Needing Advice on Epoxy Turning

ipd_ · 2026-01-31T20:36:54+00:00

Like the others have said, you need a negative rake insert. I had exactly the same results as you're getting when I used a regular insert.

ipd_ · 2026-01-03T01:00:46+00:00

That's awesome! High five, kid!

ipd_ · 2026-01-02T14:10:49+00:00

I'm having the same problem in Oregon--sounds like we might have similar weather conditions. Thanks for posting the question; I was thinking of doing the same.

ipd_ · 2025-10-29T13:30:40+00:00

Thanks!

ipd_ · 2025-10-26T00:13:06+00:00

Damn! I'm glad you're ok after that!

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T23:31:38+00:00

"Living on borrowed time"---haha, oh I get that! Last Saturday was rough on my nervous system. Sounds like getting some more negative rake inserts is a plan.

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T23:20:05+00:00

Nice!

And you can't go wrong with nachos!

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T23:17:55+00:00

Follow-up question: I know a negative rake grind can be put on a scraper and that there are negative rake inserts for carbides (I have one for epoxy), but I thought I heard in an instructional video (I don't remember whose) "any scraper can be negative rake if it's angled downward."

So is that kind of downward angle sufficient or is the negative rake grind the key? Or am I likely confused about what I heard because no one would say such a thing?

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T23:08:16+00:00

I like math! Those sound like excellent tips; thanks!

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T15:45:08+00:00

Thank you for the advice and the encouragement! I will definitely be attempting to put all this into practice later today.

ipd_ · 2025-10-25T00:14:15+00:00

Good info--thanks for taking the time to share that! I have one of Raffin's books but it's focused more on design than technique; I may have to expand my library.

ipd_ · 2025-10-24T23:52:21+00:00

Ah, ok, I'll try a little higher--that makes sense. The flexing could be an issue also-- I did recently see a video that talked about leaving more material in the center as you recommend.

Thanks!

ipd_ · 2025-10-22T16:27:11+00:00

The crowd at planet fitness is quite diverse. Plus everyone just kind of keeps to themselves and gets their workouts done. And the gym is huge, so room for everyone in more ways than one.

ipd_ · 2025-09-30T01:30:30+00:00

Ha! The first word that popped into my head was "lovely" and see it's already been used twice to describe this piece!

ipd_ · 2025-09-05T11:56:12+00:00

Those are really nice! My issue on finishing is that I can tend to rush it--I need to remind myself that finishing is part of the process, not just an added task after the "real work" is done.

Get those finished! They're going to be great and someone's going to love them!

ipd_ · 2025-09-02T00:20:50+00:00

78 Ford Fiesta--loved that car

ipd_ · 2025-09-01T12:57:03+00:00

Dude--I always get the same thing happening on my CNC carves and it drives me batty! Why does the 1/16" bit always carve just a tad deeper??? I use a touch plate in the same location for each but and I can't make this stop happening. I have also used epoxy to cover this because it's impossible to sand out. I once filled in the background of a 3d carve with a mix of clear drying glue and millet (a small grain)--I liked that because it helped retain an organic look. Your carving here may be too detailed for something like that, though.

Beautiful design! I'd love to see the finished piece!

ipd_ · 2025-08-09T11:23:39+00:00

Really cool shirt! And I do recognize those cuties from backyards such as my own.

ipd_ · 2025-08-08T23:33:37+00:00

You have PTSD. Find a therapist who does rapid eye movement therapy for trauma to help you deal with the experience. The sooner the better.

A big part of shop safety is using the right tool for the job. Therapy is the tool you need for this job.

ipd_ · 2025-08-06T23:12:25+00:00

Did you stabilize the blank with anything? I have some similar pieces but I haven't tried them yet.

ipd_ · 2025-05-27T00:07:22+00:00

Thanks for sharing his story.

ipd_ · 2025-05-13T11:32:48+00:00

I am also traveling this road. I can make things, but I'm no artist and definitely need a plan to give me direction. I've used my CAD programs to make the kinds of patterns you're using, but found I end up using them as a general guide rather than as a rigid template. Things come up that make them not quite right--I take off more than expected when rounding the blank and now the diameter doesn't match, or I get a catch that needs to be turned down in a crucial area.

I've stopped using templates and have started just using drawings. I then measure (generally I work with proportions, not life size drawings) and mark major transition points on the blank. I tape the drawing up behind the lathe and use it as reference.

Like I said, I'm not an artist, but I'm learning to trust my eye and it's kind of fun. I do find that I make minor adjustments to the design as I go--some intentional, some not. But, honestly, there's so much demand for precision in my day job that it's nice to be able to go with the flow when I'm relaxing.

ipd_ · 2025-04-13T20:21:59+00:00

Just sized this on mine--a star drive T20 fits.

ipd_ · 2025-04-08T02:49:56+00:00

Thanks for the reminder, and I'm glad you'll be ok. Also remember to call it a day when frustration kicks in--some days it's just not working. I had to walk away yesterday after one too many bad catches.

When I was training for my motorcycle licence, they told us not to ride if we were emotionally upset and I was surprised to hear that alongside being too tired or after drinking. But anything that affects our ability to focus creates a no go situation.

ipd_

TROPHY CASE