Frank Fusco
Member
- Messages
- 12,791
- Location
- Mountain Home, Arkansas
Please note, the title is NOT "How To Stabilize". This is an explanation of how I do it. There are many approaches to the process. I choose to use the KISS method. It works for me and I don't see any reason why it won't work for anyone.
My pressure pot is an old paint pot that was given to me by friend Jay Caughron. In fact, he gave me two. I don't need two so sent one to another FW friend, Vaughn.
My vac pump is a Gast with filters. I got from a friend who buys from commercial distress auctions for businesses gone bust. I got a great buy on it.
Understand, any plastic parts in your pump will eventually be ruined by the solvent fumes. I know, one day, I will have to rebuild the pump. Fortunately, the Gast is designed to be rebuilt periodically.
My solution is simple. I use scrap plexiglas and dissolve in straight Acetone. Before you ask, my source for plexiglas is a secret. I get free from a commercial source. But, I believe one could scrounge from local glass companies just by asking.
There is no formula for percentage for the plexi/Aceton solution. I toss a few handfuls of plexi into the pot add Acetone and stir. It takes 24 to 48 hours for complete dissolving of the plexi. If there are no, or very little, solids left in the pot, it is ready.
To stable, I just toss in the wood. Mostly I do pen blanks but have done pistol grips, blanks for duck calls and other small stuff. I once did a partially turned bowl that nearly filled the pot. Surprisingly, it stabled well and, I believe, all the way through.
I use vacuum only. My pump pulls to 23 inches. For pen blanks a half hour is sufficient. But, I usually get busy with other tasks and leave as long as an hour.
If you check the IAP http://www.penturners.org/ stabilizing forum, you will find there are as many theories about vacuum/pressure/time/solution/etc. as there are members.
I like my results and see no reason to change.
My pressure pot is an old paint pot that was given to me by friend Jay Caughron. In fact, he gave me two. I don't need two so sent one to another FW friend, Vaughn.
My vac pump is a Gast with filters. I got from a friend who buys from commercial distress auctions for businesses gone bust. I got a great buy on it.
Understand, any plastic parts in your pump will eventually be ruined by the solvent fumes. I know, one day, I will have to rebuild the pump. Fortunately, the Gast is designed to be rebuilt periodically.
My solution is simple. I use scrap plexiglas and dissolve in straight Acetone. Before you ask, my source for plexiglas is a secret. I get free from a commercial source. But, I believe one could scrounge from local glass companies just by asking.
There is no formula for percentage for the plexi/Aceton solution. I toss a few handfuls of plexi into the pot add Acetone and stir. It takes 24 to 48 hours for complete dissolving of the plexi. If there are no, or very little, solids left in the pot, it is ready.
To stable, I just toss in the wood. Mostly I do pen blanks but have done pistol grips, blanks for duck calls and other small stuff. I once did a partially turned bowl that nearly filled the pot. Surprisingly, it stabled well and, I believe, all the way through.
I use vacuum only. My pump pulls to 23 inches. For pen blanks a half hour is sufficient. But, I usually get busy with other tasks and leave as long as an hour.
If you check the IAP http://www.penturners.org/ stabilizing forum, you will find there are as many theories about vacuum/pressure/time/solution/etc. as there are members.
I like my results and see no reason to change.