Jr. Statesman in Myrtlewood

[Gary]

Here is one I thought I would share with everyone. The blank was a piece of plain looking myrtlewood. I didn't realize it had the curl to it until I had it turned. I've been surprised by myrtlewood so many times in both pens and bowls. It's a nice wood to work with. As always, any comments or observations appreciated.

 

[Tom McMillan]

Really nice Gary!!!! Great looking Myrtlewood for sure!!!

 

[WoodChucker]

Gary, great looking pen and a beautiful finish!

 

[PenWorks]

Very beautifull pen Gary. Never cut any mrytle wood. Great looking flame pattern. The finish really makes it look deep. Good one.

 

[Jim in Oakville]

Hi Gary,

That finish is amazing, can you tell what process you followed? Great looking pen!!

 

[pipemaker]

Gary,
Both the pen and finish are outstanding.
You are absolutely correct about Myrtlewood, you never know what you will find until you turn it. I have been pleased more often than I have been disappointed.

 

[Gregory Huey]

Gary
Outstanding pen and finish. Seems like it a suprise on many woods when you turn em down.

 

[woodscavenger]

Comments, with a pen like that you don't need no stinkin' comments. The thing speak volumes for itself. Great pen!

 

[dougle40]

Great looking pen Gary.

 

[Deere41h]

Beautiful pen and a great finish!!! Shows off the nice curly wood.

Really Nice!!

 

[Gary]

Thanks guys...compliments from one's peers are always appreciated.

 

[Gary]

Originally posted by pipemaker
<br />Gary,
Both the pen and finish are outstanding.
You are absolutely correct about Myrtlewood, you never know what you will find until you turn it. I have been pleased more often than I have been disappointed.

I agree, Mike. It's a rewarding wood to work with. I wish I could get more of the quality stuff, but it's pretty much bought up by folks living on the West Coast.

 

[Gary]

Originally posted by woodscavenger
<br />Comments, with a pen like that you don't need no stinkin' comments. The thing speak volumes for itself. Great pen!

Thanks Shane, that's the ultimate compliment...makes me want to turn one better next time.

 

[Gary]

Originally posted by penworks
<br />Very beautifull pen Gary. Never cut any mrytle wood. Great looking flame pattern. The finish really makes it look deep. Good one.

Anthony, you live out west, you should look for it. The best wood comes from the Oregon coastal area where the tree is really stressed. It can exhibit some stunning grain pattern and color.

 

[Gary]

Originally posted by Jim in Oakville
<br />Hi Gary,

That finish is amazing, can you tell what process you followed? Great looking pen!!

Jim, I'm from the old school of lacquer finishing...that's all I use. Finishing for this pen was as follows:

Sanded to 800 grit
One coat of sanding sealer
Lightly sand again with 800 grit
Five coats of guitar lacquer
Final leveling/polish with Micro Mesh (3200-12000)
Renaissance Wax
Hand buff

Cheers!

 

[PenWorks]

I hear it come up allot, I bet I even have some burried somewhere in my stash. I remeber Jim Martin, my gun buddy making some mrytle wood grips. Will have to check it out. I have a buddy that lives in Oregon on the coast, I just may call him, thanks.

 

[Fleabit]

That is one sweet and beautiful pen! The finish is OUTSTANDING! I will have to try the laquer trick on one of my future pens.

 

[Ken Massingale]

Great pen and the finish is awesome, Gary.
ken

 

[JimGo]

Wow, that looked GREAT! I love the curl to it; it really gives the wood some added depth!

 

[woodpens]

That is one fabulous looking pen, Gary! Your time spent on finishing really paid off. Nice job!

 

[KKingery]

Beautiful work Gary! Fit & finish are excellent!