Burls and Swirls update!

[sachbvn]

So I talked to a buddy of mine that bought some Burls and Swirls pen blanks from Ankrom Exotics - the same place I had the issues with the stabilized blanks. He said he didn't have much luck with his at all. He'd get almost to the sanding stage and the blanks would start to fall apart.


Just FYI, I think it was Scott looking into Burls and Swirls - I think you posted a completed turning with one - it looked good. Can't remember where you said you got it.


Zac

[sdb777]

Came from Pat....AnkromExotics

Didn't have any problems, but I used a little more CA then I normally use when putting the blank on the tube. And I turned it with the utmost care, taking only a little off the blank with each pass.

When I got to the sanding part, I re-applied some thin CA to the wood part of the blank...gave it some time to cure, and did my normal sanding routine for acrylic(didn't look that godd so I re-finished with BLO/CA).

Maybe it was knowing that the blank cost me $12(plus the shipping), that made me overly carefully? But I can normally do a pen in about 45 minutes to an hour....this one was closer to 1-3/4hours.



Scott (being careful was a BIG thing I thinks) B

[maxwellsmart007]

If you're having that much trouble with them, Zac, then I'd recommend trying one from somewhere else, and seeing if it turns out better. That way, you'll know if it's the process, or the blank, that's the culprit.

I very highly recommend Curtis - he's the first one to ever market Worthless Wood for penturning, so I'd daresay he's got it down pat by now!
www.turntex.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=28

[sachbvn]

Thanks Maxwell - I haven't tried the Burls and Swirls - just his regular "stabilized" blanks. I've used several different wood types that were stabilized from Woodturningz and never had a problem.... I may try Curtis if I decide I'd like to try a acrylic/wood mix.

Thanks!

Zac

[turntex]

Zac,

Tell you buddy to contact Pat. I would guess he would take care of it. Pat is a good guy that makes a good product as far as I know. We both use the same resin (I turned him onto it and have give much technical advice to him) so the only difference is the wood types that he is using and his prep of the material before casting. He is very quality conscious and believes in customer service.

Thanks again, MaxwllSmart for the kind endorsement! Now, where do I send your check?

[sachbvn]

As I think I said, Pat offered to refund what I thought appropriate, but I declined. He is small business and I didn't want to take from him. I was disappointed in the product. I will say he did offer some words that were, IMO, a little condescending regarding my skill as a turner. By no means am I what I would call skilled - but he almost offered an out for what I thought was an inferior product to my skill as a turner.

Regardless - we live and learn. Many have obviously bought from Pat and been happy campers. I wasn't one - and will purchase else where.



Zac

[maxwellsmart007]

Don't worry about a cheque, Curtis - I'll take payment in blanks!

[ankromexotics]

Thanks Curtis, I really appreciate the kind words and yes, we will always stand behind our product 100%.

We have produced and sold well over 1000 of our 'Burls & Swirls' blanks in the past year and have heard back from exactly one other penturner who had an issue with the resin separating slightly from the wood. The issue was promptly dealt with and the customer received a replacement blank. He and many others have been regular customers whenever we have a listing of blanks for sale and our photo gallery of beautiful pens made with them continues to grow.

I apologize to Zac if at any time during our correspondence he felt I was condescending. I have re-read all of the emails and cannot find anything that should be taken that way.

We are still happy to refund the purchase price in full. We are indeed a small company..... all the more reason to make sure we treat our customers right. We can't afford not to.

[sachbvn]

Pat,

You were a nice guy - your product didn't work for me. That's life. I will say you tried to make it right and that puts you in the right category for my book.

Welcome to this forum - please be sure to check back as we will soon be moving to a new site and the more that make the move - the better.

Again welcome - no bad feelings here.

Zac