I'm new to the forum, and just found the marblizing and think it looks great. I tried it for the first time tonight, but have a few questions: how much "testers" hobby paint do you add to the high build? I'm useing the enamel paint (it was ez to find) should I consider something different? thank you for your help.

About any enamel pigment will work ranging from Testor's, paint store's paint pigments, artist's paints, Liquid Leaf and many others, too, such as powdered pigments.

How much to mix in? Put it in one drop at a time until an opaque mixture is obtained. Stir each drop well. Too little and it will let colors under it bleed through, too much and it won't harden as normal.

Testor's works great, BTW.

Putter
Williston, ND

There's a handy step by step article in the library by Mike Barkley on this too Chris.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Ok guys,

I have to admit that I really want to try some marbeling but unfortunately I am one of the few that is still doing everything by hand. No power mixers, rod dryers, power wrappers. NOTHING power except my cordless drill which I use to form cork and also to drill out inserts and then to shape (YES it takes forever to do it this way.) Yes, I am being cheap and should really cough up the money to make my life a whole lot easier.

Now, finally to the question. Can I do this by hand??

Sorry it took so long to get to the point.

Tom Kaufmann
SSgt USMC

You bet; it's not as easy as with a 2 RPM drier, but can be easily done by hand. I'd start with a pen, though, to get the basics down and the size of the marbling smaller. Then, when you have all of your ducks in a row, you'll be able to get a rod with a longer, larger diameter area done easily. Practice makes perfect, Tom!! :)

Putter
Williston, ND

Thanks, Putter!!

I have some scrap blanks laying around that got um..... damaged? OOOPPPPSSSS never put blanks behind doors that you commonly use!!! Oh well at least they were the cheap $6.00 ones from mudhole so I wasn't out too much. I will give it a shot when I get home tonight from work.

once again, thanks to all!!

Tom Kaufmann
SSgt USMC

Like Putter said, no power needed. Just makes life a little easier with a couple RPM motor which you can make forabout $5

Mike

I guess the main reason I like to do it with the slow motor is that it frees up both hands so that I can support my wrist area with my other hand. It also keeps the blank turning so that the marbling doesn't sag and blend too much; helps make the contrasts that I like in the marbling.

Putter
Williston, ND

Really?? $5.00?

Wow, that it too good to pass up even for a cheapskate like me!! Mike where did you get them? I tried a small section on some of that scrap that I have and it and am pretty happy with the results but do see how it will be MUCH easier with both hands free. Darn coffee!!! get some wicked shakes after too much expresso, mocha latte stuff. I am thiking I should have just used beer instead.

thanks guys,
Tom Kaufmann
SSgt USMC

I believe that Fishsticks 4 U has the motors for around $5
Tom, I sent you an e-mail

Mike

I took an old motor out of a humidifier and made mine - over 20 years ago. Still using it; just cost me a bit of my time and some screws, stain, and varnish.

Putter
Williston, ND

I recently took a motor from an old microwave oven that was headed for the dump. It rotated between 1 & 2 RPM and should work well for marbelizing (which I haven't tried yet). Stan