Polaris matched set in Black and White Ebony

This matched set will end up as a first edition. I built the pen version in early September, and it was one of my first pens. I have always loved the Faber Castel pens and pencils of this shape, so when I first started turing, I bought this kit among my first order to PennState.

The blank came from the discard bin at Woodcraft, so I bought about 4 pieces that all looked like Black Ebony. Imagine my surprise as I started turning to find such great swirls, grains, and figuring. It was a great treat. The finish is PPP low and high lustre, though I only sanded to 500 grit. I’m getting much better with finishes, now.

The newest addition is the pencil, which is also in Black and White Ebony on the same Satin Polaris kit. Unlike the Cigar pencil, this one works perfectly, and I expect to make quite a few of these kits. I’m already planning another matched set for a family member’s holiday gift.

I turned the basic shap to just proud of the bushing, then took it down with 220, 320, and 400 sand paper. I just bought Micro Mesh, so I’ve been experimenting. I used Micro Mesh to 6000 grit, and the pen practically sparkled without any finish. I used two coats of low lustre PPP, then finished with three coats of shellawax.

I’m pretty happy with this set. I may keep this one.

-- Mark, Florida, http://penturner.wordpress.com/