Metal in Knot pens

[wickford]

Hello,

Being new here, I recently saw pics of a couple of knot pens that used brass and aluminum with the wood insert in a knot design. My question is where do you get the metal for these? I'm assuming that the aluminum and brass are soft enough metals that the chisels won't be damaged in turning, but I wasn't sure. Also, where do you get these metals?

Any info would be most appreciated!

Thanks!!

 

[GaryMGg]

The aluminum many of us use is from a soda can. Be advised, Coke works better than Pepsi.
Brass can be purchased in thin sheets from Hobby Lobby, Michael's and other sources.

 

[THarvey]

Brass is made with different levels of hardness. You will want to check before using for turning.

The brass sheets at Hobby Lobby or Michaels are malable enough to turn safely.

 

[airrat]

Here is a thread on this discussion. I ordered some samples from one of the vendors listed. I will try it out as soon as I am able to turn again. Out on workers comp right now with my back again.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32061