Bellets

[bubsbug]

I made my very first Bellets. Waiting for my mother of pearl to come in and I will glue them in. That stuff is like $2 per square inch! Wow! What kind of glue is recommended? Do I then clamp in surgical rubber? I got these cutters from Harbor Fraight and they work really good. Has any one used these to turn actual wood? I am using a tapershaper by unique.

 

[magnetardo]

I think you mean "billets"

 

[JoeyInCali]

West with 206 hardner get my vote.

 

[Dave38]

I've used Finish cure brand before, which is a real thin epoxy, and have used the devcon 2 ton, both worked great. Depending on the materials, you could also use titebond 3 or 4 if it's all wood. The big thing is test fit every piece and layout the order that they fit, so you can glue and stick where you know each piece fits. Also use wax paper or plastic wrap to wrap them in when your done, before clamping, then use surgical tubing to clamp it. My advise is use latex gloves to do the glue work, then take one off, grab the wax paper, put it down, roll you billet in it with the non-gloved hand. This leaves one hand to touch anything with glue on it, and one hand to touch items you don't want any glue on. Then remove the second glove and proceed to wrap with the tubing. The less epoxy on the outside, the better for handling and unwrapping later. Also REMEMBER TO PUT A SMALL PIECE OF TAPE OVER THE CENTER HOLES BEFORE GLUEING! If glue gets in to them, it will not spin true when turning on the lathe, and you won't be able to do new centers.
Happy glueing. BTW I also have the same wing cutters from Harbor freight. They work great for the price!