Burls & Swirls.....

[sdb777]

Been wanting to try a burls & swirls blank, but I've been holding back. Seems the $12 blank price(on average) is a little frightening, well when your not sure how to pick one out of the bunch it is.

So, how do you pick a burl/swirl blank?
Is there something specific I should 'look' to find?
Or is it just luck of the pick?

What do you do???





Scott (after all....it's $12.00/per) B

[maverick31]

Well if you are ordering online you are at the mercy of the man/woman packing your box. If you are buying local then I always dig thru em until I find one that I think is the prettiest. Sometimes they are exactly like I thought they would be and sometimes they are a little different. Seems like the ones I think are going to be awesome usually are. Next order i will get one of these.

www.woodturningz.com/PRODUCTS/PBAMBOYNAS.jpg


where are you seeing them for 12? woodturningz is a lot less. I have ordered several different burl blanks and have not been disapointed yet.

[sachbvn]

No mav - burls and swirls....they are an acrylic/wood combo.... 12 is what I've seen them for. I don't think I've seen them at WT though.


Zac

[sdb777]

Can get some b&s blanks(also called worthless wood blanks) at the
>>>>>HERE<<<<<
or even
>>>>>HERE<<<<<

I'm sure there are many more...but they average $10 to $12 each.

And I wouldn't get one of these blanks(heckfire it's $12) without being able to choose it from a photo! If I was "at the mercy of whomever does the picking", I'd better only be paying $2.50(or less)!!!





Scott (guess they'd be too much for a slimline kit) B

[maverick31]

oh, my bad, I thought He was looking for just burls or swirls in the wood. There are a few websites that have them individually photod.
here is one I have looked at before.

www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=22_82

[sachbvn]

That is the same thing I'm talking about Mav - it's acrylic mixed with wood. Only difference is that the website allows you to buy the blank that's in the photo.

Neat lookin' stuff - I'd be interested to see if anyone is brave enough to give it a go.


Zac

[sachbvn]

May 11, 2010 5:26:28 GMT -6 sdb777 said:

Can get some b&s blanks(also called worthless wood blanks) at the
>>>>>HERE<<<<<
B

Just curious why you called the first site "worthless wood blanks" - you answer the question, then I'll respond with why I ask.


Zac

[turntex]

Zac, not to try to answer for someone else but I saw your question and thought I would answer myself. Worthless Wood is the name that I gave for this type of blank in general. I am the one that came up with the idea originally and I wrote a tutorial with the title "Worthless Wood"... The name has since been used generically for any blank that uses my technique of wood and resin in combination. Basically, it is taking wood that is worthless by itself and making it into something special by adding resin. I choose not to trademark the name and it has stuck.

Now, as far as cost, there is a LOT of prep work for the piece of wood before it is even cast. All of the wood that I use is Central Texas native stuff, most of it is bushes that are not big enough to make pens out of so I use the root ball. Almost everyone of them have rocks embedded in them and when cutting them up, I frequently ruin bandsaw blades. Of course, that is part of the cost. Then, after the blank is cut up, a lot of prep work is done to remove any rocks, dirt, and rotten wood. Then it is ready to cast. It takes me an average of 30 minutes of prep time for each piece of wood that I prep. Then there is resin cost as well as time to collect the wood to begin with. It all adds up quickly!

Give it a shot and see how you like it! They make incredible pens that are highly desirable. Some that sell them even have guarantees that protect you if you are not satisfied with the finished product. Not trying to sell you guys on anything, just thought I would chime in with more information.

[Ruffnek]

Hey Curtis,

Glad to see you posting here at WoW and I hope you become a frequent visitor.

Guys, if you visit IAP much you will recognize Curtis. He's head moderator there and the originator of the cactus pen. He brings a wealth of pen turning information to our forum.

[maxwellsmart007]

Curtis is too modest to post this himself, but here's his website if you're thinking of trying a worthless wood product:

www.turntex.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=79

I recommend Curtis without reservations; I have turned his Cactus blanks, and they're stunning. In addition, he's a trustworthy businessman, and a good friend!

[Doug B]

I've drooled over those worthless wood blanks many a time over at IAP...one of these days I'm gonna give them a try. And the cactus too!

I'm impressed that we got a response from Curtis himself. Wow.

[turntex]

May 11, 2010 12:49:34 GMT -6 maxwellsmart007 said:

Curtis is too modest to post this himself, but here's his website if you're thinking of trying a worthless wood product:

www.turntex.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=79

I recommend Curtis without reservations; I have turned his Cactus blanks, and they're stunning. In addition, he's a trustworthy businessman, and a good friend!

Thank you for the endorsement!

I absolutely HATE it when someone new comes on a forum and the first thing they do is try to promote their business! I really wanted to just answer the question and provide information!

[turntex]

May 11, 2010 14:09:13 GMT -6 Doug B said:

I'm impressed that we got a response from Curtis himself. Wow.

Seriously, now! I enjoy penturning and sharing the information I have gleaned over the last few years. I plan to stick around and post when I can be useful! Thanks for the nice comments!

[monty]

Welcome to WoW Curtis. Great to see you over here.
And I too will recommend his blanks. You will not be disappointed.