Thread: From log to blank to pen-Hickory with spalting

Pignut Hickory, who'da thunk it?!?!?! I posted some of the slabs from the cutting in the Milling Section....these blanks came from the first photo, far left stick!!! Think I might have to 'hoard' these pieces up for myself? Even kept the pieces that was below the cambium layer, as the bark/bug has deformed it to the point where I'll use it as wood for PolyResin Swirlies casting(sort of worthless wood thing)....but that'll be after I get my 'now broken' air-compressor fix/replaced!(Yes, it's always something, ain't it?)

After doing a few pens yesterday made out of ERC and Afghan Pine cones, I thought I had reached my limit on the patience-meter. Nothing would go right, especially the closed-ended stuff!
Today I decided to make something much easier! If crosscut wood can be considered easy that is.... So I made these two!!! Two, simple....I wanted to check to find out which hardware these chunks of wood would best be suited with....and to tell the truth, I still couldn't tell you whether the chrome is better then the gold, or the gold is better then the chrome?


Turned between centers, mic'd(a lot) to .005" oversized, sanded(had to stabilize the crosscut grain with thin CA) with 400grit, and then EEE them. Was thinking I might need to do a CA finish, but they buffed right up to a pretty nice gloss...so why put myself through the 'fumes' if I don't need to!



A couple photo's for your viewing pleasure!






C&C is most welcome! Thanks for taking time from your day to view these humble offerings to the pen world.....it's not as awesome as the wood species I see ya'll turning there, but it's my little piece of heaven here



Scott (I thunk it.....once) B