I’ve wandered this FWW site and cruised the internet and found a few bits on how to make casting molds and do a bit of turning, but I really haven’t landed on a spot that gives great instruction for someone who’s never done it.
I am pondering Alumilite for the resin, and can make molds out of almost anything, I’ve decided. I know I’ll need a pressure pot and sourced one at HF for $100. I have a nice little lathe and some turning tools. I’m curious about dyes and powders, different kinds of projects for a beginner in this vein of woodworking, and, well, anything at all, really.
Has anyone here done a bit of this work, and can you describe how you started, what you’ve done and where to get ideas for projects? I have ideas, but I’m not the artistic type. I know when I see something I like, but I have a hard time envisioning it and making it into a solid object.
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For casting materials and info go to:
https://www.smooth-on.com/
Wow they do have a lot of stuff in there about the subject, thanks MJ. There's some useful stuff in there. I'd like to see more about casting, for example, a piece of burl and resin, then turning it on the lathe, things like that. I didn't find that on their site after a quick 10-minute tour, but I'll keep looking at all their stuff. Thanks again!
The bit about making a pencil bowl is along the right lines, I saw that. Very cool and creative.
I found one good link, although the website is a little funky and layout isn't great, but the info was what I was thinking of when I started this journey: http://www.woodturnersresource.com/extras/projects/cast_a_burl/
I’ve found several books on Amazon for techniques. Lots of terrific videos on YouTube for project inspiration and how to.
That’s what’s rotating slowly on my lathe right now made from a dried out stump, second coat of epoxy .
This is a better example, what you do not see in the previous piece is the epoxy filling process. As the piece is being turned, some parts become loose and the cracks and voids are filled with epoxy and they are bridged together. This is Negundo Maple partly rotten, filled with epoxy mixed with gold color powder pigments, I use modeling clay to build a dam around the voids and fill with the epoxy/pigment mixture then remove the excess on the lathe.
Don't overthink it!
Start small and go from there - you clearly have all you need.
Wood for turning is cheap (or free) and resin in small quantities won't break the bank.
Have a look at Nick Zametti's youtube channel if you want to see the possibilities - just try walking before running, is all.
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