SeaShells on the SeaShore

[Bammer]

So we got a SeaShell blank on a Gunmetal Sirroco

The blank was a gift from the US and thought it about time I had a go.

1st was the drilling, made sure I gave myself extra both ends just in case, but no problems there.

Carbide tool was required, very light cut and I had it at full speed.

Very very hard material, lots of air pockets as you can see.

Decided not to worry about them till I got further into the blank.

Now, I must admit, once I got the shape, I resorted to 80 grit sandpaper. Reason for this was it took the best part of 45 minutes to get that far and I'll be dammed if I was going to get a catch or chip out by then.

So, rough shape, about 2mm to go.

Once I got close I started work on the air pockets, thick ca sorted them out but I let it dry without activator.

When I was ready to go I gave it a spray to make sure it was all dry, cleaned it off with the tool and carried on, stopped and filled anymore that had appeared.

When I got down to size I treated it as normal acrylic and polished it off.

Quite pleased with the result.

Would I do another ..... not today.

A 2 part pen would be scary, imagine spending all that time getting 1 piece done then cocking up the other half ...





Sorry for the Photo's, new PC and new photo program that I can't figure out yet

ps ... African Blackwood, Snokoling Rosewood and Bog Oak make your fingers black ...

 

[fortress]

Very nice indeed Brad, well worth the effort, you can almost hear the sea.

 

[Phil Dart]

A labour of love. The result is well worth it though Brad - a fine looking pen.

 

[wm460]

Very very nice Brad.

 

[Graham_C]

That really is a labour of love Brad! Someone is going to get a beautiful pen

 

[Paul hd]

Looks great.

 

[Penpal]

Love the result Brad.

Peter.

 

[silver]

well worth the effort, spot on.

Never seen a shell blank before..

 

[Les ELm]

Looks great!
Well done.

Les

 

[Bammer]

That really is a labour of love Brad! Someone is going to get a beautiful pen

Only if they cough up some dosh .....

 

[GeordieB]

Wash ya hands ya scruffy git lovely pen tho mate

 

[Bucks]

Looking at the end result Brad looks like it was well worth the effort

 

[Bill Mooney]

It has the WOW! Factor for me Brad. A superbly made pen.

 

[Penpal]

Be interested in the handover result mate, have to be daft not to see great making in the pen.

Peter.

 

[Freck Fraser]

Now thats lovely, well worth the time taken imho.

 

[Terry Q]

A lot of effort but well worth it. Fascinating pen. Job well done.