Crosscut pen blanks

[Neil Dyball]

Hi,

http://cgi.ebay.com/20-PCS-CROSSCUT...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318


Anybody come across this kind of thing before? If so are there any problems associated with turning crosscut timber? If not, why aren't they more common?

I'm sorely tempted to have a bid; I know there's the shipping, plus the possibility of duty/VAT etc., but they are so unusual. Anyone seen them for sale in the UK?

Any info appreciated

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[TEP]

Hi Neil, some amazing figure on those blanks.

I would think you could have quite a time trying to get a good finish on this type of cut (crosscut). Your virtually cutting end grain all the way. I think that most of these types of blank should be 'stabilised' to assist in turning. I guess that would be using resin or some such stuff.

But I must agree the finished pen would look awesome.

 

[Bodrighy]

If they are crosscut aren't they going to be a bit fragile or wouldn't that matter with the pens due to the inserts? Never done pens so don't know

Pete

 

[greggy]

neil, i have done crosscut blanks before, the trick is to have your tools super sharp, and keep soaking them in thin ca to stablise them as you go or you risk them exploding

 

[Neil Dyball]

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

As you've all said (and I assumed) the problem is continually cutting end grain and is one I've not really come across before. The nearest I can think of is the 'tear out' I got with some soft spalted beech. To cure that I used a proprietry wood hardener (Ronseal or similar). Maybe I could try that or possibly some thinned down sanding sealer which I've also used in the past to remove 'rough' end grain patches. I guess these and the CA suggestion from Greggy are all forms of stabilization, as TEP also mentioned.

Anyone else got any alternatives?

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[TEP]

Mornin' Neil.

I would think that it would help if you sanded/removed the corners of the blanks as some do when beginning with a resin pen blank. Doing this and using some hardener on the blank would help to stop the shock of your tool hitting the corners, and probably tearing/splintering the grain.

As also mentioned, sharp tools, it may help if you honed the edge. I wouldn't normally advocate this on a turning tool, but in this case I think it may help. Razor edge, and small cuts may just get you past the tear out.

Worth a try I reckon, for the possible outcome.

 

[Neil Dyball]

May have to invest in some 80/120 grit paper as well

Neil.

 

[Neil Dyball]

Hi,

I emailed the seller of the crosscut blanks and also posted on a USA forum where I thought the members would probably have turned these blanks.

The general opinion is the same as Greggy's suggestion; sharp tools, a light touch and CA as and when necessary. I think that, plus TEP's idea of rounding them off as per acrylics should get the job done.

Anyway, I'm going to watch the item/have a bid and see how much they go for.

Cheers,

Neil.