Thread: using different material

Originally Posted by Rikk38

Hello to all!
There are lots of exotic and beautiful types of wood when it comes to turning pens. But I have a question: has any body ever used stock that was not so exotic, beautiful, etc., but rather was special in some way? For instance, a piece of wood from an old house that you grew up in - or from an old piece of furnature that couldn't be fixed, but you salvaged enough to turn a pen? Do you get the idea?

Definitely. If it's large enough to use on a pen, I'll turn it. Even the blandest timbers can look good if sufficient thought is given to the pen kit used and detail added in turning. Some kits are ornate enough that fancy woods are overkill and plain woods look better. Also, if you're into turning beads and intricate detail into the wood, again, fancy grains are too much.

Anyways, as often as not you'll be surprised at how nice even the crappiest piece of wood turns out once turned and polished.

Happy turning!

Rik, with something that has historical value, it would be good to have a wood pen case that is inscribed that shows the origen, or if you have access to lazer writer on the pen itself. Amos

I have just done something along these lines ... about 5 years ago a big moreton bay fig was pushed to make way for extensions at the school where I work. This tree would have been planted when the school opened.

I salvaged some of the timber and this year made some into pens which I put up on silent auction as a fund raiser. They were very sought after by the long serving members of staff because of where the timber came from, NOT because the timeber looked real special. I put a written blurb to explain the significance of the timber - that created the interest!

JD

If its bits of church you are talking about there are heaps of things you can make out of it.

If its medhodist your options are limited because they dont go in for " aryicles of religeous devotion" much..... but if its catholic, anglican or lutheran.... you've got lots of things to choose from.
Crusafixes, rosary beads, collection bowls, communion plates, grail, little shelves and devotional furniture, book stands, book marks (don't waste those thinn bits), candle holders, staffs.... it just goes on.


You could go into the holy rellics business ... well mybe not.

cheers