>One of these days I will have to come out of the closet and admit that I make pens.
These are something new that I have tried - the grain is running at 90-degrees to the axis of the pen. This can really accent some spalted wood.
The wood is Holly that was hardened by soaking it in a 50/50 mixture of Titebond glue for a couple weeks, and then allowed another week to thoroughly dry. This is a good way to salvage very soft wood for pens.
The pen kits are the new "Streamline Slim-Line" from Berea. I really like these new clips.
I really like the way these turned out! So, the soaking in a glue solution works pretty good for pen blanks too, huh? I know Wally does that with some iffy bowl blanks. Good piece of information! I am going to have to try that streamlined kit!
>I have an excellent way to photograph pens and small items using a styrofoam cooler. I'll try to shoot a photo this weekend and show you. It's so simple it's ridiculous.
I thank God that pen kits are out there. If not, I would not have ever convinced my wife to let me get a lathe - and they save my bacon whenever she needs a quick gift for someone.
>I still use the CA glue when I get it down close to shape and size, and start sanding. But, for the turning, Titebond and water is a lot cheaper and easier to clean up than CA glue.
