Another Cactus Blank Question

[JimBobTucson]

Does anyone know how Prickly Pear Cactus pads are prepared so they can be casted? It seems like quite a transformation from the prickly green fleshy pad to the delicate skeletal structure. I know they are bleached and dryed in some way, but I'm sure there is a lot more to it then that.

For years, I use to make jams and jellies from the fruit of the Prickly Pear Cactus. If only I knew then that I could have been harvesting pen blanks as well.

 

[Firefyter-emt]

Well, I will have a go at it. From what I understand, the pear "leaf" is skinned and a preasure washer is used to blast out the "pulp" and then it's allowed to dry. It can be bleached, but that's up to you. I bleached some dry stuff and did not really see a change in it. So pretty much, get the gunk out and let it dry.

 

[TellicoTurning]

Check with the Mesquiteman down in Texas.. I think he is the guru on cactus blanks.

 

[DCBluesman]

Here's Curtis's first "how-to". http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=14860

 

[MesquiteMan]

Jim

Send me an e-mail for further information.