Thread: 2009 International Pen swap draw & Pictures

A couple days ago I received my package from Sawdust Maker (aka Nick)..inside was a beautiful Coolibah Baron and 20 assorted Aussie blanks...the pen went from picture taking to display case with my other (3) swap pens....now the dilemma I have is deciding what awesome blank I want to try first...
Thanks again Nick for being my swap partner and sending the very nice pen and blanks......also a big thanks to Sam and all other involved for making this swap a huge success......

Hey all, the first of my swap pens (Mnoecker) has touched down locally. Can't be 100% but am pretty sure its leather. Got a few nice blanks in there too so when I get some spare time, I might have to make some round and glossy.

Corbs

Very nice corbs

I got a package in the mail today..

I'll be posting pics when I get everything set up. Some beautiful blanks too ..

Corbs I have it on good authority from your partner that it is leather.

Originally Posted by Simomatra

Corbs I have it on good authority from your partner that it is leather.

The leather is from an old boot. There is one darker leather piece in the centre which is apparently Kangaroo leather. Wonder if a Zoo over in the states is missing a marsupial.

Sam (and others), gotta say a huge thanks for getting this huge swap up and running. Have enjoyed this one and will more than likely take part in future swaps.

great now we have to keep old boots as well as bits of timber
Corbs
looks good - wonder how it was made?

Brian
I'm pleased you liked my offering

I received my package from Darren (bdar) late last week, but I was waiting until I had a chance to take some decent photos before posting here.

The pen is a Tiger Myrtle, and I'm not sure what this kit is called. I also received 15 pen blanks in my package. These varieties of wood are all new to my collection and some of them I had never heard of before.

The fit and finish of this pen are outstanding. It has a very nice feel in my hand.

Thanks Darren! Hope my package reaches you soon.

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

great now we have to keep old boots as well as bits of timber
Corbs
looks good - wonder how it was made?

...

I asked the same question

The leather pen was kind of an experiment but I thought it turned out fairly nice. I cut the leather into 1 inch squares and then I put one on a piece of scrap lumber probably 6inches square. Then I put ca on the piece of leather and put another piece of leather on top of that. I then tapped it with a hammer until is stuck down all over and just repeated that until I had it tall enough for the tube. Then I used the bandsaw to cut the uneven edges off . Then I put it on the drill press and put a piece of scrap wood on top and bottom so it wouldn't catch the leather and tear it up while I was drilling through it. Next I drilled the hole and used ca to put the tube into the blank. You need thick ca and you must be fast getting the tube into the blank as the ca really sticks fast to the leather. You don't get a second chance putting it into the blank. Then I trimmed the ends of the blank and used my beltsander to sand off the corners of the blank. To turn it I used a fast speed , sharp tools and light cuts and the leather cut like butter. It took some time, but I really liked the way it turned out. I kind of wanted to keep it. I hope this made sence as it was a long day at work and my brain is kind of fried.

Mike

Ok now its my turn. Received today from Todd Glover in USA. What a package! Wow. Beautiful pen and some wonderful blanks. Not to mention a beautiful box.
The pen is 2 tone Spaltic Paduk amd the blanks, well, what can I say. 21 species of beautiful timber and more than one of some of them, in all.a total of 26, yes 26 blanks. Was I pleased?

Thank you Todd. Absolutely beautiful. My first pen swap and I couldn't have asked for a better package than the one I received.

Among the blanks were. Cherry Burl, Flame Box Elder, Redwood Burl, Mesquite Burl, Blue Mangrove Driftwood, Desert Ironwood, Holly, Maple Burl, 2 Tone Walnut, Apple, Yew, Curly Koa, Spalted Pecan, Brazilian Pepper, Curly Maple, Honduras Rosewood, another species of Maple Burl, Banksia pod cast with Resin and a few unknown.

What a treasure trove. I will post pictures of the package shortly.

Here are the pictures of the package, sorry the photos dont do justice to the pen, It is 10 times better in real life. I am not a good photographer.

Thank goodness!!

I was starting to sweat about it not getting there!

Enjoy the blanks John!

Originally Posted by Todd Glover

Thank goodness!!

I was starting to sweat about it not getting there!

Enjoy the blanks John!

Sure will mate, and thanks again.

Nice stash John couldn't have gone to a nice bloke well deserved.

Now thats got to mean a buying spree for pen kits more time at the lathe less time at the keyboard