QUOTE: Originally posted by Supersnooper
Gee!!!!!!
I am convicned to buy that mini lathe. I would have been done with my warp engines eons ago. Now, would it have been easier to glue smaller pieces (not so wide) for an easier cut? I mean, I don't know anything on turning, but could it have been fastr since you wouldn't have to cut so much material to get to the core?
I know I am missing something here.
Riö<*>
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Good question.
![Wink [;)]](/FSM/CS/emoticons/icon_smile_wink.gif)
Well the main reason I glue up a slightly larger block has to do with the bonding of the plastic. The center of the plastic tends to hold the acetone better allowing for a more consistant bond at the center. The acetone at the edges evaporates quicker and sometimes there is a weaker bond there.
Another reason is that clamping sometimes cracks the first sheet and I like to have that removed from the final part if possible.
Lastly the thicker block of plastic is more ridgid and that is a big plus for any machining proccess
Plastic turns very quickly, especially before it has been turned to a round shape. You are making four quick cuts per pass but you'll be making one long cut per pass after you have gotten the stock into a round shape.
I like to use clear plastic for my turnings and I glue up my own block because I get acrylic scraps from work. If I didn't get the plastic for free I'd just buy the right size from a plastic dealer.