Large Acrylic Blank or Laminate?

[Tim A. Mitchell]

Does anyone know if there is a source for larger acrylic blanks? I am looking at the 2 or 3 inch diameter (probably closer to the 2 inch range) and about 4 to 5 inches long?

If I were to try laminating pen blanks, what is the best method to glue up?

[robert hainstock]

I would use epoxy. but I suspect the seems would show no matter what you try. :)
Bob

[Andrew Derhammer]

Closest i could find for you http://hutproducts.com/departments.asp?dept=114

[James Stokes]

I got some from Royal Plastics here in Springfield. They were actually cut offs from a large sheet. I think I probably have a couple left. If you cant find any let me know and I can probably send you 1.

[George Macauley]

You might try Delvies Plastics, in Salt Lake City. Look at their Cast Acrylics as they supposedly turn better, don't melt like the extruded acrylic.

http://www.delviesplastics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DPI&Category_Code=Cast_Acrylic_Rod

Sorry, can't get this inserted as a link for some reason.

George

[David Walser]

Tim,

You've been given a link to a supplier of cast acrylic rod. If they don't have the color or size you're looking for, you might consider contacting Ed Davidson. Ed sells bottle stopper and other blanks out of polyester resin. He might be willing to cast a custom blank for you.

http://yoyospin.com/

By the by, I have Ed's video on making Yo-Yo's. Well worth the $13 (including shipping) -- whether you plan on making a Yo-Yo or not.

[Tim A. Mitchell]

Thanks for the leads. The 48" rods look to be a bit expensive (this is for personal use). I will try to ask Ed at the next PPWT club meeting.

[Chris Stolicky]

You could also enter the crazy world of casting your own polyester resin or aluminite.... :cool:

I have begun the adventure.

You can make any size mold you want.

[Daniel Heine]

Tim,

This is the largest I have ever seen:

http://www.woodpenpro.com/acrylic_pen_blanks/0038_acrylic_blanks_monsterslab_8x10x1_inch1.html

I'm not sure if you could glue a couple of thos together and make it work or not. Another option would be to buy a gallon of PR, some dye, and cast your own blank.

Good Luck,
Dan

[Chip Sutherland]

I'd appreciate trading info from your journey? I've been looking at casting some but I don't understand all the jargon and chemical composition of the materials. I've looked at the System 3 and Clear/Mirror Coat stuff but it's pricey. I definitely want to tint the medium. I've looked at pressure pots which will help drive out the unwanted bubbles. I have some pine cones I want to cast then turn. I saw this on the done by a turner on back of a AAW issue a couple of years.

[Andrew Derhammer]

This is the polyester resin you want. http://mrfiberglass.com/clear_casting_resins.html

[Chip Sutherland]

Perfect answer. Thanks.