A real "Beauty"

[oops99]

I had a piece of scrap sitting out all winter and it looked like hell, but I picked it up from the wall it was sitting on and it said to me "IT IS TIME".
I showed it to my wife and she looked at me like I was nuts, I cut it into 3 blanks last night and when she saw the inside of the wood she seemed to breath a sigh of relief. I don't know if I am just lucky or maybe I actually might be able to read a piece of wood before it's cut up, but I've been pretty spot on when I look at something as it comes off the tree.
Here is what I can only refer to as a "Beauty" pen made from spalted maple.
I know that a lot of people, especially pen makers don't love this shape, but whenever I make one of these it usually sells as soon as someone looks at it, so as I enjoy making this style, it seems to be popular in the part of NY that I live in.
Any and all comments welcome.

Tom/oops99

 

[jeffnreno]

Great looking finish - what did you use?

 

[mbroberg]

Beautiful wood.

 

[neubee]

Good looking pen, it is always fun to be able to take a piece of scrap and make something nice out of it.

 

[scotirish]

Love the wood and the style also!

 

[fernhills]

Nice piece of timber, but whats wrong with the clip ? Carl

 

[David Keller]

Pretty wood. If the shape sells then it's a great shape. It looks like the clip holder is not seated... Sometimes with big bulges, the clip will actually lift it out.

 

[KenV]

Except for the wasp waist it looks great to me. I see great lines and finish -- Have you tried that general shape with the swell in diameter without the kit centerband??

 

[Freethinker]

Beautiful wood and finish.............although I find the shape unappealing, I have to commend you on your photography.

I wish everyone could post pictures that show the pen that clearly.

 

[oops99]

When I was assembeling the pen, the plug end for the clip started going in crooked, and started splitting the wood, so I had to take it apart and glue/clamp the wood. Since the wood on the end is so thin, I decided to put some med CA on it and then snugging it into the end. It actually looks good in the hand. I have had to do this before.

The finish is 6 coats of CA/BLO and 2 coats of One Step Plastic Polish.


Thanks for the positive comments.

Tom/oops99


PS. My Father was a photographer

 

[cinder_ladylocket]

Great looking pen....reminds me of Greta Garbo or Marylin Monroe with their tiny waists and other great features!!!! Nice shine too!