Thread: What are you working on?

Lastly, a good source for mantles and wicks?
Use regular old kerosene?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Lastly, a good source for mantles and wicks?
Use regular old kerosene?

I get most of my parts at Lehman's Hardware in Ohio. #1 un-dyed kerosene is the best. Aladdin doesn't recommend using dyed kero but I've been using it for years because I can't get un-dyed anymore. For God's sake don't use Coleman fuel or white gas............you'll blow her up.

Very cool! I had no idea about the mantle! Tons of youtube stuff on them as well.
Definitely going to get it running!
Thanks, Benz and Roy!

Er....Back to razors!

I am new to scale making and have wanted to try acrylic after completing projects with wood, bone and horn. I picked up a translucent white clipboard at Office Depot for material. Paduak wood wedge. New England blade.

I hand cut the scales seperately with a coping saw. It was pretty messy with all those grains of acrylic. Shaped with a belt sander and hand sanded. The material came with a rough side and a smooth side. I left the one side rough and used it on the inside of the scales to decrease the transparency.

Two observations:

• Hand sanding and polishing took a long time. Mostly because all scratches are so visible with acrylic.
• I am having a hard time shaping the inner curve of the scales. For this, I use the wheel of the belt sander, but it bounces and mars the scales. Any tips?

It's hard from me to describe but the only thing that I will say is that with your belt sander---Always have it running away from when your sanding. You will have much more control/Also Much More Personal Safety.

While it doesn't show using the round end of the stationary belt sander it does stress the safety points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1FehVIkq_k

I hope this is of some help.

There is a variety of ways to come at that. One is with a sanding drum in the drill press, there is also using acoarse file or fine rasp, and going progressively finer as it is refined. I do use the outside wheel of my belt sander the most, then finish with hand work.

Amazing handles there Andrew you sure do some fine work my friend

Nice scales there MrHuston, great job!


Tom, you scored on that lamp. What a cool family treasure you found

Nice job on that wedge Jerry. I think it looks better as is with some contrast than it would have trying to match the scales too closely. Turned out nicely.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Very cool Andrew!
While I was at Woodcraft this last time, I was looking for Clear acrylic for the wedge I wanted to make and was chatting with a guy (customer) and he told me about the stuff you had bought. He said me bought pen blank molds and uses that acrylic stuff and the dust and makes his own pen blanks. Told me I could go get some and make a simple mold and make my own wedge. The price was a lot more than buying the piece I got at Woodcraft so I just went with it.

Now you post up on the stuff. Its a small world in the molding business I guess.

If you don't need a pressure/vacuum pot to get the bubbles out like when your stabilizing burl I guess it wouldn't be too difficult. Making wedges would be okay, but I would rather pour my own scales!

Originally Posted by MrHouston

I am new to scale making and have wanted to try acrylic after completing projects with wood, bone and horn. I picked up a translucent white clipboard at Office Depot for material. Paduak wood wedge. New England blade.

I hand cut the scales seperately with a coping saw. It was pretty messy with all those grains of acrylic. Shaped with a belt sander and hand sanded. The material came with a rough side and a smooth side. I left the one side rough and used it on the inside of the scales to decrease the transparency.

Completely forgot about the clipboard idea. Glad yo mentioned it. Make sure your using a respirator! Especially with that belt sander. I grew up working with my Dad and I kick myself for not using safety more safety equipment!
I bet little micro mesh pads would put a good finish on acrylic. They sell them in sets that go from slightly coarse to super fine mirror finish.

I prefer the drum sander in the drill press, like Rez said.