Barnmb7117
Member
I don't know if this is in the right spot or not. I was look in my new Grizzly catalog and I notice they had Red Oak pen blanks 5 for $1.50. The item # is D3057. Is this a good deal?
Red Oak pen blanks
- Thread starter Barnmb7117
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Welcome to IAP !!!!
Usually, any blank you can get for $0.30 each is a good deal !
Whether you actually want to make a pen out of Red Oak is the REAL question.
I would not, because it is difficult to get a smooth finish on oak except with many applications of CA, and because it has a tendency to splinter when turning and sanding, in my experience.
Just my opinion, perhaps.
Usually, any blank you can get for $0.30 each is a good deal !
Whether you actually want to make a pen out of Red Oak is the REAL question.
I would not, because it is difficult to get a smooth finish on oak except with many applications of CA, and because it has a tendency to splinter when turning and sanding, in my experience.
Just my opinion, perhaps.
Last edited:
Skie_M
Member
Check your local big box stores and lumberyards ... oak is a common wood used in detailing and construction, so it's readily available, as is poplar.
I can typically buy a 3 foot long 1x2 oak trim board for around 3 dollars ... that would easily cut up into 12 blanks at roughly .75 x .75 x 5.5 inches each
I can typically buy a 3 foot long 1x2 oak trim board for around 3 dollars ... that would easily cut up into 12 blanks at roughly .75 x .75 x 5.5 inches each
The Falcons Quill
Member
I'd agree with Mal, any blanks you can get that cheap are great. These just will be more of a challenge to finish. However these would be great practice blanks for trying new techniques.
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
I will partially agree with both Mal and Greg and Shane.
Red Oak can be bought very inexpensively. And for the price you have quoted, it is a good price.
And, it is a very open-grained wood, which may not be to your preference. I do not recommend it for a practice blanks, unless you like very rough blanks. Try poplar/pine/others. ME... I like working with it! I like open inclusions, holes, cracks, etc... so an open-grained blank is OK with me.
But it is not the best wood for refined work.
Red Oak can be bought very inexpensively. And for the price you have quoted, it is a good price.
And, it is a very open-grained wood, which may not be to your preference. I do not recommend it for a practice blanks, unless you like very rough blanks. Try poplar/pine/others. ME... I like working with it! I like open inclusions, holes, cracks, etc... so an open-grained blank is OK with me.
But it is not the best wood for refined work.
southernclay
Member
Mike if you are new and just looking for some wood to practice with shoot me a PM with your address. I've got a few extra blanks I can send your way, it may be a few days but I'll get them to you.
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oldtoolsniper
Member
Something else to consider is that oak splits very easy, thin oak splits really, really easy. I heat my house with wood, I cut, split and burn a lot of wood every year. Oak is my first choice for firewood because it practically shatters with an axe. Its my dead last choice for building anything.
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KenV
Member
Hey Mike
Do not forget to factor in shipping costs. It can easily run more than the costs of the contents.
Red oak fits the lable of "practice wood".
Need some practice stock drop me a PM
Do not forget to factor in shipping costs. It can easily run more than the costs of the contents.
Red oak fits the lable of "practice wood".
Need some practice stock drop me a PM
Skie_M
Member
Same lumberyards and big box stores can net you some cheap poplar and maple as well, for practice wood ...
Also, "hardwood dowel rods" can be ash, hickory, oak, maple, ect ...
I occasionally grab a 3-foot 1.5" thick oak dowel for 3 bucks when I just need handle material.
Also, "hardwood dowel rods" can be ash, hickory, oak, maple, ect ...
I occasionally grab a 3-foot 1.5" thick oak dowel for 3 bucks when I just need handle material.
Yes you can cut your own cheaper but I'm assuming that some here don't have anything that can cut dimensional wood into manageable blanks.
The Oak that you buy by the foot at Home Depot are probably cheaper per blank. I've sometimes picked up some short pieces there for things like jigs.
The Oak that you buy by the foot at Home Depot are probably cheaper per blank. I've sometimes picked up some short pieces there for things like jigs.
leehljp
Member Liaison
I have used red oak for tables, book shelves, bed frames, headboard & foot board, and other things. Beautiful wood for flat work. As to pens, the straight grain is uneventful and open pores. Good practice wood. However, knots and gnarls make some beautiful pens. This is true in most all woods. Even lowly pine knots in a 2x4 make some pretty pens. It needs to be cut with an eye looking for the best cut to maximize the grain figure. Same with red oak.
larryc
Member
Like Hank I have used red oak for flat work and I tried to use scraps for pens. The blanks turned out blah (no there there) so I took a piece and cut it on the diagonal (about 45 deg.) and what a difference it made. I now have several in my inventory and I sell a couple at each show.