Pens
August 19th, 2008 by admin
For his birthday, Chip’s Ma got him the accessories necessary for turning pens on the lathe, something we’ve both been wanting to try. Chip’s first attempt was incredible … neither of us will probably ever make a pen this pretty again (it’s the one in the center):
Only trouble is, the wood wasn’t labeled so we have no idea what it is. If anyone recognizes it, let us know. Even the fine folks at Woodcraft were stumped.
I made the cedar pen on the right … people probably think it’s filled with drugs, because I’ll pull it out and sniff it from time to time. I love cedar.
Chip rounded out the set with an acrylic pen (left), which Kory really likes. It’s pretty, but from what I could tell by watching Chip I don’t think I’d like working with acrylic very much. I love the smell of the wood while it’s turning … acrylic just smells like plastic. Burning plastic, if you let it get too hot. Plus, tool marks show more readily on acrylic and are more difficult to buff out. It’s nice and shiny when it’s finished, though.
Kory wants to learn to make pens too, so cross your fingers that no one loses an eye!
Edit: Chip did some digging and discovered that the mystery wood is Red Palm. No wonder I like it so much.
Jennifer wrote on 08/20/08 at 8:26 am :
Those are really cool! Definitely something you can give people on your Christmas list.
Heather wrote on 08/20/08 at 8:23 pm :
Tee hee…you said “red palm”.
Bryan wrote on 08/24/08 at 8:47 pm :
I wonder if we’re on that Christmas list? JBF