Choosing fittings to match wood

[Gizmo3k]

Are there any conventions for choosing fitting colours (chrome, gold etc) for certain colours of wood, other than just going for what looks right?

I am trying to work out what blanks I should prepare for various pen kits, but don't have a lot of experience of how wood will turn out when I have finished it.

I suppose I could sand the outside of some of the blanks and apply a finish, then match that up, but a rough idea if how more experienced people make selections would be handy.

I have various types of woo in the garage, but do people generally use chrome with darker woods and gold with light, or the other way around? What about gunmetal or copper firings?

I know this is mostly an aesthetic choice, but anything I can do to reduce 'errors' can hurt!

So, for some examples, hat would you match up with these woods? (I realise I could be putting a cat among the pigeons here!)

Cherry
Red oak
Brown oak
Purpleheart
Ipe
Ebony
Apple
Mahogany
Brown walnut

I see cherry as being difficult due to the potential for colour changes, the same with Purpleheart. I suppose padouk would be similar, but I don't have any of that!

Alan

 

[brody2123]

It's all in the eye for me on this one Alan. But, it really is down to personal taste. It's a good idea to part turn and then see what you like the most kit wise. I personally prefer chrome to gold, as it looks classier in my eyes. Especially woods like Ebony and Purpleheart.

 

[Woody]

The only choice I give a bit of wood is Chrome or gold kit type dont come into it I have already decided today I'm going to turn some say Sierras or Omegas so what will fit in with this colour wood chrome or gold

 

[Terry]

I just decide which kit I am going to make and then rummage around my wood collection and decide there and then !!!

 

[rayf6604]

I do think certain colours of wood or acrylic lend themselves more to one plating or the other. But when you get kits like the Lucida or Exec Sierra from T/b in chrome and gold it don't make a lot of difference. For me it seems to matter more with certain colours of acrylics. Those with gold/orangey/yellowy colours in them seem to go better with gold kits and the greens/reds/blues/black/whites/greys go better with chrome for me.

 

[Jim]

I just decide which kit I am going to make and then rummage around my wood collection and decide there and then !!!

This would be a good way of doing it if you have any doubts for sure ..

 

[bellringer]

What ever take my fancy

 

[Gizmo3k]

Well, good to know there are no 'rules'

My problem is most of the kits I have are gold, and for some reason I am scared of wasting wood! Some day I will just have to accept that it grows on trees!

 

[Doug]

Chrome every time for me

 

[wm460]

We seem to get a lot better selection of plating's in Aust.
When in doubt ask your wife, if you are not happy with her choice use Black Ti.
You can't go wrong with that.

 

[paulm]

I turn the blank and then choose. Sometimes its and easy choice and other times I hold the nib of the kit up to try and get the right one.