Old piece of wood block

[PenCasso]

I'm new to turning, (2 months) I was given a wood block, not sure what kind of wood.

 

[Ted iin Michigan]

I'm thinking red oak. Welcome to the group.

 

[Kcimdrib]

I'm new to turning, (2 months) I was given a wood block, not sure what kind of

 

[Kcimdrib]

Welcome and a great start. I have no idea on the wood but it looks great

 

[howsitwork]

Welcome Lee

My initial reaction was Ash but there's medulary rays there so I think Teds right , Oak seems a more logical conclusion

 

[Darios]

Do you have enough of the unworked wood to be able to post a picture of it?

And I just found out what 'medulary rays' means.

 

[PenCasso]

Do you have enough of the unworked wood to be able to post a picture of it?

And I just found out what 'medulary rays' means.

I cut it in 6 inch squares.

 

[wimkluck]

It looks like oak. Nice finish. Well done. However, this is not the shape I would choose, but that's personal.

 

[PenCasso]

It looks like oak. Nice finish. Well done. However, this is not the shape I would choose, but that's personal.

I'm new as you read on my opening remarks, please advise.

Would you had done a slimline or if you could post a pic that would be helpful, so I can endeavor to try to make what you suggest.

Thanks

 

[wimkluck]

It is not an advise it's my taste.I like my pens straight or with a light curve. If you like it perfect. If you want to sell it? Put some other shapes on the table and asked several persons witch one the like the most.

 

[PenCasso]

I'm a sponge and trying to soak as much as I can, I completely get it being a taste and or preference.

Thanks!

 

[sorcerertd]

I have no doubt that is oak. The cross/diagonal grain cut looks really nice. It can be challenging to work with when cut that way, so nice going there. The prism finish looks pretty good with it, too. I highly encourage you to look through some of the many thousands of pictures in the gallery to see what appeals to you and even start some ideas brewing. Some of the designs are pretty mind boggling.

As far a shape goes, my first pen looked like a snake that had swallowed an egg. One thing to keep in mind is that what looks like a "slight" curve on the lathe/mandrel is much more pronounced once it's on the finished pen. There are a lot of penmakers that carve their pens like you did here, so do what works for you. Unless you decide to sell some, then do what makes the money. That being said, my personal preference is also something thinner, or with a subtle, gently flowing curve. The last couple slimlines I made were completely straight and I wasn't happy with that look, either. Still experimenting and learning...

Mostly, just keep going and see where it takes you. Besides the poorhouse, that is.

 

[PenCasso]

I have no doubt that is oak. The cross/diagonal grain cut looks really nice. It can be challenging to work with when cut that way, so nice going there. The prism finish looks pretty good with it, too. I highly encourage you to look through some of the many thousands of pictures in the gallery to see what appeals to you and even start some ideas brewing. Some of the designs are pretty mind boggling.

As far a shape goes, my first pen looked like a snake that had swallowed an egg. One thing to keep in mind is that what looks like a "slight" curve on the lathe/mandrel is much more pronounced once it's on the finished pen. There are a lot of penmakers that carve their pens like you did here, so do what works for you. Unless you decide to sell some, then do what makes the money. That being said, my personal preference is also something thinner, or with a subtle, gently flowing curve. The last couple slimlines I made were completely straight and I wasn't happy with that look, either. Still experimenting and learning...

Mostly, just keep going and see where it takes you. Besides the poorhouse, that is.

Thank you for the invaluable information. This is what I was looking for and referring to.

Many thanks!