1st Picture Blanks

[Gadget-UK]

After reading up on all the advice, taking on board the do’s and dont’s
I have finally got around to giving it a go.



Crystal Clear and looks ok.
Wait until tomorrow now to see how they turn and if I actually managed to get it right. (For a change )

 

[Phil Dart]

Looking forward to the results Colin

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Certainly looks like all your homework has paid off mate. Couple of good looking pens due now.

Regards

Craig

 

[Paul hd]

I would like to hear more about the mould? Is it home made or available on line? what have you plugged the tubes with?

 

[Gadget-UK]

Well this has been a steep learning curve
Both blanks have been turned and I am really pleased with the Acrylic, no bubbles, crystal clear and turned really nicely (at least I got that bit right)
The pictures I chose are certainly NOT right for pen tubes AND I have to stop being so impatient
The pictures are to “Busy” and “Dark”



One is Darth Vader - Dark figure on a dark background = no good.
The other is the Avengers - far to much in the picture
Also didn’t wait long enough for the glue to dry properly even though it felt dry

Never mind it’s all about learning and I have learnt some very good lessons today.
Onward and upward

 

[Gadget-UK]

Paul
It’s called a Gator Mold
You get them from Mr Blanks
http://http://www.mrblanks.co.uk/shop/4593444804/maneater-dogbone-mould/11288605
Scott Walker is a great guy and really knows his stuff

 

[Paul hd]

Paul
It’s called a Gator Mold
You get them from Mr Blanks
http://http://www.mrblanks.co.uk/shop/4593444804/maneater-dogbone-mould/11288605
Scott Walker is a great guy and really knows his stuff

Hi Colin,

I thought I recognised them. Came across the Man-eater products on IAP a few months ago, don't remember seeing the dog bone shaped mould.

Agreed, Scott is a helpful guy. I have had a couple of moulds from him, unfortunately the Pen blank mould has started to disintegrate at the ends, I suppose nothing lasts forever.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Sawes]

Hi Colin,

I thought I recognised them. Came across the Man-eater products on IAP a few months ago, don't remember seeing the dog bone shaped mould.

Agreed, Scott is a helpful guy. I have had a couple of moulds from him, unfortunately the Pen blank mould has started to disintegrate at the ends, I suppose nothing lasts forever.

Cheers,
Paul

Sorry to hear the mould failing. Like you say though nothing lasts forever. The use of mould release helps extend life of moulds and is a must with the gator moulds.
If it one of my early pink or green moulds drop me a message and I will sort out a discount on the new ones. I stopped using the pink and greeb rubber for tube in moulds as found it just not up to the task and now use a different one that I can also colour to my preference.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[Paul hd]

Sorry to hear the mould failing. Like you say though nothing lasts forever. The use of mould release helps extend life of moulds and is a must with the gator moulds.
If it one of my early pink or green moulds drop me a message and I will sort out a discount on the new ones. I stopped using the pink and greeb rubber for tube in moulds as found it just not up to the task and now use a different one that I can also colour to my preference.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

About page - Mr Resin Blanks
Mr Resin Blanks - Home | Facebook

Hi Scott,

I have the purple coloured ones. No worries, I think I can get a few more from the mould. Each time I cast, a little bit of silicon gets stuck to the blank. The walls of the mould are fine.

 

[Gadget-UK]

OK Gents & Ladies if any about.
Cleaned off the tubes, new pictures and went through the whole process again
1: Clean off tubes and paint (Acrylic White Paint)
2: Allowed to dry and stuck on the picture with Waterproof Glue/Sealer (Modge Podge)
3: Allowed that to dry (its been VERY hot in my workshop today so didn’t take that long)
4: Make sure everything is dry and clean and put them in the mold ready for acrylic
5: Mixed acrylic and poured into Mold
6: Straight into Pressure pot at 40psi
7: 7+ hours later the acrylic is spot on crystal clear - no bubbles and solid
Problem is the paper has gone dark AGAIN

What am I doing wrong
ANY help greatly appreciated :pray::pray:

 

[DaddyG]

Can I ask what/how you print the pictures to add to the tube?

 

[Penpal]

Darkness overcomes your plans at this time trust you find a work around.Bummer mate.

Peter.

 

[Gadget-UK]

Morning
Graham, I am using standard Printer Paper, nothing special.

 

[Harry]

I have made a fair number of pens using images printed on high resolution inkjet paper. I stick them on with Tacky Glue and seal them with two coats of Mod Podge, waiting overnight between each step. What I have found critical is taking great care to seal the ends thoroughly to avoid the resin soaking in. BTW, I use PR for casting and no pressure pot.

 

[Gadget-UK]

Really big thanks to everyone that has offered help and advice.
Believe me it has all been very greatfully received and acted upon

I have just taken out the 3 blanks I have tried this time around (after all of the advice) and so far so good.
NO Blotches on the paper
NO Bubbles in the Acrylic
No Issues (so far)
They really do look spot on this time.

I am going to leave them alone now until next weekend (very busy week with work ) and THEN I can get to grips with turning them into pens

Thanks again everyone, not one for giving up but your help has certainly made my life easier

Photos of finished pens to follow (Hopefully )

 

[wm460]

Problem is the paper has gone dark AGAIN

Have you tried doing a light coloured picture?

 

[Gadget-UK]

Yes, I have now done 2 dark and 2 light and they have ALL turned out spot on.
Turning them at the weekend Mark so I will post photos then

 

[mallard]

I guess it is just practice that gets a picture the right size to go around a tube and meet with a very tidy join. Does the ink not "run" when it is covered with the resin ?

 

[Bucks]

I guess it is just practice that gets a picture the right size to go around a tube and meet with a very tidy join. Does the ink not "run" when it is covered with the resin ?

Hi Ian I make & sell these Label Sizing Templates & Alignment Jigs to make the job of sizing & applying the labels a lot easier. The ink dosent run if you use the correct paper, I use waterproof matte labels available from a company called online labels.com, but they’re not cheep, you should be able to get something similar in smaller quantities somewhere like amazon.

 

[DaveP]

What am I doing wrong ANY help greatly appreciated

An extract from my own learning curve.... Pritt stick for gluing the paper to the tube (use an old credit card to scrape off all but a very thin layer of the glue) and then umpteen coats of cheap firm hold hair spray from lidl / aldi to seal and protect the paper & ink.

Hint... Placing the tin of hairspray (or any spray paint / varnish for that matter) in a jug of hot water helps with the spray 'mist' and also speeds up the drying / recoat time.