Hi Guys,
Because teflon rod (the type I bought anyway) is too flexible for easy machining I decided to try a different material knowing that it had similar non-stick properties to PTFE. The material I chose is Acetal, commonly known as Delrin. This material is available from the previously mentioned suppliers-smallparts, and carr mcmasters-and is actually less expensive than PTFE in the same diameters and lengths.
I was able, despite this material being somewhat flexible, to turn some simple tools in my lathe, whereas the PTFE rod was far too flexible to turn all but the shortest lengths in the lathe. Over the last couple of days I have put the new Delrin tools to the test sculpting with A&B putty, and magicsculpt. The material works well without the usual propensity for the putty to stick to the tools, (my old tools are made from steel). However, I do not see that Delrin will ever completely replace my old tools as, despite it being stiffer than teflon, it is not quite stiff enough for really fine pointed tools, and I doubt it will be much use for knife edged tools either though I have yet to try making one.
In the end I would recommend this material for making simple sculpting tools because, it is easy to machine shape, it can even be carved, and of course putty doesn't stick to it as readily as it does metal tools. For those without a lathe Delrin can be turned in a drill motor or motor tool and shaped with files and sand paper, the only important thing is to adequately polish the finished tool to retain its anti-stick properties. For polishing I simple wet sanded the tools while still turning in the lathe, progressing from 320 grit to 1200 grit paper which resulted in a slick shiny surface.
Ray
