Question for the pen turners on wood choice

Question for the pen turners on wood choice · 10-25-2009, 08:34 PM

I am looking at making a few pens for the ladies in the extended family for Christmas
These

It is the Gatsby pen from PSI - I can get three kits for 20.95 plus the accessories will be free and I was wondering what woods would you use for a more feminine looking pen - Only thing I have on hand is BW - Mahogany - Cherry and Maple

rcflyer23 · 10-25-2009, 08:41 PM

Phillip, for a feminine style pen I have used Tulip Wood many times.

PChristy · 10-25-2009, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by rcflyer23

Phillip, for a feminine style pen I have used Tulip Wood many times.

Thanks Kevin - I will check that out

woodArtz · 10-25-2009, 09:03 PM

Purpleheart seems to be a favorite with the ladies in my experience.

PChristy · 10-25-2009, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by woodArtz

Purpleheart seems to be a favorite with the ladies in my experience.

Thanks Bob

How are those bottle stoppers you got awhile back coming alone

Jeff Mills · 10-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Eastern Red Cedar - my wife really likes hers (Thanks Clowman)

PChristy · 10-25-2009, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff Mills

Eastern Red Cedar - my wife really likes hers (Thanks Clowman)

Jeff, glad you brought that up - I forgot I have some ERC in the loft of my little shop

Ken Massingale · 10-25-2009, 09:33 PM

Bethlehem Olive Wood no question.

Ladies love it, and the Gents too. It is oily (Olive Oil of course) and finishes easily. Turning it makes me hungry tho, smells like an Italian restaurant!
Oh, each blank comes with a little Certificate of Authenticity which is a nice touch with the pen presentation.

Oh, also look at Pink Ivory. My lady likes it almost as much as BOW. Woodturningz has nice PI and also have the BOW.

PChristy · 10-25-2009, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by Ken Massingale

Bethlehem Olive Wood no question.

Ladies love it, and the Gents too. It is oily (Olive Oil of course) and finishes easily. Turning it makes me hungry tho, smells like an Italian restaurant!
Oh, each blank comes with a little Certificate of Authenticity which is a nice touch with the pen presentation.

Ken, how are the blanks from this site - the last one (stopper blank) that I order from PSI split on me and they would not make it good and I told them that I would never order it from them again - I have ordered other products from them with no problems

Canuck · 10-25-2009, 09:44 PM

Any of the "Heartwoods" look nice and turn fantastic.

ie Yellowheart, Purpleheart and Redheart (my favorite

)

I also used tulipwood on several pens that I gave to my nieces.

HTH

Wayne

Ken Massingale · 10-25-2009, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by PChristy

Ken, how are the blanks from this site - the last one (stopper blank) that I order from PSI split on me and they would not make it good and I told them that I would never order it from them again - I have ordered other products from them with no problems

Since it's very oily it will heat up easier than other woods. Drilling the pen blanks has to be slow to prevent over heating and possible splitting. I haven't done a stopper with BOW but it could be heat was some of the problem, maybe your blank had a hidden defect?

PChristy · 10-25-2009, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ken Massingale

maybe your blank had a hidden defect?

my guess as well - one of them split after I turned it and the other split before I even got it bored - what upset me about it is that they would not make it good -

Ken Massingale · 10-25-2009, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by PChristy

my guess as well - one of them split after I turned it and the other split before I even got it bored - what upset me about it is that they would not make it good -

I've had some experiences with PSI and MLCS. (same folks)
I haven't given them any direct business in several years. But it's hard to get slimline kits from anyone who isn't a PSI reseller.

Gotcha6 · 10-26-2009, 05:20 AM

I've had good success with good ol' Southern Yellow Pine heartwood aka 'fat lighter knots'. It usually turns to a golden hue & without a finish it gives off that turpentiney smell.

ScottM · 10-26-2009, 06:39 AM

You can't go wrong with any the ones listed above. My experience is that wood that has some figure and color variation gets the most attention. You can also glue up several pieces of wood and make a multi color pen.