Wenge with bocote center band

[woodscavenger]

After seeing the spalted oak pens I am ashamed of this lowly slimline but such is life. This was mu first attempt at a wooden center band. I like how it turned out. I can now use the cheap slimline kits but make the pen a little more robust without the exagerated "woman in a corset" look.

The photo was dificult to show the grain. I am still a newbie in the photo (and pen making) arena.

I had a great time using my new micro-HSS tools. I could have never even thought of center bands without these babies.

 

[opus]

I like that pen!,
The Bocote really stands out nicely against the Wenge, great choice.
By the way, what tools did you get??

 

[woodscavenger]

PSI had a set on sale for $15 I think. It is part # LCMINI2. It is a 5 peice set. I love it. They seem to hold their edge well. The only problem I have is with the skew. The metal it shorter than my guide plate on my Wolverine jig setup. I haven't figured a good way around that but I will. The small parting tool is especially nice and cuts very cleanly.

 

[woodscavenger]

DUH! I forgot to add the photo! [:0] Here it is. Any comments on my photo album are always welcome since I am a newbie and need all the help I can get.
[]

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[opus]

Thanks,
I'll have to give a look at them.
If that"s the only problem you have with a skew, your way ahead of me....I shouldn't even call it a skew, when I try to use it it should be called "<u>Tool For Removing Big Chunk Of Wood!!) </u>[]

 

[KKingery]

That is a good lookin pen. I've about given up on Wenge though.....I can never get it filled right, and it always looks rough.

 

[Gary]

I've used wenge in jewelry boxes and found that it splinters a lot. It's interesting to see that it can be turned nicely.

 

[PenWorks]

Good looking pen and a fine job on the center band and choice of wood, good contrast.

Anthony

 

[jkirkb94]

Shane the only comment I would make is how great looking your pen is!! I really like the center band. Great job! Kirk[8D]

 

[Tom McMillan]

Great looking pen----the centerband looks great!!!

 

[DCBluesman]

That centerband really adds a lot of flair to the wenge. For those of you having trouble with wenge, it's another very dense, oily wood only with open grain. A couple of coats of sanding sealer to start your finishing will work wonders.

 

[woodscavenger]

How does the sanding sealer change the finish? I actually like the open pores but can see how some would not.

 

[DCBluesman]

Sanding sealer fills but does not hide the pores and grain. That makes it a lot easier to get a smooth finish so you can choose between low, satin and high gloss.

 

[Gary]

If you like the open pores/veins then don't use the sanding sealer...we all have our preferences and after all, it's art!

 

[bajacrazy]

Very nice looking pen, love the center band nice job![8D]

 

[Scott]

Hi Shane,

I really like the way this pen looks! That Bocote centerband really is very striking! I probably would have made the centerband bigger, and it just wouldn't have looked as nice as yours does! You have a good sense of proportion! Excellent job!

Scott.

 

[woodscavenger]

I also did a couple of larger bands, but they just did not look right. Thanks for the compliment.

 

[jwoodwright]

Nice Pen, love the Center band. []