Pen blank cost

[Al Killian]

I have some spalted hard maple that I was planning on offering for small turnings. Such as pens bottle stops and so on. What I am not sure is what is a good price to list it at.

[David Fried]

Less than I can get it from a known retailer. ;)

Have you considered offering it as a swap for wood uncommon in your area?

Just a thought.

[Paul Engle]

Craft supplies is pretty spendy check out their prices, I think a 3/4 x 3/4 x 5 or 6 inch blank (5) is 5.95$

[Frank Kobilsek]

Al,
Paul is right that 1.00 per blank is the top of the market for domestic non-stabilized blanks. I bet I have 200 or more walnut, cherry and maple along with a few other woods in a box under by saw. Every piece of scrap gets cut into pen blanks. When I barter with other turners I throw in maybe 5 to 10 of these blanks in the shipment. People seem to appreciate the extra unexpected content of the trade. I also have been generous with local newbie turners from this stock. But the most important use for them has been about once a year I'll buy 20 or so, cheap as I can get, slim line kits. Drill,glue and mill sets ready to turn. When the neighbor kids want to turn I pull out that bag and they turn a pen for Mom. Those are cool afternoons for me, the childless woodworker in the neighborhood. (No kids but 38 neices and nephews, so don't feel too bad for me)

Frank

[Al Killian]

Well I am going to take some pics and post them in the classafieds and see what happens. For now I plan on just trying to sell a few to help pay for the wheels for the bandsaw. My fellow ww worrks at a machine shop and is going to make them for me at cost.:D