First experiments with Polymer Clay

[Russianwolf]

So this weekend I went out and did a major splurge.

1 Craft Pasta Roller - $25
16 packages of Premo clay - $2.50 each except one at $3.50 ($41)
Toaster Oven - $19
Oven Thermometer - $5

Total outlay - $90

I came home and confiscated one of LOML's glass cutting boards and grabbed some razor blades and started playing.

Later I tried my hand at my first pen but made the layer of clay too thin and it lost the pattern that I had gotten in the clay. The first result was a VERY plane orangish tube that was immediately cut off the brass.

But today, I did my second and third attempts and while far from perfect, I'm at least pleased enough to show them.

First up is a pearl green/white blend that I threw on a cheap chrome cigar that I know will never go anywhere.

Second is my first attempts at a Faux Mokume Gane in Blue pearl and white. The pattern is very subtle (and slightly out of focus in the first pic) but it definitely opens up possibilities.

So tell me what you think, and feel free to ask newbie question since that's exactly what I am on this.

Oh, so far 3 pens is a total of about a package of clay, maybe less.

[cgallery]

Those look fantastic.

So is there anything under the clay, or is the entire body of the pen made of the clay?

How hard is the stuff on your turning tools?

Kinda fascinated. Not only are the turnings beautiful, but the entire process is pretty neat (if you ask me).

[Russianwolf]

just the brass tube that's part of the kit and the clay.

After baking, it's not as hard as pottery, but it is very hard. I turned them with a skew and the sanded to final with ho problems. I would say they are similar in hardness to Acrylics. There are a couple clays that are supposed to be slightly harder, and take a polish a bit better that I may be looking into once I am ready to buy another batch.

[leehljp]

I love the mokume look! You have my attention for sure! The other pen looks great also. You are off to a great start!

[Whaler]

Looking good.

[crokett]

This is fascinating. I would never have thought you could turn pens out of clay. The pattern in the Mokume I like a lot.

[ragswl4]

So this weekend I went out and did a major splurge.

1 Craft Pasta Roller - $25
16 packages of Premo clay - $2.50 each except one at $3.50 ($41)
Toaster Oven - $19
Oven Thermometer - $5

Total outlay - $90

I came home and confiscated one of LOML's glass cutting boards and grabbed some razor blades and started playing.

Later I tried my hand at my first pen but made the layer of clay too thin and it lost the pattern that I had gotten in the clay. The first result was a VERY plane orangish tube that was immediately cut off the brass.

But today, I did my second and third attempts and while far from perfect, I'm at least pleased enough to show them.

First up is a pearl green/white blend that I threw on a cheap chrome cigar that I know will never go anywhere.

Second is my first attempts at a Faux Mokume Gane in Blue pearl and white. The pattern is very subtle (and slightly out of focus in the first pic) but it definitely opens up possibilities.

So tell me what you think, and feel free to ask newbie question since that's exactly what I am on this.

Oh, so far 3 pens is a total of about a package of clay, maybe less.

Don't be so humble, those all look great. Your innovations continue to amaze. Using clay, what an idea. Great work!

[Russianwolf]

just wanted to say,

Polymer clay in not like pottery clay. Once fire the hardness is about the same as Ebonite for those familiar with it. For those that don't know what Ebonite (a type of vulcanized rubber popular with pen manufacturers and pipemakers) is then I'll say that you can put an impression in the fired clay with a fingernail, thought it usually just "pops" rigth back out.

It's hard enough, but shouldn't shatter if dropped like pottery.

[crokett]

Thanks for the explanation. I had visions of you turning pottery clay. The mouthpieces on my pipes are made from ebonite. This makes a LOT more sense now.