Thread: Advice for newby on sourcing blanks in WA

Hi Natasha,

whats your definition of expensive? is it anything other than free?

There are suppliers around that can supply you with ready to turn pen blanks for example carols wood turning supplies, beyond tools etc.

If you're after free lumber i'm sure if you know anyone with any decent amount of land they will have trees that need pruning and will be more than happy to help you out. Alternatively i'm sure a quick stroll through a national park may provide some logs that you can easily use to turn into pens. Note that the local governments do not like this, but if you're doing it for fun (and not as a business) a few sticks here and there won't turn any heads.

Have fun turning!

Hi Tonzeyd,

Thank you for taking the time to point me in a direction, I appreciate it. No, my definition of expensive is not anything other that free. I was just referring to the cost of the blanks and then often postage can be quite costly too. I was just putting out feelers for some advice as I am new to this. I thought maybe some members knew of some reasonable or even local alternative shops or sources that I have not seen yet that they could suggest as you have done.

I will definitely look into the shops that you suggested and the alternative sources as well! I discover more and more how this hobby makes you more inventive than you thought you could be.

Thank you for the advice.

Hi Natasha,
you can try Mayama (https://www.mayama.com.au/) for some pen bits including wood and acrylic blacks, they are in Myaree. I have been using any wood I can find at the moment I ended up with a nice lot of sheoak from my last lot of firewood that was delivered. So keep your eyes open and let your friends know that you are looking for different types of wood for you pen turning and I'm pretty sure it won't take long before a good collection for minimal outlay. Also if you haven't already find a turing group in your area, this will increase your numbers of sources for blanks

Rick

Thank you Rick, that's great advice. Will do!

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Hello Natasha
I am South of the river, if you wish, you are welcome to some of my pen blanks if you are willing to travel
Willy
Jarrahland

Thank you so much Willy, i am also south of the river. I really appreciate your generosity. I am happy to pay you. I will PM you.

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Check this post out as well rare and unusual pen blanks for sale

Thank you so much Pounds!

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As if you don't have enough to choose from already Natasha.

However, if you want to try something unusual, rare, colourful or figured from the Eastern States, please PM me .
I have hundreds of blanks and dozens of species to choose from.

Thank you Euge,

I would love to try some. I will definitely do that.

I would just like to thank everyone who has been so incredibly generous with their knowledge and their resources. I feel so comforted by knowing that this is the community that I am proud to be a part of. You have all been wonderful and I feel humbled by your responses.

Natasha, buying timber pre-cut into pen blanks is the most expensive way to buy timber, at sometimes $3-$5 a blank, you'd probably better going to a mill, or specialty timber supplier and buy some rough sawn timber then cut to size yourself. And as noted in an earlier post, fallen trees. I recently acquired some Banksia, some She-oak both from big fallen branches. Keep an eye out on the roadside for people who have taken down trees, and furniture being thrown out. Sometimes you get a gem. I was recently gifted by a friend a 75yr old Northern Silky oak, and there is a trailer load coming.

Word of mouth is amazing, i made a box recently to say thank you for the timber (it's posted on this forum in the box making thread called "starburst". Now people are lining up to give me timber. Hopefully not all expecting a beautiful jewellery box.

good luck with your search

Thank you Fumbler, that is good advice and I will take it on board. Good luck with your recovery!