Abalone Shell & Kauri Pen

[Kaurikid]

I was being a little adventurous with this one as inlaying the abalone shell was a little more trying than anticipated, but I learnt a lot from doing this so that's a plus. The abalone shell I found when snorkeling in NZ and I feel it enhances the Kauri quite well so I will make another kit in a similar style.

Enjoy . . . .

 

[SDB777]

That looks 'fun'....about how much longer did this one take you to complete?


Should fetch a pretty sum though!







Scott (I ain't got the patience) B

 

[Kaurikid]

Hi Scott, It took me about an hour to cut, set and glue the shell pieces and a few minutes extra on the finish. I started the pen turning a few months ago and I believe I'm still in the "practicing" period. So my friends are all receiving pens as gifts at the moment.
Yes I would like to eventually be rewarded for my work but only after I feel I've got there with my workmanship and I've found a quality pen kit to match.

Thanks and regards
Steve

 

[plantman]

Steve: I don't know ?? Looks vary impressive on this side of the world !!! Jim S

 

[OZturner]

Terrific Pen, Steve.
Fantastic Concept.
Are the Abalone Shell pieces mounted to the Tube, as a Segment? or are they Tiled in a Tennon in the Kauri?
Most Intriguing, would love to see it capped to obtain the full impact.
Great Fit and Finish.
Congratulations,
Brian.

 

[Band Saw Box]

Stunning pen Steve, Great craftsmanship.

 

[Kaurikid]

Thanks for all the compliments it's nice when you get the feeling someone likes what you're creating, I get a motivation rush. As for the shell yes I started by cutting a tennon that left a tad of kauri still on the tube to glue the shell to. I chose the flattest part of the shell I could find then cut a strip that would fit when cut into pieces.

First I used a small hand held drill with a fine diamond disc to flatten the backs of each strip where necessary. After gluing each piece in place with CA it was back on the lathe and I kept building up with medium CA over the shell till flush with the wood. The finish was then as per every pen.

I'm making another with shell inlay as I find abalone shell a very nice match to most woods. A warning though, around 6 month ago I inlayed a box I was making with abalone and a day later went down with a terrible lung infection. I was only wearing a standard dust paper mask at the time so I don't know if I was becoming ill anyway or it was a reaction to the shell dust? So be careful I now work over a hoover nozzle and wear a well-fitting industrial mask. So far so good!

Thanks and regards
Steve