| Project by MarkWilk | posted 190 days ago | 139 views | 0 times favorited | 6 comments |  |
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I just got my first commissioned work, a pair of pens for a colleague and his wife. I had The Woodturner’s Catalog on my desk and everyone was asking about pens. My friend picked blanks and pen kits from the catalog, which is like Playboy for turners. Just page after page of great pics.
The blanks were stabilized box elder in pink and blue, on Jr. Gentlemen’s pen kits. The kits required two different drill bits and new blanks, but the extra expense was well worth it for such high quality and good looking final products. I love the feel and balance of these pens. They really came out great.
Stabilized box elder is a pain to turn without ultra sharp chisels. It’s almost as dense as acrylic, and just took a LOT of time and patience to turn.
The end result was outstanding, though, and the blanks took abrasive and polish really well. More commisions are on the way!
-- Mark, Florida, http://penturner.wordpress.com/
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6 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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8398 posts in 256 days
posted 190 days ago
I agree that the end result was outstanding. This is great. Let me think about this- you are getting to spend time on the lathe and turn out these gorgeous pens and GETTING PAID FOR IT TOO? Wow, life is good.
Thanks for the post.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Gary
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291 posts in 759 days
posted 190 days ago
Very nicely done. Glad to know you’re getting recognition for your work too.
It’s a nice compliment when folks buy from you.
Cheers,
Gary
Nils
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104 posts in 299 days
posted 190 days ago
Mark – beautiful work. Great to be appreciated at that level!
-- Nils Davis, Menlo Park, CA
Grumpy
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4648 posts in 286 days
posted 190 days ago
Nice job Mark. I saw an article in an Aussie magazine of a woodworker who had made 40,000 pens. I guess it becomes a bit addictive. I made 20-30 for my staff before I retired, they make great presents.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
rikkor
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7015 posts in 309 days
posted 189 days ago
Great job. The pen looks superb.
-- Maplewood, MN
conwaydog
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20 posts in 204 days
posted 187 days ago
Just turned my first pen. Very nice turn. I like the pine cone display. Nice Job!