Acrylic acetate bottle stopper & ring blocks

Acrylic acetate is a fun and colourful alternative to working with wood. Approximate dimensions: 1-1/2" square by 2-1/2" long (38 mm × 38 mm × 64 mm).

Here are a few tips we use in our shop to create a great-looking project every time:

• If you're using a brass tube, paint the brass tube and the inside of the blank to keep the brass tube from showing through. We recommend enamel paint. Once dry, test to see if your tube slides into the blank easily.
• Turn at a high speed (3,000 or higher). Use light cuts and sharp tools to turn the blank.
• Consider a negative rake 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 to help eliminate swirl marks. Wet sand with Micro Mesh from 1,500 to 12,000 grit. 
• As a dust-free alternative to sand paper or sanding mesh, give an abrasive paste like Superior Grit a try. 
• Apply a plastic polish like Novus or One-Step with the lathe turning at low speed.