No, I didn't know black palm and bamboo were monocots until I looked it up. I have always found the end grains of these two woods to have a striking appearance so I decided to make a pen with end grain showing. What a tough pen to make. The black palm has hard and soft wood and the bamboo isn't much different. Now flip them to the grain side and try to turn that. I had plenty of issues with flying pieces of wood. There were many come-aparts! I had at least one and the blanks had five or so. Eventually, using the combination of really sharp tools and doing some power sanding, I was able to get the blanks down to size and shape. In between the wood is brass and aluminum. I don't believe I will be making an end grain pen again. I like the results but it took about three days considering the re-builds and come-aparts.
Two monocots on a Triton
- Thread starter MikeL
- Start date
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Turned Around
Member
Now that is cool looking. I like the end grain on both of those woods as well. I really like the copper spacers, too. Adds a little something else to it.
SteveJ
Member
I'm guessing you would make another one if someone offered you enough for it....
I think it is real nice look.
Steve
I think it is real nice look.
Steve
I think the effort was worthwhile. Nice job on the even spacing and excellent finish too. :biggrin:
1080Wayne
Member
You might have made it a bit more challenging if you had put the end grain of the two at 90 degrees to each other , but you can do that the next time . Very nice pen .
thewishman
Member
That is gorgeous!
Dan Hintz
Member
Mike,
You said brass and aluminum, but it looks like copper and aluminum... brain fart?
You said brass and aluminum, but it looks like copper and aluminum... brain fart?
evan bahr
Member
That is a really nice pen!
Glenn McCullough
Member
Handsome looking pen.
Thanks for the comments.
Dan,
I went to the shop to see what was on the package. No package to find. I get my metal from hobby lobby. I think it is brass based on the yellowish color of what is in the shop. I don't recall buying copper from hobby lobby but they carry both. Bottom line, I'm going with brass but I can't prove it.
Dan,
I went to the shop to see what was on the package. No package to find. I get my metal from hobby lobby. I think it is brass based on the yellowish color of what is in the shop. I don't recall buying copper from hobby lobby but they carry both. Bottom line, I'm going with brass but I can't prove it.
ChrisN
Member
Wow, that looks fantastic! I may have to try that...
Good luck.
I would recommend smoothing the edges with rough sandpaper first or maybe band sawing off the corners first. I did not do that at first and I paid for it.Parshooter11
Member
Great looking instrument!
hilltopper46
Member
You. Are. The. Man. Unbelievable! Well done.
OZturner
Member
A Real "Eye Catcher"
Love your choice of Pen, Timbers, and Inserts.
Fit and Finish is Spot On, Great Work.
Though you had difficulties, it is gratifying to extend oneself, to acheive the "Impossible".
Congratulations,
Brian
Love your choice of Pen, Timbers, and Inserts.
Fit and Finish is Spot On, Great Work.
Though you had difficulties, it is gratifying to extend oneself, to acheive the "Impossible".
Congratulations,
Brian
mikespenturningz
Member
Awesome pen.
johncrane
Member
Great effort with all the different materials used.i also luv the end cap design fantastic looking pen Mike! congrats.
Pitoon
Member
great job getting that pen done. the finish is incredible!
Pitoon
Pitoon
Tom D
Member
Super job, I love the texture of the end grain and the finish.
Ambidex
Member
That could be one of the nicest pens I've seen...and on this site that's saying something..the third pic I can't quit going back to and going holy crap that pen is beautiful:biggrin:
:biggrin:
Dalepenkala
Member
Mike absolutely gorgeous pen! Congrats!