banksia pod pen help.

[crabcreekind]

i have been reading up on how to make banksia pod pens. but i am afraid of it cracking when i am trimming the barrel...( i have had this happen to me many times while making black palm pens). also what saw would i use to cut up the banksia pod because a band saw would kind of be unwieldly to hold. i just need some starter tips before screwing up a banksia pod.

 

[Fred]

Use the bandsaw with a simple sled to hold the pod. I also have found that filling the seed holes is a lot easier if done prior to turning.

 

[Buzzzz4]

I just cut one up on a bandsaw with no problems. I've only done Banksia that has been pressurized with resin so it turned quite smooth. A squaring jig on the sander would be the best way to square it up though.

 

[pensbydesign]

make sure your pen mill is sharp they don't come that way new. also use a light touch and i find a little thin ca aloud to soak in the end grain helps.