pen blank offcuts

[mattyts]

Hi all,since ive started making pens,for every pen i make,i have a 1inch offcut of wood
My question is,has anyone tried to segment and glue these together and use them as new pen blanks?

 

[Paul Hannaby]

I usually make pen blanks out of my offcuts from other projects so personally I don't bother with anything that small. If you did want to try it, why not use different pieces so you end up with a striped pen. The joints will all be end grain so not terribly strong but as the strength is really in the brass tube anyway, it probably wouldn't matter too much.

 

[loftyhermes]

I've done it several times and not just with wood and shorter than an inch, I just sanded the ends to make a good joint and then slid them onto the tubes with plenty of super glue.

 

[monkeybiter]

Doug B, a member on here, has made 'brick' pens. While they are made from single blanks, the idea could easily be adapted to use offcuts.

Hopefully he won't mind me posting a link:-

http://mrturnerswoodblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/brick-pen.html

 

[nev]

no reason not to. I have used the odd off-cut as a contrasting centre band instead of the std 7mm centre band (this also gives you a bit more freedom on the shape of the pen as you're not restricted to the metal 'waist'.) :idea:

 

[mattyts]

Thanks all,i think i will try Nevs idea,i have some very dark(almost black) pieces of wood and recon they will make an interesting contrast against some very plain white wood

 

[mattyts]

no reason not to. I have used the odd off-cut as a contrasting centre band instead of the std 7mm centre band (this also gives you a bit more freedom on the shape of the pen as you're not restricted to the metal 'waist'.) :idea:

Managed to turn this pen today (left) and used an offcut as a center band

 

[Walter Hall]

Nice work Matt. Centre band looks great.

Walter

 

[Sheptonphil]

I like the way you have turned the slimline pens slim. I find the slimline kits turned as two fat blobs less appealing to look at and less comfortable to use. SWMBO likes her slim pens slim. I must now try the wooden joiner though. I do put a bit more weight on the sierra, but that makes for a more masculine pen.

Phil

 

[nev]

Looking good