Thread: dubl duck Satin wedge

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

That looks great, as usual, C.

I've tried plexiglass a few times, but I can never get all the scratches out. What's your progression for shaping and polishing them?

Josh

A little tip...
Sand to about 1000 grit, wipe everything clean with a damp cloth, then pass a propane/butane torch over them. Voila! smooth as glass. Take practice to get it right without overheating, but the results are beautiful.

AWESOME job,,,makes me want to die and get reborn again with SKILL.

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

A little tip...
Sand to about 1000 grit, wipe everything clean with a damp cloth, then pass a propane/butane torch over them. Voila! smooth as glass. Take practice to get it right without overheating, but the results are beautiful.

Dan,

That's very cool. Do you have to get an even 1K finish first, though? My problem is at the lower grits. I rough shape them on my belt sander, but then I can't get them smooth at say 400 grit. Dang big scratches won't come out...

Josh

Scraping with a single edge razor blade works well on the edges. I have done the razor blade then the flame trick to finish edges before. I have made plenty of things out of lexan before but never a set of scales for a razor. I think I will give it try. Those clear scales are just too cool looking.

Charlie

So what did you use to get the gold back in the lettering? Very cool razor.

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

Dan,

That's very cool. Do you have to get an even 1K finish first, though? My problem is at the lower grits. I rough shape them on my belt sander, but then I can't get them smooth at say 400 grit. Dang big scratches won't come out...

Josh

I find machine sanding is a world apart from hand sanding whe it comes to plastics. If you really want to use a belt sander to shape, rough the surface with a rasp before you continue on hand sanding. There are specialized rasps/files made for the acrylic/plexi/lexan family. I've also seen a brass brush on a bench grinder used for this, but I would not recommend it for pieces as small and delicate as scales. After roughing, wet sand starting in the 300 grit range and work your way up to 1000 or higher. The sandpaper will fill quickly, so you might as well sand under water. Lastly use the torch, but only once a satisfactory hazy matt finish is achieved.

Thanks guys!

I got mine at Home Depot.
Actually, It's a rather large piece! If you need some, PM me, and I'll send you some.

C utz

Originally Posted by shotwell1234

Where did you source your Lexan from? I've been having trouble finding a local source for small pieces of it, any help would be appreciated.

I can't honestly say mine are 100%.

However, I do work up to 6000grit paper, and then use some fabuluster (I think it's just white jewelers rouge) ground up and mixed with Maas, then just Maas, then renaissance wax.....

C utz

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

That looks great, as usual, C.

I've tried plexiglass a few times, but I can never get all the scratches out. What's your progression for shaping and polishing them?

Josh

I outlined the shield on the plastic, and then used the small etching bit (looks like a round ball/router bit) and just gouged away with the dremel. I've practiced a few times with wood to get the control down........

Originally Posted by Yorkshireman

Very nice!
How did you go about cutting away the plastic to inlay the shield?

Originally Posted by The Topher

So what did you use to get the gold back in the lettering? Very cool razor.

I use "Rub n Buff" liquid gold leaf (76361A) that I picked up at a craft store. It's a bit messy to get it right, but renaissance wax takes it off rather well, which is great for cleaning off any excess.

C utz