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making extruder dies - what material

updated wed 9 nov 05

 

Jacob Runyan on tue 8 nov 05


Kelly,

Dont buy more tools...enjoy what you have first. As
far as I can remember, Diana only has a couple small
hand tools...and they work for her, as well as her
students who may take an interest.

Personally, I now prefer 3/8" thick high density
polypropylene. I am currently cutting everything from
this, except 8" dies. they are cut from 3/4" plywood
that is backed with 1/4" HDPE just to create a nice
smooth extrusion surface. I cut everything on a CNC
router. I highly doubt you care to make that
investment.

When I was cutting my dies from Lexan, I found it was
easiest to cut them on my vertical
mill...unfortunately, not everyone has room for a 2300
pound machine, so this probably isn't an option.
Bartering for something as simple as extruder dies is
pointless, you'll spend way too much perfectly good
time that you could have spent making pottery...plus,
from your past postings, I know you are a night
owl...I personally dont work on other peoples projects
at 1 in the morning...err, not at the normal shop
rate. You want instant gratification when you have
the urge.

If you want some of the polypropylene to try out, send
me $3.85 to my paypal account (same address as above)
and I'll send you as much as I can get in a flat rate
envelope. Mine is already cut in 4.25" squares.

-Jacob



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