PSI Designer in Cork

[Chaz]

I love working with cork for pens. It has a great feel, compared to wood or plastic, and "figured" cork like this, looks really cool.

 

[sorcerertd]

That is a beautiful pen! I assume that was natural cork? It seems like it would be challenging, even with razor sharp tools.

 

[Chaz]

That is a beautiful pen! I assume that was natural cork? It seems like it would be challenging, even with razor sharp tools.

It depends on what you mean by "natural". It's a composite - ground up natural cork, mixed with some kind of adhesive/binder and then molded.
It's different to work with. It wants a very sharp tool. Light passes. I use a skew. Even then, there's tear-out, and you have to start sanding a lot sooner than you would with other materials. Drilling is different, too.

I'll be making up some blanks in November if you're interested.

 

[sorcerertd]

I'll be making up some blanks in November if you're interested.

Probably not this time around, but thanks. I need to stop buying blanks faster than I can use them for a while. I'm overrun with stuff to make and too short on time to do it. I'll bet you could sell a few in the marketplace. I'll bet it would be an interesting material for segmenting.

 

[Chaz]

 

[Lew]

Beautiful material and good looking pen. I also like the setup for the photography. Very nice all around

 

[leehljp]

Thank you for posting these picts of your work. Very nice work, interesting, and makes me want to give it a try too. I would be interested in a few blanks.

 

[Joebobber]

Im glad you posted this. I have been thinking about trying this for awhile but never pulled the trigger. I even gave a bunch in my cart still. Lol. I think i will go ahead n give it a shot. I love how yours looks.

 

[Kcimdrib]

What a a great idea they look tremendous.

 

[Woodchipper]

One can buy various cork rings from those who are suppliers for fishing rod components. First that comes to mind is www.mudhole.com. I built custom fishing rods for seven years. One doesn't need turning tools...various grits of sandpaper will take down the cork to a baby smooth surface. No catches or gouges in the cork.
Chaz, what finish did you use?

 

[derekdd]

Fascinating.

I would have never have thought to turn cork.

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Chaz]

One can buy various cork rings from those who are suppliers for fishing rod components. First that comes to mind is www.mudhole.com. I built custom fishing rods for seven years. One doesn't need turning tools...various grits of sandpaper will take down the cork to a baby smooth surface. No catches or gouges in the cork.
Chaz, what finish did you use?

no finish. I've thought about waxing, but I like the finish I displayed

I use a sharp skew to shape.

I don't use cork rings. Too much waste.