3 Tools Specifically Developed for Turning Epoxy Resin, Acrylics and Hybrids
How to use these AR Tools Video
This 3 tool & 3 handle set of AR (Acrylic/Resin) tools includes:
1. Simple Scraper I Shaping and Finishing Tool for Acrylic/Resin
This tool comes with the wide negative rake oval cutter. You can swap this cutter for the standard oval cutter (for wood projects) or the rectangle/negative rake rectangle cutters.
What are the benefits of this tool?
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It's the pen turners dream tool because you can make perfectly straight wave free pen barrels and match the pen bushing size quicker then ever before, thanks to the wide cutters.
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Eliminate tool make and make long wave free lines that require little or no sanding.
- Create silky smooth profile transitions between inside and outside curves, as well as straight wave free lines.
- Makes a perfectly flat bottom with a smooth transition to the inner wall using the oval cutter, or a square inside box corner using the rectangular cutter.
- Creates a smooth finish with much less tearout and minimal sanding.
- It's the only tool needed to turn virtually any pen.
What are the Details of the Tool?
- Carbide cutter size: 1.18" x .50" x .10" thick
- Tool measures 1" wide x 3/8" thick x 8" long. Handle tang is 3/8" square (fits in 1/2" hole) x 2.5" long, so tool length once it's in the handle is 5.5".
- Handle Options:
- If used with Full Size Handle with Foam Grip - Tool and handle length is 22".
- If used with Simple Start Handle - Tool and handle length is 13".
- Tool is available unhandled if you'd like to turn your own handle.
- Does not fit mid size handle. Requires handle with 1/2" dia hole.
Why are there different cutters?
Oval Cutters:
The oval cutter is great for shaping and finishing, combining the usefulness of a square AND round cutter into a single tool.
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Oval cutter (for wood)- The oval cutters are perfect for virtually any curved shape imaginable especially on the outside of your project.
- Oval negative rake cutter (for epoxy/resin, hybrid and wood)- Like the oval cutter but the negative rake grind also makes this cutter less aggressive. This reduces chipping in very hard materials (epoxy/resin), can reduce tear out in softer materials and provides a great finish in both man-made materials and harder woods. Because the negative rake grind is less aggressive, many people find it easier to use.
Rectangular Cutters:
The rectangular cutters make it simple to create square inside corners, beads and straight lines. Perfect for the inside and outside base of any project.
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Rectangle cutter (for wood)- This cutter shines on the outside of bowls, hollow forms, vases, platers, and wooden pen blanks. You'll also love it for simple spindle work too. Another place you’ll love this cutter is on the inside of a box.
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Rectangle negative rake cutter (for epoxy/resin, hybrid and wood)- Like the rectangle insert but the negative rake grind makes this cutter less aggressive. This reduces chipping in very hard materials, can reduce tear out in softer materials and provides a great finish in both man-made materials and harder woods. Because the negative rake grind is less aggressive, many people find it easier to use.
- Replacement carbide cutters can be found here
2. AR STH (Simple Turner & Hollower):
This turning and hollowing tool harkens back to the traditional gouge and features a round shaft with a round flat top carbide cutter. The classic “riding the bevel” technique, the same used as with a traditional gouge, produces great shear cutting action as opposed to a scraping cut that chips man made materials. This technique is the answer to cutting difficult materials as well as wood so it is the perfect tool for hybrid projects. Adjusting the rotation angle controls the aggressiveness of the shear cut. Plus, it has the added benefit of pointing the “ribbons” or shavings away from you so they do not hit you in the face or wrap around the turning, blocking your view of the tool and project. This tool is ideal for beginners as it is simpler to use and less aggressive than the Simple Shear Cutting Finisher.
- Ride/Rub the bevel on the workpiece, then raise the handle until it begins to cut.
- Rotate or roll the tool on the tool rest in the direction you are going to move.
- Cut slightly above the centerline of the lathe.
- 5/8” Round Tool Shaft with ½" Round Flat Top Carbide Cutter (search for AR STH for replacements)
- These tools will work in the Simple Hollowing System.
3. AR SR (Simple Rougher):
This simple to use tool with a square negative rake cutter on a square shaft is ideal for roughing and making straight lines and flat surfaces.
- Tool is held flat on the tool rest
- ½” Square Tool Shaft with 15mm Square Negative Rake Carbide Cutter (search for AR SR for replacements)
Handle Details:
- Material: Solid aluminum CNC machined with comfortable foam grip handle
- Overall length: 17"
- Outside diameter: 1 3/8"
- Opening for tool: ½" diameter
- Tools are easily changed by loosening two stainless steel Allen set screws.
- Yes, this handle fits the Simple Scraper. The Simple Scraper has a 3/8" SQUARE tang, which will fit in the 1/2" diameter hole in this handle.
Acrylic, Resin and Hybrid projects have changed the woodturning landscape.
Traditional carbide tipped tools did not perform well with these new materials, so we set out to make a solution. The birth of our Acrylic/Resin (AR) tool line came as a result of a lot of trials (and errors), turning all types of man-made and hybrid projects. The goal was to create tools that could be used to turn any of the man-made materials we could find, while giving the turner as much creative artistic ability as possible. A one size fits all approach did not produce the desired results across all the different materials available, including hybrid pieces. A nod back to a few early woodturning techniques with the development of carbide tools used like traditional gouges also proved to be a very successful and great approach.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Turning acrylics takes longer than wood.
- Shearing cuts proved to be very successful, where scraping cuts were not.
- Introduce your cutting edge slowly, try not to “stab” the wood as plastics can shatter with this technique.
- Increase your lathe speed and slow your tool presentation to the blank.
- Work from the ends inward.
- When using the round shaft tool, begin by “rubbing the bevel” as you would a traditional gouge, introducing the cutting edge slowly until you begin to see it cut and get the feel for it.
Make light cuts to reduce chip outs. Increase your aggressiveness as you get the feel for it.
Watch our Tool Demonstrations here: How to use AR Tools
