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Chipped acrylic repair

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Nov 26, 2008
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Being new to turning acrylic (plastic), I suffered a chip on a nice cigar pen kit, while on the lathe. I tried applying some very fine shavings/dust with CA into the chip but it didn't work. Any ideas or recommendations?
 
I got some suggestions, ideas, whatever you want to call them. You could try colored epoxy. or you could color auto body putty. (we always call it Bondo, however we like another brand better.) Or this might be the best way, talk to a counter top shop that builds acrylic counter tops, they have a glue that is the same color and material as the acrylic. They might have the right color you need.
 
I'd use Wyatt's counter top repair materials idea as a first choice. My local Corian dealer/installer has some pretty impressive material. I'm not sure whether it comes pre-colored or if he can mix any color he wants but it is incredible for creating "you can't find 'em" repairs.
 
CA & powder coat

I have used CA or epoxys mixed with powder coat pigment for many repairs.
I have successfully used CA to repair plastic Monte Blanc pens.
I wonder if the mix of acetone and Plexiglas "Plexitone" would work?
 
Here's some suggestions, but unless you have the materials already, it will be a lot less expensive to just buy a new blank.

1) Recast the blank in clear casting resin (your choice on Polyester, Epoxy or Urethane). Start over.

2) Clean the chip area with a solvent to remove all wax, grease, oil, dirt, whatever. Build a little dam around the chip and fill the area with clear or pigmented casting resin.

3) Turn a channgel in the chip area all around the pen. Fill the channel with glitter, powerdered metal, powdered stone or whatever and bond it with thin CA.. Test the whatever with your CA first and make sure it will bond.

4) Turn a cove or other detail feature to remove the chip.

5) Buy a new blank.

Ed
 
The acrylic glue is pre-colored the color of the counter tops they do. It looked similar to caulk tubes, and they would just squeeze it out where they needed it.
 
You have a great design change opportunity. 🙂

You could turn off the offending part with a parting tool, down to the tube, then glue on a contrasting piece of acrylic. If you want to balance it, do the same on the other end.
 
found my answer!

I like Grant's suggestion! "You could turn off the offending part with a parting tool, down to the tube...". Thank you all very much for your replies. What a great bunch of guys (and gals) we have!
 
Gary - Have a look at this video by Ed Davidson. Might convince you to try this technique rather than trying to cut and glue in a chunk(s) of acrylic.

http://content.penturners.org//video/inlay_01.wmv

Ed

Ed.......

Thanks for giving us this video by YoYo Spin.....I enjoyed seeing that.

When You mentioned Ed Davidson, I didn't make the connection to YoYoSpin, as I know most people on this forum by their online nickname. He has been on this forum before.....adding useful information to the content.

otis of cologne
 
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