Thread: Oak Barrell,Grass Tree,Mulga

The good old grass tree AKA black boy must vary in colour. the stuff I have is very dark brown!

I like the paler version of it.

JD

My one is Xanyhorhoea Pressii gives the mustard yellow.

By the way do tell the results of your lathe solutions some time ago,was it bearings or spacers or what.

Regards Peter

I think you must be locked in the shed Peter, like them all, the last one, mug ebony, really shows up well with the finish on it. Amos

Peter,
Wow! I really like all three pens. I love the design on the oak, and if you hadn't said, I would not have known that was oak. The grasstree is such a unique wood, I could look at it all day. The Mun Ebony, however is a true standout to me. Beautiful wood and excellent work.

Cheers,

Rick

Peter at last I have been able to get some time to look at your work.

The oak pen has an interesting grain structure to it, very fine by the looks. Was it a tight grain or did it have an open grain like some oaks? You said it had a great smell, was it a sweet aromatic smell to it Peter? I think it would have given the oak an interesting look with the purple stain or did it detract from the overall look of the oak?

You can't go past Xanthorhoea, the colour, texture, turning and how to finish it is a world apart from any other blank that you can turn. How did you cope with the fine particles, were they a problem to you at all Peter?

The Mun Ebony would have to be my favourite of the trio, I love the colour and the swirling grain patern. Does it behave in the same manor as other Ebonies when it comes to drilling and turning? Your fit and finish are exceptional. From 1st to 3rd - Mun Ebony, Xanthorhoea and the Oak. A nice trio Peter.
Darren

The Oak is one I have never seen before it is tight and the pattern is small and pronounced,initial turning is furry so the sanding easily fixes that and it glows.

The purple staining was shallow and bear in mind the stave is curved so when I realised the stained parts ondrying were lifted cand useless just cut on the cross and removed the surface part from inside the barrell.

As a non drinker can not or will ever know what was in the barrell but it smelled sweet on turning,it finished better than any American or English Oak I have used and the mellow colour wins hands down.

The Grass Tree turned real firm and well,finished easy and the bron flecks look as if they are individually etched on,it finished smooth as,that was the skinniest pen I have made for ten years the next will fatter by far,got carried away turning it felt so good.

The Mun Ebony sure drills easy,turns easy and finishes to a brilliant shine,by far the least problems of any Ebony I have used.

All of my pens are finished the same way in a few minutes minimum of fuss and max finish for me,not something to patent or hide.

Peter