I have a wide and shallow hard-wood dapping die that needs a punch,
and so I thought I would be clever and make one out of thermo plastic
easy to get it the right size, etc. So I warmed up a bit and
decided to line the die with plastic wrap to protect it in case the
little scratches already there prevented the thermo plastic from
releasing from the ‘mold’. BIG mistake!! The plastic wrap is now
thoroughly stuck to the thermo plastic - I thought it would easily
peel off, but I guess the heat bonded the two plastics together.
Has anyone had any experience with this type of thing? I am
wondering if I can get the plastic wrap off by reheating the thermo
plastic? And what should I have used to protect the die - I
originally started to use PAM spray, but thought the plastic wrap
would be better . The punch does work nicely, even w/ the plastic
wrap still on there, but I’d like to get it off.
The plastic wrap is now thoroughly stuck to the thermo plastic -
I thought it would easily peel off, but I guess the heat bonded the
two plastics together.
I make my specialized punches and hammer heads with Jett-Sett, just
placing it over any hammer or punch, wooden or metal. Much easier
than trying to keep a boatload of specialized tools I only need to
use occasionally. To keep it smooth, while still warm, I roll it
around, or shape the form, on either a piece ( or two) of glass or
plastic. To make an impression from a high relief pattern, you might
try coating it with petroleum jelly thinned out with a little
mineral spirits (turpentine) to prevent it from sticking.
I have a wide and shallow hard-wood dapping die that needs a
punch,
Not a problem with Jett-Sett. Just stick a good-sized glob that is
warmed up on the end of a punch (a hardwood dowel works very well),
and just wait for it to stiffen up as it cools off. If necessary,
use a drill press or a clamp on a sturdy support to hold it in
position until it’s firm. It doesn’t stick easily to wood or metal,
unless it’s wrapped around it a good bit.