Very Spongy

[James Combs]

I had an idea for using a new kitchen sponge as a filler in clear Alumilite. Here is how it turned out.

I had a pack of 1/2" an 3/4" thick Ocelo sponges. I took them out of the pack and let them dry a few days the cast a couple.
256322 (http://www.penturners.org/forum/attachments/f13/91250d1362608392-very-spongy-img_5994.jpg)256323 (http://www.penturners.org/forum/attachments/f13/91250d1362608392-very-spongy-img_5994.jpg)

I cast the 1/2" blue and purple first. The small sponges make about 5 1/2"x1/2" blanks.
256324 (http://www.penturners.org/forum/attachments/f13/91251d1362608392-very-spongy-img_5998.jpg)

The results.
256326256325 (http://www.penturners.org/forum/attachments/f13/91253d1362608392-very-spongy-img_6164_3_5_detail.jpg)

Observations:
-Although I cast under 60" psi pressure there were still a few air holes(cavities) within the sponge. Filled at turing with CA.
-The sponge tended to turn white at tool shear points that were perpendicular to the normal upper and lower surfaces of the sponge.
-Several of the internal cavities were so large as to expose the black painted tube to view.

C&C appreciated.

Note: After casting/making this pen I read an IAP post about using natural sponge and getting the same effect as cactus skeleton, may try that also.

[Billy Tallant]

Looks good James! I really like the color that pen turned out. Never would have thought about casting a kitchen sponge.

[James Combs]

Looks good James! I really like the color that pen turned out. Never would have thought about casting a kitchen sponge.
Thanks Billy, not sure I will cast anymore, there is a lot of post casting work to finish filling the sponge but I will use up the ones already cast.

[Josh Bowman]

James, that's the coolest thing I've ever seen!

[Doug W Swanson]

Interesting look to them. I wonder if tinting the alumilite a contrasting color would work better.

I may have to try that with the natural sponge....

[Eric Gourieux]

Very clever!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Wow that turned out cool JD. Love the color.

[Jim Burr]

Ha!!! JD...you rock!! Consider the idea stolen and yeah...finish has to be a bear!!