks really cool - I don't think that asymmetrical jagged mass would agree with my delicate features!

Maybe try your hand at figurines perhaps

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I get mine at the asian market $1.35/lb. come in all sorts of wierd shapes.

Uh-Oh that not be alum. I would recognize that anywhere. That be those Di-Lithium Xtls they use to power the Starship Enterprise. Better watch out the Klingons are gonna be looking for you now.