Elegant Sierra Chrome and Satin with Gabon Ebony

[More4dan]

My first Sierra and I'm impressed by the kit. The Ebony turned and finished beautifully. Sanding the ends to the tubes was a whole nother story. I was using a 2" x 72" belt sander with a 1-1/2 HP motor with a new 120 grit belt I usually use to grind blade steel. It still took 5 min to sand the 2 ends about 1/8" each. That end grain is tough stuff. The dark wood contrast nicely with the chrome kit. The "Elegant" upgraded version of the Sierra was worth the couple extra $$. I really like the flat top.

Danny

 

[mecompco]

Looks very nice. I, too, like the Elegant Sierra. Put a black circuit board blank on it and I think it makes a terrific combination--one of my favorite pens.

Regards,
Michael

 

[1080Wayne]

I also like that pen , but am a bit concerned about your approach to the ends . Sanding off that much of a very hard dense wood creates a lot of heat , unless done very slowly . That dries out the end , and will create cracks . As a rule of thumb , if the end is too hot to hold your finger on , you have overdone it . A quick douse in a glass of water until it is cool is the best treatment if that occurs .

 

[More4dan]

I also like that pen , but am a bit concerned about your approach to the ends . Sanding off that much of a very hard dense wood creates a lot of heat , unless done very slowly . That dries out the end , and will create cracks . As a rule of thumb , if the end is too hot to hold your finger on , you have overdone it . A quick douse in a glass of water until it is cool is the best treatment if that occurs .

Letting cool is partially why it took so long. It also helps to regularly clean the belt. A sharp belt and lower grit will cut with less heat. Good words of wisdom on watching the temperature.

Danny

 

[jttheclockman]

I love Gabon Ebony as an accent wood. It works well and have never had a cracking issue. But with any wood and finish heat is the enemy. Looks good. Thanks for showing.