Woodcraft Tenacious

[Kenny Durrant]

Western Diamondback with a Texas State Quarter. For some reason after I think I've figured something out and have a procedure down something happens and everything's out the window. I've done snakeskins for a long time and at first I didn't have many problems at all. Then a little over a year ago I couldn't cast a snake to save my life. I've been working on different methods from tanning to different resins. I contacted Monty in Houston and talk to him about it and he gave me a few tips and I think I'm back in the saddle once again. Thanks Monty for your time and input. It's been frustrating to say the least.

 

[magpens]

@Kenny Durrant

That's a cool idea to cast a quarter with the snake skin ... I think you have made a really good job of that one !!

That "Tenacious" pen kit looks to be the same as the Berea "Blade" kit ... do you know if that is correct ?

 

[howsitwork]

How did you curl the quarter like that? then get it to sit right in the resin.
Impressive work and beautiful finish.

 

[Woodchipper]

Impressive!

 

[Kenny Durrant]

It is the same as the Blade. I purchased the Blade first and they sent the wrong bushings. I called and they told me what the bushings they sent fit and to keep them. They also sent the correct bushings. I couldn't stand the wait and it just so happened the Woodcraft store here just received their Tenacious kits the day before. I bought the Tenacious bushings and all went well. The quarter on the snakeskin wasn't my idea to start with. Several years back I saw a long click from Seamus that I liked. Not sure if he was the first but that's where I got, stole, the idea from. Bending the coin wasn't too bad. I drilled a few different sized holes in a block of wood. Then cut the holes in half to make half moon troughs. Bend the coin by hand around a punch to get it started and straight then lay it in the block and start tapping it down with a hammer.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

I forgot to answer the question about how to mount the quarter. Depending on the size of the tube, if the coin will wrap around enough I just let it spring on it own and that has worked out well. If it doesn't I just put a few drops of glue in a few spots to hold it in place.

 

[bsshog40]

That is cool!

 

[johncrane]

well done Kenny! looks very nice

 

[mark james]

Excellent pen Kenny. The skin and coin go well together.

 

[JohnU]

Very nice Kenny. Snakeskins are one of the most challenging to cast and have given me the most headaches over the years also. Glad to see your success. Keep at it!

 

[Kenny Durrant]

Thanks to all for the kind words. I've always enjoyed the outdoors so when I started turning I like the outdoorsy type of pens. I know the snakeskin pens aren't for everyone but you have to admit they're a great conversation starter.

 

[Mikeyt]

C cv. C. C. Go. Cc c CB


Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

 

[Kenny Durrant]

Mike I don't get it.

 

[its_virgil]

That "Tenacious" pen kit looks to be the same as the Berea "Blade" kit ... do you know if that is correct ?

Woodcraft sells Berea kits but renames them so both kits are exactly the same.

 

[MainelyPens]

They say it's not about the destination but more the journey. I feel lucky looking at your work and others, I have a long ways to go.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

I agree with that. Although it get old when things aren't going well it's a lot more gratifying when you figure it out. It also helps with the humility part of life as well.

 

[howsitwork]

Kenny

I assume the snake skin is then pressure cast with resin otherwise I am even more in awe of the casting to avoid bubbles in the set up. Sorry it's an obvious question but if you don't ask you do t get to know for sure.

thanks Ian

 

[Kenny Durrant]

Yes it's P.R. Cast under 55lbs of pressure.