holding odd shaped objects For engraving or carving

[jerrywh]

 GRS corp has a product called thermolock.  It is fantastic for holding any odd shaped object.  It normally doesn't stick to metal objects or smooth wood but to be sure that it does not just put scotch tape or saran wrap on the surface to be protected. It can be used over and over. I use it daily.  just heat it with a heat gun. It softens at about 175° F.
   https://www.grs.com/product/003-664-thermo-loc-sticks-05-lb-225-gm/

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Great tip Jerry.  I'll order some right away.  I'm tired of mixing Bondo.

Taylor

[Daryl]

THAT is amazing stuff- I have no need that I can think of, but for the engraver - WOW!

[davec2]

As Jerry notes, I use Thermolok but for a lot of things I just use CA glue and an accelerator to glue parts to a piece of hardwood that I can hold in the graving block. When I'm done, I heat the part with a torch and the glue will release.  Works great for things with a flat surface....like a side plate, lock plate, top jaw, cock....I also glue the front and tail of trigger guards to a block and band saw a small piece of hardwood to fit the bow and glue the bow to it.  You can see from the scorch marks in these photos that I have used the same pieces of wood several times.

[davec2]

By the way.....I gave up using the heat gun to warm the ThermoLok.  Now I put it in the microwave on a 6 inch square piece of Teflon sheet.  Much faster than the heat gun.....and I haven't blown up the microwave yet   

[jerrywh]

 A few threads back we talked about cutting out patch boxes.  If you glue the brass to a thin wooden backing with the CA glue you can cut it out with a bigger jewelers saw blade much faster and you won't break the blades as much.  I often cut out thin gold as thin as .010 thick the same way. Just glue it to a tongue suppressor.  lube with bullet lube.

[deepcreekdale]

Great tip. I am like Taylor, mixing up Bondo can be a drag. I always run out of hardener before the can is half empty. Then forget to buy more hardener. Double stick tape works for flat objects but this sure looks easier in every way.

[leoparddog]

is it reusable?  or single use?

[davec2]

Reusable