Turning Polymer Clay

[guycox]

Has anyone attempted to turn polymer clay? I noticed a couple of pens on DIYNET that were essentially storebought pens wrapped with a layer of polymer clay.. I was thinking of wrapping a 7mm brass tube with the clay baking it in the oven and turning/sanding it smooth and assembling as normal. I could pretty much combine any colors I wanted -- am I nuts?

[final_t]

The resident artist does a lot of work with polymer clay, and has made several of those pens, just like what you're talking about - wrapping it and shaping by hand. According to her, you should be able to turn it just really hard oak or walnut, since the clay is very hard but not brittle (see below) when done. Post pics once you do this so we can see how it goes (and I can use this as an excuse to get a lathe!)

Note: it's easy to overcook this stuff (brittle), or even burn it. Get a good oven thermometer and calibrate your small oven to the exact temp for the brand of clay. Be aware that if you're going to do this a lot, by a seperate small oven so that you don't contaminate your main food cooking one with the volitales that cook off.

[mudder]

quote:Originally posted by guycox

Has anyone attempted to turn polymer clay? I noticed a couple of pens on DIYNET that were essentially storebought pens wrapped with a layer of polymer clay.. I was thinking of wrapping a 7mm brass tube with the clay baking it in the oven and turning/sanding it smooth and assembling as normal. I could pretty much combine any colors I wanted -- am I nuts?

Nope, you are not nuts.

Penturners has been doint this for a while. If fact, Ed Davidson (www.yoyospin.com) wrote and article about turning polymer clay for woodturning design magazine.

Mudder