CA reactions

[Midnight_Turner]

So I know that ca is nasty stuff and reacts with the paper towel, but I'm turning done cocobolo and lo w and behold as I'm putting the CA on its turning into smoke.... Any ideas? It's just not working any other way at the mo

 

[rayf6604]

The smoke is just fumes, probably coming from the paper towel and it gets hot as it dries. The fumes are not toxic but you should be wearing a fume mask if you're not.

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[Midnight_Turner]

The smoke is just fumes, probably coming from the paper towel and it gets hot as it dries. The fumes are not toxic but you should be wearing a fume mask if you're not.

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But I'm not putting paper towel any where near the wood, I'm putting the CA on the wood and it's fuming!


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[chas_41_uk]

I've had the same effect with spalted wood, but I don't know what causes it

 

[Midnight_Turner]

I've had the same effect with spalted wood, but I don't know what causes it

I'm just glad I'm not the only one that it happens to, I've got the lacquer can out to be honest as my CA finishing just isn't happening at the minute,


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[Vic Perrin]

Here we go again on the risks associated with CA. As yet we do not know the long term effects of using this substance. Years ago asbestos was a revelutionary product and the answer to many problems. Well we all know where that led us. I personally don't use CA for finishing I do use it for small glueing projects but not for finishing pens. I am not saying that you should not use it that is entirely your choice. The only point that I would raise is that if you want to use it as a finish for your pens you should ensure that you take adequate measures to reduce the amount of fumes that you inhale. Suitable ventilation to remove fumes and respiratory protection with a suitable mask is a must for prolonged use.

There are numerous Health and Safety data sheets available for these products here is an example of just one of them

https://www.mkmbs.co.uk/Root/Documents/B000790.COSHHData.pdf

I will end by saying that you only get one set of lungs so look after them.

 

[rayf6604]

CA will fume anyway while it dries, just don't breathe the fumes. Are you applying it to the cocobolo as a finish?

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[Midnight_Turner]

CA will fume anyway while it dries, just don't breathe the fumes. Are you applying it to the cocobolo as a finish?

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Yes I am, I'm just wondering if it's something to do with the ever so fine dust that comes off it?


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[chas_41_uk]

I tend not to use CA as a finish any more. I prefer to use Acrylic lacquer instead now a days

 

[rayf6604]

It could be, but it should go on okay. Which viscosity CA are you using?

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[Penpal]

The variables are many, I only use one coat of CA. The timber Cocobolo needs to have a spirit wipe to remove any oily film first. Some people never use CA on Cocobolo.

Peter.

 

[Midnight_Turner]

It could be, but it should go on okay. Which viscosity CA are you using?

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Medium


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[Midnight_Turner]

The variables are many, I only use one coat of CA. The timber Cocobolo needs to have a spirit wipe to remove any oily film first. Some people never use CA on Cocobolo.

Peter.

Well at least I've learnt something there tonight!!! That explains the Orange dust stuff I get off it with the first couple of layers of ca


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[Midnight_Turner]

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[Midnight_Turner]

Lacquer v ca


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[Midnight_Turner]

Lacquer v ca


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[rayf6604]

You're quite close to me in Mansfield, if you're still struggling and you'd like to persevere using CA finish you're more than welcome to come round sometime and I'll show you my method of applying a CA finish. I find it works every time.

 

[Midnight_Turner]

Ray that's exactly what I need!!! Pm me with details, even if it's a meet for a quick pint somewhere that would be awesome.... I've been learning and going solo for around 4/5 months now and think I could do with a bit of advice, there is only so much you tube can teach you


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[wm460]

There are numerous Health and Safety data sheets available for these products here is an example of just one of them

https://www.mkmbs.co.uk/Root/Documents/B000790.COSHHData.pdf

I will end by saying that you only get one set of lungs so look after them.

What Vic said,

 

[EStreet]

Ok. Here is the truth about CA. CA polymerizes via a PH shift. They use an acid to keep it stable in liquid form so when hat PH shift does occur the rate of PH change has a tremendous effect on he properties of the polymerized state. The more rapid PH change the hotter and more BRITTLE the CA becomes. Hence forth why we must keep the rate down to a minimum to obtain the best finish possible.

When CA smokes it means there was contact with alkaline substances and the PH shift was extremely drastic. Many types of shop towels contains alkaline properties, also shop towels are absorbing thus loads up with liquid CA, rapidly polymerizes it and produces heat, vapors and really nasty health risks as well as a poor quality pen finish. The secret and goal is low heat, more flexible and a slower polymerization to obtain the best finish.