I have a random and wandering thought which I would like to share with you all.
When I was a bit younger I used to restore old 1980's motorcycles. I would still do it now but with me working overseas the time at home is precious. I can produce something in the shed on my lathe in a matter of hours but to restore a bike to the standard I like literally takes months and the cost is now prohibitive.
Anyway, as part of the restoration process I used to repair ABS plastics on the fairings and other plastic parts as opposed to the GRP which is used on modern bikes. The principles involved in this could, I suppose, be translated to the turning world.
It is very easy to do and very cheap - which is what I like.
Find some ABS, either old drain pipes or my favourite LEGO (which has the advantage of being coloured - Also 10kg of it on ebay for less than a tenner). If you can wrestle it from your eight your old son (DAMHIKT) cut it up small with some tin snips and put into one of those cheap ketchup squirters which are normally found in Pound Shops. This is a different plastic and unaffected by the process.
Next cover the ABS with Acetone. I use 95% Acetone which you can buy online for not a lot. Leave for a few hours to dissolve with the lid on (this is important or the acetone will evaporate and you are back to square one) then shake it up to ensure the ABS has dissolved evenly and pour into a mould.
Leave exposed to the air until it has set and there you have a block of ABS.
I have yet to try this in the size and thickness required for pen blanks but it seems to be a cheaper alternative to the expensive acrylics I see for sale online. I have no idea what its like to turn but when I am home next I will try it and let you all know.
The colour of the ABS may be a bit odd but it might be a good basis if you are going to use finishes or air brushing.
Watch this space.
