InLace question

Re: InLace question

Dave Paine

I think the In-Lace epoxy is shrinking as it cures. The curing is exothermic reaction so after it cures, it will cool and there will be some shrinking.

I have normally had a complete circle to fill with In-Lace. I try to overfill so that as it shrinks I am still above the surface.

I have found CA glue and the polyester resin epoxy of In-Lace do not get on well. If the In-Lace is not cured before you apply the CA, it may not cure. I am not sure if the issue is the polyester resin, or the MEK hardener. Whichever component does not like CA, the result has been a problem for me, such that I do not attempt to fill In-Lace holes with CA.

Re: InLace question

philip f Duffy

Bondo, its the only thing that does not shrink

Re: InLace question

john lucas

I undercut the lips on recesses when using epoxy or Inlace to fill. A small dovetail is all it takes.

Also, Alumilite does not shrink

Dick Coers

Alumilite does not shrink, and you can get the Inlace nuggets separately to mix your own. I've not done it, but the pen blank casters use Alumilite when they cast in pine cones and other woodie materials so it does not shrink away from the material when curing. It won't stink as badly as the polyester resin of Inlace!

Re: InLace question

Roger in MO

What can be added to either Bondo or Alumilite to change the color? I am making small plaques 3x5 with cross cut in with a table saw. The cuts stop about 1/4" from the edges of the plaque. I would like for the cross to standout from the walnut plaque.

Re: InLace question *LINK*

Dave Paine

The last time I used bondo, several decades ago, it was grey. I expect you can add pigment to make it darker, always darker than the original pigment.

Dick Coers mentioned InLace nuggets to add colour to Aluminite or other epoxies. Also not as expensive as the In-Lace kits.

If you have a local arts & crafts place such as Hobby Lobby, you can get another product by the Aluminite company "Amazing Clear Cast resin". This will also take pigments and turns/sands/buffs well.


http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH&Store_Code=packard

Don't add any water based to Alumilite *LINK*

Dick Coers

If there is anything that can mess up Alumilite, it's water of any kind. Too wet of wood, or water based color and it foams up and is ruined. You can get dye from Alumilite, or other solvent based tint that works with epoxy. Some pen guys use mica powders with the dye to give it a shimmer. I think the cheap source for that is cosmetic suppliers.


https://www.turntex.com/product/casting-with-alumilite/1-oz-dye-detail

Re: InLace question

don stephan

Epoxy not an option? I've often tinted various brands of hardware store epoxy with dry pigment powders, sometimes called fresco powders, and not aware of any problems.

Re: InLace question

Lan Brady

Roger, I may have misread this. It reads like the table saw cut is feathered up to the surface. It needs to be the same depth all the way to the end. The inlay will hold a lot better. Good Luck

Re: InLace question

john lucas

Inlace needs a certain thickness to be stout enough to stay in the grooves. I found this out making hand mirrors with turned grooves. If I start tapering the mirror and it gets thin where the Inlace is it will just sort of peel up.

Re: InLace question

Roger in MO

That's what I've experienced. I am trying an acrylic "sparkly" green material that I have on hand. If this works I'll look for a different color. I will post when

finished.

Thanks for the responses.