Spalted Tamarind

[Jerry17]

Hello
I am new to pen turning and would like to know if all spalted tamarind pen blanks need to be stabilized?
I see Penn State has some that do not say they are stabilized.
Thanks in advanced.

Jerry

 

[sorcerertd]

Welcome! If they are stabilized, you will have an easier time with them, especially being new to pen turning. Any spalted wood will likely be a little punky here and there (soft spots). That being said, I've turned quite a few that were not stabilized. They will suck up some thin CA pretty quickly, which will stabilize them. Just stop and apply a little here and there as you turn (with the lathe off, of course). Sharp tools are a must if you don't... well, they are pretty much a must for anything if you want clean results.

 

[Drewby108]

I've turned some unstabilized spalted tam. Agree with what was said above. Thin CA as soon as the wood looks "dry".

 

[Fuzzy63]

Welcome from Indiana.

 

[Jerry17]

Thanks for the replies.
Jerry