Best brand/type ca glue for sqaure blanks

[Grgladwin]

Hey guys struggling to find some info on ca glue (i did try the search bar)

I have a square alumilite clear/elm blank that i want to add a super gloss finish to (newbie so unsure how possible that is) from what ive read 2/3 layers of ca glue gives a nice gloss finish but im unsure whays the best brand to buy. I have seen the no nonsense 400ml mitre bond kit at screwfix just wanted some input from people that actually know there stuff if possible.

And one last question.

If i Micromesh to 12000 would i then use rogue to bring out the shine then apply the ca glue of would i polish to 12000, ca glue, sand and then polish with rogue.

Thanks and sorry if this has been asked elsewhere

 

[Penpal]

WElcome George not sure of brands of CA over your way. There are many variations in the product and extensive discussion on the subject. Please find examples of minimal coats of CA the stripey pen is one coat of CA.

Peter.

 

[rayf6604]

There are many opinions on this but here is my opinion of applying a CA finish.

It's advisable to use polypropylene cones at the ends of your pen barrel on the lathe rather than the metal bushes as the ca will spread over them and make it harder to separate when you're finished.
I find it best to use thin CA and you cant buy this from Turners Retreat. Taylors Mirfield used to sell ca but I can't see it. Brand isn't that important, you will need to buy it in 50ml bottles as tubes won't last 5 minutes if used to finish pens. You'll also need activator and Bond It works well without leaving white residue. I find thin CA works best for finishing. Any thicker and it puts too much on at a time. The secret I find us to build up thin layers. I smooth it back with 800 grit then polish with Farecla Profile 200, 300 and 500 polishing compound. When you're done it's important to make sure any ca on the ends of your pen barrel is removed so that the fittings will fit properly. I use the 800 grit and gently rub the ends on a flat surface.


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[wm460]

I have a love hate relation ship with CA, I love to hate the stuff.
As soon as I can find some melamine I will be a convert.

 

[Walter]

I don't much like CA as a finish but lots of people do use it and there are many ways of applying it that will work well.

I have tried Ray's method with thin CA and it is effective, when I used CA I preferred the medium type applied with the lathe running slowly or turned by hand and then finished in much the same way as Ray describes. That will work too as will many other techniques.

Where I disagree with Ray is when he says it doesn't matter what brand you use. I used to think that too but the chemical make up can vary and there are now flexible and odourless types to add to the mix.

Ed Street describes the various types and his method of applying CA to polymer clay blanks in this article.

One thing that puzzles me is that you say "I have a square alumilite clear/elm blank". Do you want to finish it whilst it is still square? If so I am not sure how effective that would be but I have no doubt it is possible.

 

[Vic Perrin]

Hi George and welcome to the forum. I can't help you with your question in relation to CA as I never use it as a finish.

 

[Phil Dart]

Hi George and welcome to the forum. I can't help you with your question in relation to CA as I never use it as a finish.

That's helpful Vic - thank you for your valuable contribution. (are you trying to get your post count up?)
Welcome to the Forum by the way George, which is what Vic is saying too - I'm just being very rude.

 

[diviy]

I tried all makes and found poundlands 20ml pack of five the best. I apply a coat of boiled linseed oil spine lath up fast warm it them three couts of ca leave for a hour then sand from 800 to 12000 apply three more coats sad the same then i use autosol to polish and finish with brasso works for me.

 

[Penpal]

I was totally impressed also recently when one of the most respected blank maker and penmaker in the USA who also casts . Showed some results from his casting a product that on our site people say they cannot get a top finish. He uses a final buffing to brilliance.

Peter.