Teak?

[ldimick]

My son just brought over 2 long thick boards that are Teak and one Purpleheart. They were used on the set of Pirates of the Carribean movie by his father-in-law. How is teak to turn? The grain is wonderful. The wood is heavy and I know it has some oils in it. When I turn it I will probably just use MM and possibly some BLO. But not CA. What do you people think?

Lynn

 

[DCBluesman]

Both will turn well and take almost any finish you want. They probably oiled the teak for the movie but you will turn that away. If you're still concerned, wipe the blank with rubbing alcohol before finishing.

 

[Gary]

As Lou said, they both turn well. If you don't want a glossy finish, you might consider spraying it with a satin lacquer or poly.

 

[melogic]

Lynn,
If you look in my photo album on the first page, I have a picture of a designer style pen I made from Teak.

 

[KKingery]

I'm working on several sets of Teak / Red Oak laminations, and also just finished a Teak slimline for an order. Teak turns like butter. Use a light approach to prevent gouging too deep. It sands beautifully, and finishes very well. I've used both wax finish, and also Poly finish.

 

[ldimick]

You guys rock!

Lots of GOOD (real) advice, very little noise, and some great pictures.

 

[KKingery]

Hey - you also will have a good story to tell when you sell the pens!

 

[Fleabit]

I have turned a few teak pens and teak is sweet to work with. Turns great, sands easily and holds a good lacquer finish. My first lamination pen was Teak and Mahogany (in my photo album). You will love working with it.

 

[KKingery]

I just finished a slimline in Teak that I call "The Fatboy" - I'll post a pic as soon as I can get my digi cam back from my kid!

 

[ilikewood]

The first pen I ever turned was in teak...a cigar pen. I carry it everywhere and it stays in my pocket. It has taken some serious abuse over the years and nearly all the gold finish has worn off along with the finish on the wood. You know, the wood is still shiny and pretty. Teak is just a fantastic and durable wood that stays good looking not matter what you do to it.