Pens Finally Done

[Jon Lanier]

Finally have all the Christmas pens done. The first two are Satin Pearl Euro for Granny that Josh and I did together and the other is Corn Cob Atlas for Grandpa that Caleb and I did together. Good thing, tomorrow we go to their house for Christmas.

The other is part of the group of pens I/we've done. Cocobolo, Ambrosia, Walnut, Tamboti, Chechen....etc. I think the total is about 22 pens in about 2 weeks.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4330/grannygrandpapenga8.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9256/pengroup2zn0.jpg

[Dan Forman]

Wow, someone has been busy. A fine looking group of pens. I'm running way behind my schedule, but hopefully can still get done in time.

D

[Ben Gastfriend]

They all look impecable! Especially the Polaris or whatever corn one. I did a euro out of corn for a teacher, and instantly he knew what it was and wanted one for everyone in his family. Great job!

[Skip Spaulding]

Beautiful!

[Greg Just]

Very nice - How was they corn cob to turn?

[Bernie Weishapl]

Those are beauties Jon. You and the boys have been busy.

[Dave Carey]

Jon,
Beautiful work. A question: I've read your post on your technique with CA glue. Will that work to seal less-dense wood with more open pores? Specifically, I made a pen using purpleheart and despite wiping it down it has some light colored flecks after finishing (not with CA glue) that I attribute to dust in the pores. Appreciate your postings. Merry Christmas - know your pens will be well received. Dave

[Jon Lanier]

They all look impecable! Especially the Polaris or whatever corn one. I did a euro out of corn for a teacher, and instantly he knew what it was and wanted one for everyone in his family. Great job!

Thanks Ben, the Polaris is actually an Atlas which actually is the same thing just named differently by companies.

[Jon Lanier]

Very nice - How was they corn cob to turn?

It was a little different but not much. I must say this, wear gloves when using a barrel trimmer. I didn't have strong enough grip and it slipped. Talk about putting your hand around something spinning that feels like the worlds roughest sand paper. OUCH!!!!!

[Jon Lanier]

Jon,
Beautiful work. A question: I've read your post on your technique with CA glue. Will that work to seal less-dense wood with more open pores? Specifically, I made a pen using purpleheart and despite wiping it down it has some light colored flecks after finishing (not with CA glue) that I attribute to dust in the pores. Appreciate your postings. Merry Christmas - know your pens will be well received. Dave

Dave, I try to use a thin CA glue wipe down (while the dust is still on it) to seal the pores. Then go up one sanding grit and use some mineral oil on it. Sand away the CA, but the pores stay filled. Then continue until you do put on the Final coats of CA. The Corn Cob had lots of 'gaps' in it, and instead of using thin CA I used a GEL. Two Coats filled it up. Then I sanded with 600/1000/1500 grit. Then Applied my normal Ca/BLO finish, then Micro Mesh. It turned out pretty good.

[Dave Carey]

Jon,
Thanks for the tip. Will give it a try after Christmas. Cheers, Dave

[Steve Campbell]

Jon
It sure looks like you have been productive. I to love the corncob pens. Someday I will try one.
Merry Christmas Steve