Wanted: Lilac Pen Blanks

[goldendj]

Don't know quite why, but my daughter suddenly decided she wanted to try turning lilac. Can't seem to find anything online--every search winds up pushing purple heart. Anybody got any pointers?

 

[hilltopper46]

I can send you some. How many would you like?

 

[goldendj]

Just a couple to try it out. Dunno why she decided lilac, but it's fun to keep her involved. The only pen she writes with is the fountain pen she made last year ...

 

[henry1164]

I have an idea as to why your daughter may have an interest. I got some lilac that was cut from a neighbor's bush. Was amazed to find a natural purple color in some pieces (slimline pen is an example). I have since had the opportunity to meet and make friends with the horticulturist who manages the extensive lilac fields in Highland Park Conservancy, Rochester, NY (home of 1,200 lilac bushes and the annual Lilac Festival). The two other pics are items made from some stock that he culled. I can send a few pieces of this latest batch of blanks that I cut. Please let me know.

 

[wood-of-1kind]

Just a couple to try it out. Dunno why she decided lilac, but it's fun to keep her involved. The only pen she writes with is the fountain pen she made last year ...

Just so you know, the purple colour from lilac will turn from purple to brown. That is my experience with turning lilac.
It gives a nice aroma when turned and it is subject to cracking. Still a very nice wood to turn.