Why can't I turn acrylic?

[wabbitpoo]

Of course, you can't be expected to know, but I can tell you that all I achieve is a surface that, at best, is described as awful. I seem to chip the surface. I tried re-grinding, changing the angle of attack, lathe speed, all to no avail.

What's the right way of turning this blimmin' stuff?

 

[CHJ]

Sharp, very sharp, tools.

Aim for a slicing-planing cut so that you are slicing ribbons off, not chips.

If you can use a Skew Chisel then that is the best tool once you have rounded the blank.

If a Skew is not You then aim to try and achieve the same slicing cut with a spindle gouge.

Remember aim for ribbons not chips.

Well that's my findings, no doubt others will have their preferred tools methods.

 

[Paul.J]

I've only turned a couple meself but as Chas says sharp tools are essential,spindle gouge in my case,and a fast speed.Faster the better.
Take fine cuts too.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi Wabbitpoo,

I guess what you end up with is something that resembles the inside of an Aero bar? ie: lots of little craters :evil:

Best way I've found is (once it's round) to scrape it, either with small scrapers of various profiles or the wing of a bowl gouge works well too. Point tools are also very handy for this kind of work.

The same methods work well for very dense exotics as well such as African Blackwood.

HTH

Richard

 

[maltrout512]

Just an idea that I do is to warm the blank up before you turn. Careful use of a hot air gun works with me. All the best.

 

[stevebuk]

agree with what has already been said, it usually happens when you are too agressive with the cuts, or attack at the wrong angle. Sharpen the tools and take small light strokes, can take an age to cut a thick blank, but the finnish is great.

 

[wabbitpoo]

Thanks a lot - will try again at the weekend.