Pen Blank Swap is Shipped!

[KaLea Thoits]

Ok.. Chuck was finally able to sneak a few minutes away from making mugs for our first faire (a week away ) to cut up some nifty pen blanks to refill the box. I can tell you.... it is an interesting puzzle getting all those blanks to fit nice and snug in the box, especially with so many different sizes! Whom ever gets the box next might want to pay attention to how the blanks come out of the box LOL.

Here's what Chuck and I took out





Here is what went back in





Please note some of the blanks that we put in are green so you want to season them or some other something you might find that works for you in dealing with really wet wood.
I will be sending the box out tomorrow to the next lucky recipient somewhere far away from New England!

[Paul Gallian]

Please do not send the package to me between May 3 to June 10 -- I will on a trip and not able to accept delivery. traveling to the S.W. USA.

Thanks Paul Gallian

[Chuck Ellis]

I'd forgotten about the swap... can't wait to see it arrive here... I have a box of about 100++ spalted maple blanks... I may just keep everything in the box and refill it with them....

Nah, maybe not..... looking forward to it.

[KaLea Thoits]

The box has been shipped and the recipient should have it Friday or Saturday! I apologize immensely for the hold up... we got the box right in the midst of getting ready for our first event. Last weekend was a 3 hour drive down to CT to spend the weekend helping set up and get everything ready, this weekend is opening weekend... all the week days in between are getting everything ready to go.

[Jim Burr]

Box is in California...with snow on it!... not really. I have to finish up some blank cutting and Mothers Day. Box will be out on Thursday??? Pic's to follow ASAP!!

[Frank Fusco]

I just finished stabilizing all the maple and redbud blanks planned for whatever.
Mebbe, when the box comes to me I'll just dump it out, keep everything and refill with these.
About 100 total, twenty of the those spalted Red Bud.

[Paul Downes]

Frank How are you stabilizing the blanks? I made up some of that plex/acetone mix but it still sets in the mason jar. Thought about going with the thermo set plastic but thats expensive and I've heard, potentially toxic.

Never turned any red bud Looks right interesting.

[Frank Fusco]

Frank How are you stabilizing the blanks? I made up some of that plex/acetone mix but it still sets in the mason jar. Thought about going with the thermo set plastic but thats expensive and I've heard, potentially toxic.

Never turned any red bud Looks right interesting.

I mix up the plexi/acetone, dump wood in, pull vacuum for 30 min. to an hour depending on size of pieces, type of wood, my mood and relationship of venus with the moon.
If you go to some of the penturning forums, you will find guys have all kinds of techniques/theories and myths about the best way to stabilize.
I follow my own KISS principal, works for me.

[Jim Burr]

Box went out yesterday. Pic's and more details out tonight.

[Jim Burr]

Sorry for the delay folks. Box should be in new hands any day now, I just can't remember who's!!
Pic 1 is what came out and pic 2 is what went in. Looks like I'm leaning toward lighter wood this time around, don't have a good reason why.
I put in some Pistachio and Apricot, both rescued...yea!! Also some Wenge, Lace wood, also rescued from a dead urn project, Monterey Cyprus, rescued, and Buckeye Burl. I have lots of extras, except the Wenge, so if your interested, pm for a goodie bag.

Cheers!