Hello everyone. My name is Todd Ransom and I'm from Mason City, Iowa. I'm new into pen turning. I've had a lathe for many years that I've only used for cleaning and dent removal of pool cue shafts. I tried to make pens a couple years back, but only made a couple of pens then life got in the way. I recently decided that I wanted to really dive into this venture and see where it takes me.
I've been collecting blanks, pen kits and various other materials and equipment to give myself a head start. In the near future, I plan to get the equipment to start stabilizing wood and casting my own blanks. My biggest obstacle if finding decent wood to use. There is no place within 2 hours of me that carries anything other than domestic hardwood and very little choices of that. Any advice or leads to reputable (I've been burned by a couple of places already) places to find quality materials would be greatly appreciated.
I'm looking forward to meeting others that share this hobby and learning as much as I can about all aspects of making pens.
![20191127_093609[1].jpg](https://www.penturners.org/attachments/20191127_093609-1-jpg.228591/ "20191127_093609[1].jpg")
I've been collecting blanks, pen kits and various other materials and equipment to give myself a head start. In the near future, I plan to get the equipment to start stabilizing wood and casting my own blanks. My biggest obstacle if finding decent wood to use. There is no place within 2 hours of me that carries anything other than domestic hardwood and very little choices of that. Any advice or leads to reputable (I've been burned by a couple of places already) places to find quality materials would be greatly appreciated.
I'm looking forward to meeting others that share this hobby and learning as much as I can about all aspects of making pens.
