BAHume Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 The formula: Potassium Perc - 0.500 Titanium Sponge,18-30 Mesh - 0.100 Magnalium, 60 Mesh - 0.200 Parlon - 0.150 Red Gum - 0.050 This was my first attempt at parlon based stars and I failed miserably. I was not able to cut or screen slice them (too hard to do either) so I think the mix sat too long or I took too long adding the Acetone. Anyway, can you modify this formula with Dextrin w/o killing it. Plus any special tips on cutting Parlon binded stars would be appreciated.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldMarine Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 (edited) You might try binding with the red gum using alcohol but I'm not sure if there's enough in the comp to work.Have you tried re-wetting the stars with acetone to recut them? Methyl Ethyl Ketone also dissolves parlon and evaporates more slowly. Edited June 28, 2016 by OldMarine 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMat Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 (edited) this is the advice I got on cutting parlon bound stars. Get everything your going to use together and ready to go ahead of time. This will save you time and frustration while mixing and cutting your stars. Try mixing the comp and acetone in a zip-lock baggie. This will give you time to mix and get the consistency you want without the acetone evaporating on you. Do not over-wet the comp. The rolled-out patty should have a leathery consistency. Adding around 10% alcohol to the acetone will cut down on the "stringiness" when cutting. Use a sharp knife! Somebody might say otherwise, but I believe trying to screen slice parlon bound stars is next to impossible. An optional thing to try is putting your acetone in the freezer for a while before using. Cold acetone will evaporate a little slower. I'm not particularly fond of cutting parlon bound stars, but these tips have helped me. Edited June 28, 2016 by MadMat 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzoMittle Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Exactly what MadMat said. I'll add that I use the large ziploc bag too, however I roll it flat in the bag to a consistent height with a kitchen rolling pin then use a razor blade to cut the bag at the edges and peel off the top layer (I think I saw this on Skylighter originally but not sure). Then dust it with prime or BP and use a big 24" drywall scraper to cut the across the entire patty at once by pressing straight down into it, works like a charm. It does help to lubricate the blade and/or clean it off every few cuts. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMat Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 (edited) I like the idea of using a drywall taping knife....do you use the edge as is? or sharpen it up? Just wondering, because even with alcohol added, I still get some stringiness and the only way I've overcome that problem is by using a knife that is good and sharp. Edited June 28, 2016 by MadMat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzoMittle Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 I've used it as is (there is usually some degree of residue left on it), I'm sure sharpening would help though, they're cheap enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schroedinger Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Roll out your patty, work the prime in and wait for the patty to dry slightly. Then cut, the stringiness is a tale of yesterday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAHume Posted June 28, 2016 Author Share Posted June 28, 2016 I want to thank everyone for their advice. I'm going to try it again using the advice given here. I will let you know how it turns out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts