Is this my fault?

[Bob Ellis]

Attracted by the Japanese Chiyogami-Yuzen pen blanks in the Turners Retreat catalogue (p.43), I decided to buy one and an accompanying Sierra pen kit. It came pre-tubed and end-trimmed with the screen printed paper covered in a deep layer of what I assume is acrylic. The cost of the blank (£13.95) made me very careful when turning it. I made sure that I didn't over-tighten things when mounting it on the mandrel and I used a carbide cutter held in a tool post, taking shallow cuts. Despite these precautions, blistering has appeared near either end of the blank (see below.) It is most marked at the left end of the tube but is present at both ends. Was this my fault - in which case what did I do wrong - was there a fault in the blank, or was I just unlucky? Is there anything I can do about it or have I just wasted £13.95 plus postage?

 

[rayf6604]

When you say blistering, do you mean the screen printed paper has parted company with the tube/acrylic?

 

[Bob Ellis]

When you say blistering, do you mean the screen printed paper has parted company with the tube/acrylic?

No. It is more like air having got between the paper and the acrylic, perhaps a bit like a blister you might get on your hand.

 

[rayf6604]

I don't really know the answer but if you've been careful not to get too much heat into the blank whilst turning or sanding it might be a fault with the blank. I'd have a word with Turners and play it a bit dumb and deny everything and try to blame it on them and see what they do for you

 

[Harry]

Hi Bob,

I have recently started making these blanks and I recognised that blister right away as I had the same thing happen to a couple that I made. I found that I had to be very thorough about sealing the paper before I cast it in resin. Check out this post:

http://www.penturners.co.uk/casting/12836-two-firsts-once.html

The slightest bit of unsealed paper will leak air as the resin sets, giving exactly the problem you are seeing. I would say that the blank is faulty, and that nothing you have done would cause this. If you had looked very carefully at the blank before you turned it, you would probably have seen this, although it can be easy to miss in the raw state.

 

[Jim]

Taking off the resin doesn't cause air locks Bob, i would say it was a faulty blank .. Harry, makes a good point ..

 

[turnaround360]

I think you should contact the seller it is the blank at fault they should exchange
it hopefully.

 

[Bob Ellis]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I have e-mailed the seller with a photo and have asked for a replacement or a refund.

 

[wm460]

After talking to Turners Retreat you could try drizzling a bit of thin CA on ends of blank to fill up the gap.

 

[flexi]

If its any help...i had one do exactly the same....mine was from Turners also....i was hissed off too

 

[turnaround360]

After talking to Turners Retreat you could try drizzling a bit of thin CA on ends of blank to fill up the gap.

Yes this is the normal fix attempt but they will probably want it back for examination .

 

[Grump]

Yep bad cast without any doubt, a few of the castors on the forums have experienced the same thing.
It's all part of the learning curve with casting.
Tell the supplier not to buy stock from beginners init?

 

[Penpal]

Will be fascinatedto watch this post through to conclusion all the best to everyone with this situation. Basic advice seems always seal the ends after squaring before turning.

Peter.

 

[paulm]

I have been trying to cast blanks in a similar sort of way with decals and get this every time. I cannot find out what I can do to overcome it and have tried just about everything I can think of.

 

[Twister]

I have been trying to cast blanks in a similar sort of way with decals and get this every time. I cannot find out what I can do to overcome it and have tried just about everything I can think of.

could u put on lathe and polish with CA before casting Paul?

Steve

 

[turnaround360]

I have been trying to cast blanks in a similar sort of way with decals and get this every time. I cannot find out what I can do to overcome it and have tried just about everything I can think of.

Paul they need sealing with mod podge is good take
It round into the tube not the stamps
just the mod podge if you know what i mean
then it is completly sealed .

 

[Penpal]

Good luck with all the theories have success

Peter.

 

[Bob Ellis]

Since the consensus of opinion here is that it wasn't my fault, I contacted Turner's Retreat who, without demur, said that they would send me a replacement for the faulty blank. I hope this one turns without any problems! They said that they had had difficulties with this supplier and have now ceased stocking these Chiyogami-Yuzen blanks. Probably a wise decision.

I have bought a lot of stuff from Turner's Retreat in the year or so that I have been turning pens and have found their customer service to be excellent. Ordering from them is a pleasure, although I am not sure that my bank manager would agree!

 

[turnaround360]

Glad to hear it and good luck.

 

[Bill Mooney]

That's good news Bob.