Pens Pens and more pens

[caretaker]

Right I am getting down to turning pens, I have done one that resembles a pen, just.
So off to Yandles this week end for wood.
Oh yes the question, what wood can you suggest to get?
I am thinking not to get pen blanks but to bye a piece of wood to cut on the band saw as blanks.
I like Yew but what else.
Thanks for all suggestions that I receive.

Reg

 

[CHJ]

Reg., have a dig in the off-cuts box for anything with a bit of distinctive grain, just be aware that some wood such as Elm may be a little more difficult to work at such small dimensions due to tear out.

 

[caretaker]

I have just finished a bowl in Elm, did I imagine the shavings to be hot as they peeled of the bowl?
I was not to keen on Elm it seemed a bit borring as a wood.
I will take your advise about the off cut box, is that as you go in on the right from the car park or in with the blanks.
Reg

 

[CHJ]

I have just finished a bowl in Elm, did I imagine the shavings to be hot as they peeled of the bowl?
I was not to keen on Elm it seemed a bit borring as a wood.
I will take your advise about the off cut box, is that as you go in on the right from the car park or in with the blanks.
Reg

It is not unusual to have the chippings coming off the tool hot enough to burn, forcing a repositioning of fingers/hand hold.

Bit box is usually back right corner of outer rack area but may move around.


Elm Boring? It's a case of selecting which piece to work.

 

[greggy]

reg, cocobolo is a nice wood for pens, also try, yew, any spalted wood,burr woods are better as there is not much wood on a pen so you need wood with plenty grain, 3/4x 3/4x 51/2 inches min will do most size pen kits

 

[Gordon T]

Hello Reg,

I agree with the above comment. I have made hundreds of pens, and find cocabola to be the best by far for my pens. The grain and colours are fantastic, and it finishes really superbly.

GT