I gots me this burl thingy I wanner cut up into pen blanks. My question is, which way?
One way, looks neat, the general grain will be going accross the width of the pen, rather that the traditional way being sort of up and down the lenghth.
It is a Myrtle burl, whatever that is. Doesn't feel too hard really.
If I cut it up the more traditional looking way, I don't thing there will be so much figure showing. But If I cut it up the other way, will it turn okay?
Any thoughts??
John
John, Just an idea, contact
If you cut so that the grain is across the width, it will make the pen weaker and maybe cause problems when shaping, cut the traditional way with coves and beading which will give character.
Bob `S` (Member)
In message , Eddie Munster writes
I didn't think of that, making it weaker that is. That endgrain is so lively though, even now with only a bandsawn finish. Good thing have a really big chunk.
John
robert strudwick wrote:
you are lucky to have acquired some myrtle wood burl...it grows in oregon and is very pretty. with burl, i wouldn't think it would matter which way you cut it because the direction changes so often? rich
John,
Cut it on the bias (about 30 degrees off the axis) so most of the long grain is still going down the pen, but the bias cut will show off more of the figure. Look at any pens in catalogs of dymond wood to see what I mean about direction of cut. Also, make sure the blanks are DRY before you make the pens. If they're not dry they'll surely crack as they do dry later.
-Jim Gott- San Jose, CA
Okay. There is a section I can do that to. Another part where it has no direction as it is so burly. I hope it is dry enough.
As for it being myrtle, thanks res for letting me know where is is from. It just looked nice in the woodstore so I though I would try it. It is really a small bowl blank but I have more interest in pens right now, sooo.
John
Jim Gott wrote:
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.