A not so slim modified slimline with epoxy and maple burl

[NGLJ]

Today I turned a modified slimline pen with the first plastic (epoxy) blank that I made myself. It also incorporates some maple burl. Since it was my first there was no grand design. I just threw a couple of colors in and a piece of burl I had lying around. I made the mold from HDPE. I am sure that I will be making more in the future.

 

[sorcerertd]

First blank, huh? Looks great! You should definitely make more in the future.

 

[Penultimate]

I like that you made it without the center band.

 

[NGLJ]

Here is my second pen made with my own epoxy blank. Whilst you can purchase a bewildering number of amazing "plastic" blanks there is nothing more satisfying than making them yourself. Like so much in woodworking you are only limited by your knowledge, imagination and experience. I found that purchasing silicone molds is quite expensive, so I made my own, again more satisfying! Most purchased blanks are typically ¾" x ¾" x 5¼" which is way more than enough for slimline pens. So, I decided to reduce to ⅝". It saves epoxy, turning time and reduces waste. However, in error (duh!) my mold turned out to produce 9/16" which is cutting it a little fine but worked out just OK. One year ago I likely would have had more difficulty in turning it without a disaster. Practice makes perfect! Also, I finally got around to making a pen display stand using my CNC. So many ideas and not enough time to explore them all. Such is the attraction and frustration of woodworking. Should have started when I was much younger .

 

[derekdd]

Well done!