Alfalfa Pen

[Russet]

Here is my first photo posting. I'm still working on the finer aspects of photograhpy. It is a Jr Statesman made from a stabilized Alfalfa Cube.

 

[R2]

That is a greatlooking,well made pen.[][][]The photo is quite OK.

 

[gwilki]

What a unique look? Did you stabilize the cube?

 

[redfishsc]

I hope for your sake your customers aren't vegetarians.


But very nice! Sweeeeet finish.

 

[Ligget]

I don`t know what an Alfalfa Cube is, but it makes a fantastic pen![]
Great finish too![8D]

 

[Blind_Squirrel]

Very nice.

 

[Parker]

Nice! I'm interested to hear about your process on making the blank too! VERY good work! [8D]

Parker

 

[Russet]

An alfalfa cube is made from Alfalfa hay compressed under high pressure and extruded in a cube about 1.25 inches square and 2 to 4 inches long depending on were it breaks off. I stabilized them in Poly, but had to do it 3 times in order to strengthen them up enough. I have found that it is very hard on tool steel since there is so much grit in the hay cubes. I will have to sharpen my Gouge and skew at least 2 times each just to make 1 pen; usually I can do 10 or more wood pens before re-sharpening. My poor band saw blade has taken a real beating. But it seems to be worth it since they are very unusual and sell well. If you want more details I would be happy to share.

 

[ed4copies]

Russet,

I have been attempting to sell them in Chicago for over a year. So far, have sold THREE. ($38 a pop for cigar style).

Uncrunch the cube and cast the alfalfa in resin, it is a little clearer but a lot easier on your tools.[][]

 

[workinforwood]

Yea, I think it's really great too. I know all about them alfalfa cubes, being I deliver them, but hadn't thought about making a pen from one, although I don't know or have equipment to stabilize them. I know we also have smashed solid bird seed blocks. Edible guinea pig homes that are compressed alfalfa and other things. Hmmm...lots of solid compressed dog biscuits and assortments of sausages. None of those are too attractive, other than the bird seed, and alfalfa cubes that I can think off off hand. Maybe you'd like some compacted shrimp from the fish section? [][]

 

[toolcrazy]

Nice pen.