Making your own tools with Graphite

sangell · #1 2011-05-20, 3:41am

Hi, I purchased some graphite and have a couple questions.

1.How do you cut the longer graphite sheets? What kind of saw blade works best.

2. If I want to glue a wood or metal handle on what glue should I use?

3. If I want to screw the graphite, any one had any luck?

4. Any tool ideas?

Thanks
Sue

SleepyCreekGlass · #2 2011-05-20, 5:09am

Sue,
I make all of my tools from raw graphite stock...so here are my suggestions.

It works JUST like hard wood...but instead of saw dust, you get a big mess. So before you go cutting away, I would very highly recommend having some type of vacuum suction going on right next to the blade or drill.

I have found...
The finer the blade, the better (and smoother)...

I use a high temp epoxy for all handles. JB WELD works well for me. Just make sure you clean all the dust from the surface before you attempt or it won't adhere.

I pre-drill and pre-tap my screw holes...but you have to be really carefull in doing this or you might crack the block. Don't force it!

Just my thoughts...

FishmanK · #3 2011-05-20, 6:24am

Jamie had some great suggestions... I'd only add that a good respirator is a MUST when tooling graphite.

cgbeads · #4 2011-05-20, 6:27am

Ditto on the dust, it's like coal dust if it getting in your lungs, so be careful and take precautions.

I use superglue on my handles, the flash point of super glue is also pretty high, but (for me) it's easier to work with.

I would suggest to tap a hole and screw in a handle in case you change your mind about placement etc.

-Donna

sangell · #5 2011-05-20, 4:52pm

Took a class this weekend with Milon Townsend. One of the best tools we used from the Studio was a metal flatting tool that looks like an iron, I thing a similar tool with the bottom made out of graphite would be great.

Thanks all keep the ideas on other graphite tools comming

sangell · #6 2011-05-20, 8:09pm

Took a class this weekend with Milon Townsend. One of the best tools we used from the Studio was a metal flatting tool that looks like an iron, I thing a similar tool with the bottom made out of graphite would be great.

Thanks all keep the ideas on other graphite tools comming

JEK3 · #7 2011-05-21, 5:47pm

I've heard a tile saw works well. It's small, has a fine diamond blade, and since it's a wet saw, there is no dust (but a considerable amount of black slurry).

Juln · #8 2011-05-21, 6:53pm

Seems like a tile saw would work pretty well, or even a flat lap. Definitely keep the dust down, though it might not feel as handy as using wood tools. (disclaimer: not that I've ever tried!).

Flattener paddles like that are really useful. They've been popular in the boro world for a while, too - people call them mashers. Checking out these handle designs might be useful if you haven't decided on that already! http://www.glasscraftinc.com/home/gl...eywords=masher

oftenred · #9 2011-05-22, 4:54am

I have been using cg beadrollers when I can find ones that fit my needs and making mine out of cherry wood when I need "special" ones. Would rather use graphite....where do you find raw sheets??

sangell · #10 2011-05-22, 6:30am

Check Ebay
that is where I got mine

cheng076 · #11 2011-05-23, 4:33pm

You can also saw, sand and shape graphite under water as in a bucket or tub. It really keeps the graphite dust down. The MSDS says Graphite dust is not harmful. But better to not take chances; however you are getting a very limited exposure if you vacumn the dust or use water bath. Common wood working tools work just fine. Taping graphite is difficult unless you have experience with tapping or use a pillar tool or have a very steady hand and are very careful.