I found my shop!

[mark james]

I have not had the time or motivation for far too long to do any turning, or being sociable. I miss my Waffle House Breakfasts with Ernie and Chuck.

2 weeks ago, my 97 yr old Father-In-Law gave away a pen I made for him to one of his home health PT's (Fine by me - she's awesome). Discussion led to needing more; again, fine with me, just need to go 2.5 hrs north to my shop and dust it off. I finally got back to my lathe and hoped I was welcome.

These are for the rest of the aides for my FIL: RN, RN, PT, OT, PTA; They are wonderful. All pens are 'Thank You' Center Band Kits (Sierra Style) from Exotic Blanks. It was nice to clean off my lathe, work slowly as I am out of practice, and simply enjoy the process. For me, woodturning has been a welcomed experience. Thank you IAP.

 

[Alan Morrison]

Mark, I am really pleased that you have found some workshop time, and for a good reason.
I hope that turning these has been a means of catharsis for you.
I'm sure that these pens will be gratefully received and treasured by the recipients.

Alan

 

[Edgar]

What Alan said! Great job, Mark.

 

[KenB259]

Nice job, you haven't lost your touch. They'll be treasured.

 

[mark james]

Mark, I am really pleased that you have found some workshop time, and for a good reason.
I hope that turning these has been a means of catharsis for you.
I'm sure that these pens will be gratefully received and treasured by the recipients.

Alan

Hi Alan, my Friend. Yes, It was a pleasure today to get back to turn a gift. All is well. My activity on IAP has been sparse recently, but as with my shop, it will be there when I can come back with a clear bench. Be well my Irish Friend!

 

[thewishman]

Love the pens, especially the center one. It's nice when getting back in the shop is a joy.

 

[sorcerertd]

That must feel good and they are a nice group of gifts. What did you use for finish to retain the natural grain with the pores

 

[Mike]

Beautiful pens.

Mike

 

[KMCloonan]

A perfect use of the "Thank You" pen, and beautiful combinations of woods, colors, and superb segmenting. The pens will certainly be appreciated. Welcome Back Mark!

 

[mark james]

Nice job, you haven't lost your touch. They'll be treasured.

Hands are shakier, very out of practice, but all is well. It was a nice 3 hrs in the shop.

 

[mark james]

That must feel good and they are a nice group of gifts. What did you use for finish to retain the natural grain with the pores

You will notice open/sealed grains on #1-2; Oil /waxfinish on #3; CA on #4-5.

Left to right:
1). Glue Boost #1, 2 coats, no sanding or buffing. Leaves the grain texture, but sealed.
2). Wipe on Polyurethane, 4 coats under a heat lamp for 30 minutes, then the next coat.
3). 1/4 Mineral Spirits/ 3/4 Paste wax (similar to Obie's shine Juice? Capt'n Eddie???)
4). Glue Boost - 3 coats #1, 3 coats #2, wet sanded with micromesh.
5). Glue Boost - 3 coats #1, 3 coats #2, wet sanded with micromesh.

I do prefer having the feel of the wood grains. But a sealer is still advantageous with segments.

In #1, the RN asked for a 'reddish wood.' I used Padauk, and applied only 2 thin coats. It was smooth, but the grains were still able to be felt.

For #3, it is a poor finish but was intentional, it will improve as oils from fingers/usage accumulate, so I recommended that whoever takes that pen not to leave it in their vehicle with rapid temperature/humidity shifts in Ohio.

All is well. Best regards my friends.

 

[gimpy]

Glad you found your shop,
and all is well.
Very generous of your FIL
and of course you

 

[sdindc]

Very nice pens and nice to hear you got back into your shop.

 

[Dalecamino]

Nice to see you make some pens for a change of pace. I miss those Waffle House breakfasts as well. We should do it again soon. Maybe your hands are a bit shaky but it doesn't show in these pretty pens. Be well Mark!

 

[CjG78]

You've still got it my friend!! Well done

 

[Cwalker935]

Great group of pens!

 

[MPVic]

Hands are shakier, very out of practice, but all is well. It was a nice 3 hrs in the shop.

Mark, definitely identify with the "shaky hands"!! But still, we can overcome with little jigs, adapters, 'cheats' to keep doing what we all love to do. Thanks for sharing.

 

[montmill]

Looks like you picked up right where you left off. Interesting too your motivation came from a wish to thank others for the care they're given your father in law. Says a lot about your heart. Well done.

 

[bsshog40]

Nice work Mark. I haven't done any shop work in 19 months now. My new shop is slowly getting there but it will still be a while to finish and setup. Glad you found the time to enjoy yours my friend!

 

[Hubert H]

!!

 

[its_virgil]

Always like seeing your work. Thanks for sharing. Glad you were able to work in some "play time" for yourself.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[TDahl]

Very nice work Mark. You have not lost the touch! I hope your FIL is doing better. Thanks again for your guidance, and sharing your work.

 

[Dieseldoc]

Mark, you are the master at turning so let it rip my friend and enjoy the turning time.

 

[howsitwork]

"The time was right" for you. The joy of all this is you turn when you want to.

Great results and I nice way to say thank you .

wishing you and your family well

 

[jrista]

These are very beautiful pens, @mark james! I really like the segmenting...simple, but very nice. I didn't have a great year last year either...didn't even turn for over half the year. Haven't turned since late fall. Really been wanting to get back into it...work has utterly consumed my life. I haven't been much in a mood to be sociable either... Really wanting to get back into it, and I am hoping I get the chance soon. Thanks for posting...it inspires me to work harder to get my life situation sorted out, so I can actually have some time to LIVE, and enjoy it.

 

[mark james]

These are very beautiful pens, @mark james! I really like the segmenting...simple, but very nice. I didn't have a great year last year either...didn't even turn for over half the year. Haven't turned since late fall. Really been wanting to get back into it...work has utterly consumed my life. I haven't been much in a mood to be sociable either... Really wanting to get back into it, and I am hoping I get the chance soon. Thanks for posting...it inspires me to work harder to get my life situation sorted out, so I can actually have some time to LIVE, and enjoy it.

I can't take credit for the segmenting as it was gifted to me I believe in a trade for one of my Chevron blanks (I think). Its been one my bench for quite a while. I figured if I could turn it without a catch I can get back to other turnings also. Have a great day!

 

[sorcerertd]

1). Glue Boost #1, 2 coats, no sanding or buffing. Leaves the grain texture, but sealed.

I've been doing this more often lately, too. It works especially well on bog oak (and one just went out in the mail yesterday). I do usually burnish it a little with a rag from a tshirt or flannel.

 

[yaroslaw]

Mark, I really feel you, brother. Hope you'll find enjoyment in making pens again!

Love from Ukraine, Yarek.