Ok, so this is a personal challenge more than anything else. After reading some of Peters recent posts, it got me thinking. Each year I acquire pen blanks that get put in the "treasure chest". And whilst I have turned a few from the chest, I can guarantee that I put more in than I take out each year. If this trend continues then yes, I will have an amazing blank collection (well....amazing in my eyes - I know some of you put me to shame) however I will never get round to using them so they will inevitability be a once in a lifetime score to either my sons (hopefully - too young to tell yet) or another lucky turner.
Whilst these options are not the worst thing that could happen, I don't believe that is why I'm here turning pens!!! I wanna see what internal beauty I can get out of these pieces!!!
That being the case, This April I am setting myself the goal of turning at lease 3 pens out of my treasured blanks and from there I'll see how I go. I am putting this post up not only to show my works but also if anyone else is like minded and needs a perfect excuse to use that blank that has been collecting dust for the last couple of years.
I have a young family so shed time is few and far between. That is why I have chosen 3 as a benchmark of me getting them done.
here is a photo of the first blanks off the shelf.
A diamond cast blank by Tim McKenzie - I was lucky enough to be involved in a swap with him recently and he sent a box of blanks along with a completed pen.
Birdseye Gidgee - Gidgee is one of my absolute favorite timbers, and I have been lucky enough to get a few pieces with some birdseye running through it. It has some ringing as well I think but I'll only know for sure once I start turning!
Ringed Dogwood - I have purchased quite a number of blanks from Euge (here on the forum) and this is a perfect example of an extraordinary blank. I can't wait to see how this one pans out!
Damascus Mangrove - Another piece from Euge (he has some pearlers) I haven't turned mangrove before, and this piece has an amazing grain running through it
Dyed box eldar - from another swap. I haven't turned dyed timber before so I'm interested as to what it may look like.
Ok, if anyone else wants to put their hand up then just start posting in this thread as well (or start your own, I don't mind....as long as you all keep turning)
Wish me luck!
Cheers
Gab
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