Prune Pens without the Pits

[Tom McMillan]

OK, I'm going with Prune Wood on this since the history of my area includes Prune Hill and they were called Prune Orchards. I haven't made any pens for awhile so I'm a bit rusty--looks like my mandrel may be bent as these are slightly proud on one side, but wanted to share the results of some of the wood I got. A question---I'm not sure about using gold kits with this wood---what plating would you suggest with this wood?? I usually make wood centerbands, but didn't have time right now and wanted to have one for the friend that let me have the wood.

 

[Alexander]

Your right Tom, although a beautiful wood, finding the right kit may be difficult. I am usually not a big fan of the satin finishes, but they may be the best bet for you with this wood. I would have probably tried a kit with a black finish on these. The pens look nice, you havent lost your touch !

 

[ctwxlvr]

I like the wood and think a dark or copper finish might look great on this wood.

 

[huntersilver]

Nice looking pens!!

 

[GaryMGg]

I like that wood.
Prune is in the cherry family, right?
If those will darken over time like cherry does, I'd think they look great with
bright copper plating or black TN kits.

Gary

 

[Hiram33]

Super looking pens and i agree a darker finish would look great. Also you mentioned a wood band? Is they some place that might have instruction on making wooded bands. Thanks Peter

 

[wdcav1952]

Lovely work, Tom! I would consider satin gold or satin copper for a finish.

 

[workinforwood]

I think black titanium. That wood looks really awesome..havent seen prune wood before.

 

[Tom McMillan]

Thanks guys!! I'll have to get a few copper kits to try--I do have some black chrome kits I might try to see how they look. I don't have any black titanium kits yet either--do they look similar to the black chrome??

 

[Tom McMillan]

Oh, about wood bands. I thought there was a tutorial---but I just looked at the library and don't see it. Does anyone know if there is a tutorial on wood bands?? Maybe it was the Yahoo Group that has it?

 

[DCBluesman]

http://content.penturners.org/articles/2004/aaw-winter03-36-41pens.pdf Scott Greaves article from American Woodturner a couple of years ago.

 

[Sidro55]

Nice looking plum and I like the gold kit with it.

Sid

 

[Abrock75]

Nice looking pens.