Usually I will have a pen kit picked out before I put together the blank. This gives me the tube size and length of the blank I need to make. Other times when I am in the shop with no special project to work on, I will gather up my cut-offs and see that type of blank I can put together. Once turned round, I will have a better idea of what kit will look best with the blank I have made. You never know what exactly your blank will look like until it is turned to size. Whatever way you do it the only thing that matters is if you are happy with the end results. Jim S