Wood as hard as rock

[txbatons]

Yesterday I was eager to turn some lychee that I received from Chris (Kalai). Man is that stuff hard as nails! I knew I was in trouble during the drilling, and then worse off during the pen milling stage - my least favorite part of turning, by the way. Then I had to sharpen my tools several times just to get the darn blanks turned!

The results are worth it, though because the coloring is awesome and it finishes so well. I haven't assembled the pen yet, but will post a pic later.

 

[Ligget]

Glad to hear the blanks were worth all the hassle![]

 

[txbatons]

Ok, here's the pic of the lychee pen I spoke of. I made these for my parents who are taking a cruise to Hawaii for their 45th wedding anniversary.

The one on the left is signature (gold plating Euro because Dad likes gold whether it's real or not!) and the one on the right is the lychee (chrome Euro). Both with CA/BLO finish and both blanks from Chris here on IAP.

 

[Kalai]

Hi Brian, great looking pens, Lychee is so hard and heavy it will sink in water, you are right it takes a good finish. Are your parents going to visit Hilo on there cruise, aloha.

Chris
Kalai[]