Can someone help me figure out what the heck this is???

[Brooks803]

I got this along with other blanks as a prize for a pen contest I was in on another forum. I really don't know how to explain what it is so maybe someone here can give me some help.

 

[azamiryou]

I'd call it "bacon" and have a hot seller! Everyone loves bacon!

 

[Brooks803]

I'd call it "bacon" and have a hot seller! Everyone loves bacon!

I could even print out some egg decals to put on it! :tongue:

 

[Mack C.]

I got this along with other blanks as a prize for a pen contest I was in on another forum. I really don't know how to explain what it is so maybe someone here can give me some help.

It appears to me to be a laminated wood called "Paralam". It's used mainly for long run rafters as it is very strong. Your piece appears to be cross-cut. I have no idea how you might turn it.

 

[rjwolfe3]

I think it is some engineered wood but I have never seen it with that many gaps before. You might want to throw some resin in it to fill the gaps.

 

[KenV]

It may have been a reject section of paralam -- what I have seen has been much more solid. Makes bowls with a different exterior that I have seen. Should make a decent pen if the voids are filled. Got some resin to do a "worthless wood" style fill??

 

[sbwertz]

I got this along with other blanks as a prize for a pen contest I was in on another forum. I really don't know how to explain what it is so maybe someone here can give me some help.

It is an engineered wood called "parallam"

I got a couple in a trade box from Jimm1. One of them blew up in the drill press and I haven't tried to turn the other one.

Sharon

 

[tomas]

Check this link to see some turnings from parralam.
http://www.outofcontrol-woodturning.com/Parallam.html

 

[USAFVET98]

I got a blank like that with my JAck Daniels Blanks..

 

[jskeen]

Parallam is a brand name, like q-tip or frigidair, but it is often used as a generic description of LVL or laminated veneer lumber. LVL is manufactured for a ton of different purposes, using different processes for each specification. This piece looks like it was probably cut from a lvl that was designed to be a non weight bearing member. Parallam brand is usually spec'd for high strength structural applications and is indeed much denser.

 

[Brooks803]

thanks everyone for the help! I do have resin and a pressure pot to help keep it stable...the block is large enough to make 3 - 3/4" x 5 1/2" blanks. We'll see what I can come up with.

 

[hewunch]

If you would have PMed me I could have told you and spared you the embarrassment. Because, I am fairly certain, it is a .... PRIZE! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[Drstrangefart]

I'd call it "bacon" and have a hot seller! Everyone loves bacon!

BACON IS TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I don't actually have this tattoo, but I thougt it really hammered the point home.