Acrylic Acetate is a popular semi-translucent material that is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This pattern is called Strawberry Mesh, a field of red interwoven with a perforated mesh that is black on one side and white on the other for stunning reflectivity. Acrylic is easily cut, drilled, trimmed and turned. It turns down to dimension very quickly, so take care to use light pressure. It takes a very nice polish, which can be accomplished by sanding to a fine grit and then polishing on a buffing wheel with Corian® polish, buffing compound or Hut finishing blocks.
Turning tools that feature negative rake cutters make it easier to turn these hard materials. The term negative rake refers to the shape of the cutting angle of the carbide.