Originally posted by tipusnr
<br />That a very LARGE set of questions that have been handled in many different discussions in the archives but here is a brief answer.
1. Yes, many of us buy large pieces and cut them down. Some cut them from tree trunks, limbs, and firewood. Others cut them from scraps from other projects. And still others buy ready made pen blanks from a variety of sources.
2. Yes, to a degree. The blank size depends on the shape you are going to end up with as well as the size hole you need to drill in them. Many kits share dimensions but not a majority of them. The blank length is determined by the pen kit with a large variation for the more creative among us.
3. Stabilized (I think I spelled that right) blanks are wooden pen blanks that have had a fluid (lacquer, CA glue, epoxy, polyurethane, etc.) either pressured, or sucked, into the fibers to keep them from cracking or otherwise coming apart while they are being turned.
4. One piece blanks are called full blanks and 2 piece blanks are called half blanks and the choice between them depends entirely on the kit chosen and your desires.
P.S. You forgot to ask about segmented, laminated, and non-wood blanks.
Take some time and cruise through the archives and the tutorials and you'll get a lot of great info fast!
Originally posted by TomG
<br />Do you buy large pieces and cut them down?
Does each kit have a specific blank size?
What stabalized blanks?
I noticed some blanks come in two pcs. and others are one large piece, why one over the other?
Tom
Originally posted by JimGo
<br />Tom,
Bill's advise wasn't meant as an insult - we get a lot of new members who ask the same basic questions we all asked when we were new members. One of the best pieces of advice I was given when I started was to search the <u>archives</u>. A standard search doesn't return "archived" posts (those that have been inactive for a certain period of time). Given that the site is now 3 years old, there is a LOT more info in the archive than in the active posts. You'll be amazed at the depth and breadth of information there, and searching the archives will usually lead you to not only the answer you're seeking, but also answers to other questions you didn't even know you had.
So, how do you search the archives? Simple. Choose Standard Search from the menu a the top of the page, then, when you do the search, make sure the "Check Archives" check box is checked before you click Submit. If your search times out, try adding a few more words. If you <u>still</u> have trouble with the searches, contact Jeff - we may be having a problem with the server.
I start with very large pieces. They are called 'trees'. Then I cut them down and to size.
Originally posted by SteveB
<br />A newbe here, but I have been bitten by the bug. I have turn what 8 pens, wood & acrylic, but I caught my self weaving in and out of traffic trying to get a better look at a pickup truck with it's bed full of large chucks that looked like a elm tree trunk cut into pieces,got mad when someone would not let me in beside him for a better look- is there hope for me or should I get out now before I morgage my house for more blanks and kits
Originally posted by mdburn_em
<br />Tom,
There might be others who disagree (I don't think there are many) but you are not out of line. For every question you've asked, there were probably 20 other new penturners lurking here who wanted to ask but didn't want to, for whatever reason. JimGo gave some very good advice about how to search the site and it is necessary to periodically provide that information as new turners join the group.
One of the most fun is making a great looking pen from "found" or "free" wood. As has been mentioned, spring might bring some pruning of trees where you live. We have a lot of shrubs where I love and I've found some outstanding figure in some of the dead/dying ones. There are sites that will sell a package that contains a variety of woods. This is an easy and relatively cheap way to gain exposure to a wide variety of woods. You can see what you like and then focus on the wood/material you find you are really passionate about. For example, I love Amboyna and I buy large blocks of it and then cut my own blanks to the size I think I want. If you buy large blocks and cut it yourself, you will save money because you're not having to pay someone else to cut it. (You really should know you like that wood though cuz you'll have a lot of it.)
The kits will, I think, always give you the minimum size. Of course that is adjustable depending on how accurately you can drill the holes without blowouts.
That brings you to another of your questions. Some people might not have a drill press and you can purchase blanks that are in 2 pieces and drilled to fit. Of course, you will pay someone for their labor. Another reason I can think of, is that in the case of snakeskin, they are cast on specific pen tubes--hence the the 2 pieces.
Another reason for stabilizing blanks is to allow coloring (I love double dyed box elder burl) as well as permitting the use of wood that would normally be too unstable to be worked on a lathe. Some wood has wonderful grain or color but is too soft to use for something that takes as much abuse as a pen. (Stabilizing will harden the wood).
Happy turning.