Anyone used redwood for blanks?

[Woodchipper]

Got a bunch at Woodcraft recently. I realize it is a soft wood but inquiring about using it for pen blanks.

 

[egnald]

I've used it before. I repurposed some nice redwood that came from our tornado damaged roof about 3 years ago. I've also used several of the redwood burl blanks that I got from Rocky Bemis a few years ago. Even though it is a soft wood I don't think pens generally get much severe abuse that it should cause any kind of problems. - Dave

 

[GaryMGg]

I've done some redwood burl pens.
I drizzled CA as I turned to make the blank more durable.

A plain redwood blank doesn't do anything for me.

 

[leehljp]

Same here as Gary above - several redwood burls. The RW Burls I have had and used in the past were very nice!

 

[duncsuss]

I also got some redwood burl from the late Rocky Bemis, I tried one using CA like Gary, the rest I asked a friend to stabilize for me.

 

[bugradx2]

I've not tried turning "regular" redwood a whole bunch. I've generally used stabilized redwood burl that I've bought from Exotic Blanks. They put some exhibition graded blanks out for sale occasionally too. In either case, I like the extra figure of the redwood burl.

My advice with redwood is to be very gentle with your tools and try to sand as little as you can. Even when stabilized it can have areas that are softer. It makes a pretty pen.

 

[d_bondi]

I have used stabilized lace redwood burl, FANTASTIC!!

 

[greenacres2]

Man, i miss Rocky Bemis!! Got some great wood from him--and in the process had the opportunity to peel back a few layers of his onion personality!! Incredible man, and getting to know him made the turning money i spent a great investment!!

 

[BHuij]

I've done redwood burl, it's a fantastic looking wood. I expect non-burl redwood would look great too, just less figure.

 

[Todd in PA]

The stabilized redwood burl I bought didn't seem dense/heavy the way other stabilized woods feel. I wondered if it wasn't done improperly. Anyone else?

 

[KMCloonan]

I still have about a dozen redwood burl blanks from Rocky. The blanks still have the yellow Post-it notes he used. I'm reluctant to use them up, as he was such a great guy.

 

[Woodchipper]

This isn't burl but plain redwood. Will cut a couple of blanks for you to critique.