|
|
Post by triplefreak on Apr 17, 2010 16:47:13 GMT -6
It took more than 25 blanks & 50 brass tubes to get to this point. It's a Slimline pen kit, with Black Walnut for the wood. Let me know what you think.    |
|
|
|
Post by TDHofstetter on Apr 17, 2010 17:17:32 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by sachbvn on Apr 17, 2010 17:45:26 GMT -6
Looking good!
One thing I will tell ya - turning slimlines down to two straight tubes sounds like the most beginning you could get - but it is challenging! Seriously, there is so little wood left - it's actually a good thing for beginners to do - but it's certainly not easy.
Congrats - forward we move!
Zac
|
|
|
|
Post by Ruffnek on Apr 17, 2010 18:46:24 GMT -6
That's a good looking pen, Herb. I like the straight lines on a slimline pen. Women lke them too, as it fits their hands better.
Whatever you were doing wrong it appears you have figured it out. That one is a winner.
|
|
Gecko
WoW Member
Posts: 180
|
Post by Gecko on Apr 17, 2010 19:17:01 GMT -6
Looking good!
|
|
Doug B
WoW Member
[b]Rescued Firewood[/b]
Posts: 1,938
|
Post by Doug B on Apr 17, 2010 20:58:11 GMT -6
Great job TF! Looks great! I like that Walnut - what finish did you use?
|
|
|
|
Post by triplefreak on Apr 18, 2010 4:11:49 GMT -6
Great job TF! Looks great! I like that Walnut - what finish did you use? I used Barry Gross' method of finishing. A dab of CA, then sanded to 600 grit, then EEE & a buff with a soft cloth, then finished with Behlens. |
|
|
|
Post by sdb777 on Apr 18, 2010 4:30:24 GMT -6
That walnut is sure one 'hard wood' to turn. Dulls the crap out of my cheap tooling.
Like Zac said, turning them down to straight is difficult. And they are perfect for people with smaller hands...although most will pick up one with a 'bulge' first(go figure?).
A+ on the 'fit-n-finish'!! Everything looks very close to the correct dimensions!! I like it!!
Scott (walnut is my pandora's box) B
|
|
|
|
Post by mcbryde on Apr 25, 2010 23:03:34 GMT -6
Looks good!
E
|
|
|
|
Post by rdabpenman on Apr 26, 2010 22:33:40 GMT -6
Nicely done TF!
Fit and finish look great for your first.
Well done.
Les
|
|
|
|
Post by dclaqua on Apr 27, 2010 10:00:24 GMT -6
Les
Looks good.
Just a tip I have used in working with caragana. You can speed up the drying process of Caragana in the microwave. Use fresh cut caragana still green. I usually turn the bark off to create a blank about a foot long 2 Inches in diameter Square off the ends a bit and microwave them on high for 2 to 3 minutes. The moisture boils out the ends. Let it cool for at least an hr and do it again for no more than two minutes. Let it dry for a day or so in the open. Check for checking on the ends. If it starts to get hairline cracks then it still has to much moisture and needs a minute or more in the micorwave. Microwaving heats from the inside out and as the moisture leaves the wood it collapses the wood cells inside and your wood won't split. Can be stored in the open for years and you will always have prepared blanks to use on those days when you want a quick project. My blanks are usually 2 inches diameter after the bark is removed. I have made hundreds af salt and pepper shakers , pepper mills , pens and stamp boxes using inlaid caragana medalions. especially the exotic forms that you have discovered in your wood.
One word of caution on mic0rwaving. If you leave the wood in for more than three minutes the inside of the wood will scorch and can even catch fire. I tried it once as a test to see how much time it takes to ruin a piece of wood. 5 minutes is way to long. Your wife will be unhappy when the kitcen fills with wood smoke. I use an old microwave in my shop to avoid these unpleasant encounters. Never leave unattended. The wood will be very hot when it comes out and steam will be coming out both ends. Remember the wood length 10 t0 12 inches long with the bark removed and 2 inches diameter. Other sizes can be used but you will need to adjust your microwaving time accordingly.
Happy turning and nice job on the pen.
Don Laqua
|
|
