GreasyPen Blanks

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Jim D. Clayton, NJ

>What you are describing is what you think it is, a wax. The blanks you have ordered must be green wood. It might be a good idea and contact the person you bought them from and see how old they are. If not very old then you will need to dry them before turning.

Jim D.

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Ron in Drums PA

>Question - what does one need to do to prepare these blanks for turning?

Answer - Sharp tools.

If they where waxed they might be too green to turn right away as pens.

What type of wood is it?

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Bart Goldberg

>Cherry and Mesquite Burl.

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Bart Goldberg

>Okay, so what is the best way to remove the wax?

Also, what is the easist way to dry them in preparation for turning.

Thanks

Bart

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Ron in Drums PA

>Normally you can just turn off the wax.

I know some guys will mircowave pen blanks to dry them, but cherry and mesquite are two woods that are prune to cracking.

I know this isn't what you want to hear, if the woods are green, you may just have to wait until they are dry enough to turn.

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Tim McGill

>I experienced the same thing from an Ebay supplier. The wood was birch burl. I tried to use a couple of the blanks and ran into problems with drilling and inserting the pen tube. When drilling the wood was extremely fuzzy, which made me suspect that the blank was not dry. When I tried to insert the pen tube, the fit was too tight.

If you don�t mind, send me an email with the supplier name. I wonder if it is the same as who I purchased from.

Best of luck,

Tim 5-17-05

Re: GreasyPen Blanks

Jonathan Spool

>I had the same experience. Although the greasy wax was not an issue, and that I could deal with the green wood with CA, the moisture in the wood has the tendency to set off the CA when gluing in the brass, and usually prior to getting it in all the way. Now I will use Gorilla Glue for any blanks not totally dry.