Acrylic pen blanks

Acrylic blanks are a fun and colourful alternative to working with wood. Here are a few tips we use in our shop to create a great-looking project every time:

• Paint the brass tube and the inside of the blank to keep the brass tube from showing through. We recommend a durable enamel paint. Once the paint is dry, test to see if your tube slides into the blank easily.
• Put your lathe speed on high (3,000 or higher). Use light cuts and sharp tools to turn the blank.
• Consider a negative rake round carbide cutter to reduce chipping and catches.
• Sand to 600 grit with sand paper or sanding mesh. Between each grit, stop the lathe, turn the blank by hand and sand in the opposite direction. This helps eliminate swirl marks. Wet sand with Micro Mesh from 1,500 to 12,000 grit.
• Dry the blank with a paper towel and apply a plastic polish like HUT Ultra Gloss with the lathe turning at low speed.