Sun flower seed blanks.

[John M]

I have had this blank for about 4 or 5 years, never wanted to turn it, but I am running out of blanks so I thought I would try it. I dont know if I had some bad luck or if it is the nature of the blank, but it was not a fun blank to turn with my beginner skills. And it seem to dull the heck out of my tools also. And is a bit on the messy side, very dusty. But in the end, I think it was worth it, sorry for my bad picture skills, not good lighting in the house and it is almost 2 am.

 

[alphageek]

I've seen those blanks and always thought "what the heck?"... But thats really cool looking! Nice job and great finish.

 

[its_virgil]

Those blanks are sold as Dakota burl. Fun to turn and unique. I've turned one pen from it and I still use it. It is probably 5 years old and still looks good. It stays on my desk.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the shape you chose but it's your shape and personal choices and tastes are not debatable. Your workmanship, fit and finish appear to be excellent.

I'm also not a fan of using props to support pens. I find they distract from the pen and the pen is what we want to showcase in our pen photos. Again, your pen, your photo and your choice. I hope you accept these comments in the spirit in which they are given. You did a fine job with the pen...if you like it or if your customer likes it.:wink:

Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[John M]

I only used the prop because it was really late and took about 20 pics in my dark house and that was one of the ones that turned out. I am eventually going to get a little station set up where I can have some lights and a little settup. But that is a ways down the road.

I keep trying different shapes for the slims. I like to mix it up, but I dont think I have found the shape that I like best. Some of my older slims had more drastic shapes and get some compliments, but there are a little simpler to polish.

 

[Rollerbob]

John, PM me.

 

[PenTurnerfromMaine]

I have turned several pens from Dakota Burl and everything you said is right. But, it does make a cool and unique pen. I have sold many to people that seem to like the "reused" nature of the materials and the fact that you can't tell what it is just by looking at it.

 

[workinforwood]

Personally I too can't stand the shape of your pen, but having turned one of those, I can understand why you would want to make it so thick. Mine blew up, and I rarely blow out a pen. Congrats on making a usable pen from that stuff!

 

[JohnU]

Nice pen, Its unique stuff, I'll give it that. Ive made a few and always have to coat with several layers of CA while sanding just to get it smooth and fill all those voids in the material. Sold a few because it was sunflower seed shells. I sand most of mine down to the finished shape after I get them close because they are so easy to break or have blowouts.

 

[John M]

Man, kind of surprised at the resentment of the shape. Most people that see it and hold it seem to like it. I just like them to have shape, you can buy a slim, straight twist pen anywhere, I like them to be a little different. I made some of these for a woman that had arthritis, it is not the most attractive pen, but she liked it.

 

[CSue]

I have one of those blanks . . . in a box somewhere. Your pen shows it can be a remarkabley beautiful pen. Nice work. I think I like that shape, too. Don't remember seeing one like that.