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.

Watch our Tool Demonstrations here:

AR MS90:

The square tool shaft and square negative rake cutter make this tool incredibly useful in removing material (roughing pen blanks). You can plunge it straight into a piece for small lines, grooves or other detail work or you can approach the piece at a 45 degree angle and make a roughing cut. You can use it to turn down the sharp corners of your pen blank. This tool was a favorite in our testing.

• Tool is held flat on the tool rest
• 3/8” Square Tool Shaft with 11mm Square Negative Rake Carbide Cutter (search for AR MS90 for replacements)

OPTIONALHandle Details:

• These beautifulsolidaluminum handlesare CNC machined inRamsey Minnesota.
• Each handle is powder coated giving them a verydurable finish.
• Overall length: 12"
• Outside diameter: 1-1/8"
• Opening for tool: 3/8"
• Tools are easily changed, if desired, by loosening the two stainless Allen set screws.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Turning acrylics takes longer than wood.
2. Shearing cuts proved to be very successful, where scraping cuts were not.
3. Introduce your cutting edge slowly, try not to “stab” the wood as plastics can shatter with this technique.
4. Increase your lathe speed and slow your tool presentation to the blank.
5. Work from the ends inward.

Make light cuts to reduce chip outs. Increase your aggressiveness as you get the feel for it.