Semi Translucent purple acrylic

STRIPER LOU · October 25, 2016, 11:19:04 PM

I've been working with some semi translucent Acrylics lately. The colors are absolutely remarkable!!!

This one is going on a Purple Accurate Squidder Jr. The colors are indescribable. It almost looks like clouds suspended in glass.

One drawback is the glass look shows even the most minute machining and polishing imperfections. Here's 2 hrs of polishing and it wont cut it by my standards and will probably take at least 3. Started with wet 240, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and then automotive compound for final finish. As you can see under a high intensity lamp I still don't have it so back with 800 on up to 2000 with lots of water, hopefully, for a final finish.
On some colors I've even have to polish the screw mounting tube hole as if any imperfections should be in there it can be magnified and spoil the look of the whole job.

A simple solution would be to go for a semi satin look but doubt I could settle for that!

How do you like the look and the color?
Believe me the pics do it no justice, the colors are truely amazing!!!

Hopefully time will allow me to finish it this week, get it mounted on the reel and have some pics for you by the weekend.

All have a great evening, .. Lou

ReelFishingProblems · October 25, 2016, 11:45:59 PM

Beautiful, it's going to look great on that reel.

Bryan Young · October 26, 2016, 01:27:13 AM

OMG, that is absolutely beautiful. That will definitely compliment any reel.

steelhead_killer · October 26, 2016, 02:24:03 AM

Love it!

sharkman · October 26, 2016, 02:43:28 AM

Amazing

Swami805 · October 26, 2016, 03:14:54 AM

beautiful

Mudman · October 26, 2016, 05:14:49 AM

Looks great Lou! I picked up a cheap lathe recently and thought about handles. Glad to see someone else is doing it too!

mo65 · October 26, 2016, 12:47:41 PM

Boy oh boy Lou...these acrylic knobs just keep getting more and more beautiful. I never thought I'd see a handle knob I'd want to build a reel around...but I have now.

Tiddlerbasher · October 26, 2016, 12:49:17 PM

WOW that's so

pjstevko · October 26, 2016, 03:37:43 PM

Beautiful work Lou

You better hope Aiala doesn't see this or you'll be making about a dozen more to go with all her pink reels!!!

Maxed Out · October 26, 2016, 05:29:03 PM

Lou, sign me up !! That is some amazing craftsmanship. Absolutely amazing !!

Ted

STRIPER LOU · October 26, 2016, 06:41:20 PM

OK, finally got the polish where it should be. Now I'm happy with it! Over 3 hrs, up to 3000 wet or dry, 2 automotive compounds, and 3 grades plastic polish. Hopefully I'll get it cut off, add the second radius and a least get it into the mill today.

Thanks for all the positive comments! They're most appreciated.
I'm also working on a light blue angled Tbar for Tom's electric 4/0 blue plates along with all the other orders I have. All these reels around here with no knob's on them just isn't cutting it.

If anyone should have any interest, please PM me so I can keep track of it and put you on the list if you so desire. The Tbars are not cheap because of the time involved. At this point they are all custom made to order. As for the quality, a bunch of members, here, have them and Broadway was the last to receive 3 in his order. I'm sure Mr. Dom would be happy to fill you in as to what they look like.

Thanks all and have a great afternoon, .. Lou

broadway · October 27, 2016, 01:52:52 AM

Lou,
You have outdone yourself once again. You keep finding cooler and cooler materials to play with. This translucent appearance with the ribbons flowing through is majestic. I absolutely love the look of Kim and my handles and wouldn't change a thing... though I will be ordering some of those translucent knobs for the squidder kits that Tom sent us, so put me on that list and let me know when you're ready for my order. Tom's frame and plates with Adam's handles, and your handle grasps are just what the doctor ordered for you particular fisherman (like myself)

. People, I can't tell you how nice these are in person. The material is not a cheap, lightweight plastic feel, its solid! I never met Lou, never knew of Lou before this site, never bought anything other than these 3 grasps from Lou, and will never regret owning his pieces of artwork.
Keep up the insanely beautiful work,
Dom

thorhammer · October 27, 2016, 02:09:31 AM

What Dom said, and he is a most discerning collector / technician, and gentleman. I have a Lou grip and want a dozen more. Spectacular fit and finish, and Lou is truly professional to deal with besides being an artisan. As others have said, I built a reel around the knob...they're that good.

The only downside to these knob shenanigans is that it means there are no Lou plugs on the lathe

Lou, I need a blue t-bar for now. Tom has created a mutual demand with his works...poor stock Jiggys, Squidders and 4/0....I will be needing more.

Ya'll turned this into a reel crackhouse

STRIPER LOU · October 27, 2016, 02:17:29 AM

Thanks Dom for the kind words! And Thank you John!
Yes it does look like ribbons and then you turn it and deep inside it looks like clouds. Its pretty amazing! I just got some reds and red/orange translucents from my supplier today. I haven't polished them up yet but it should be just as nice as the others.

He's got some other wild colors that he's having specially made for him but I think there going to be imported. I'm getting some samples but he says not to worry as the quality is top shelf.

All the best to you, Kim, and little Jack!
.....................Lou