End grain turning advice

[Hallelujahal]

me again, got an oak blank that’s been cut endgrain or cross grain, any advice before I make a pigs ear of it?

 

[Phil Dart]

Make sure that the tube has a complete and even coverage of glue - any catch is more likely to break out the wood if the catch happens in an area where there is insufficient glue or no glue at all.

Make sure your tools are super sharp, especially on your final cut - cutting end grain with a blunt tool will leave a roughened effect much more than on side grain, as it will push the fibres out of line rather than cut them.

You might find that sanding will take more effort on end grain, and may never be satisfactory without some help - applying sanding sealer repeatedly as you go will firm up the grain and make the job much easier and much more successful.

Pay extra attention to sealing before applying your final finish - end grain will soak up sanding sealer much more than side grain.

Take a photo of the finished pen - photographing a pen with a cross cut blank is just the same as one with a conventionally cut blank, but we all want to see it nonetheless.

 

[Bammer]

I would add, when rounding off, light cuts and come in from each end

 

[ValleyBoy]

I always use a negative rake scraper on end grain as I get to the final stages. This has to be a steel tool (not carbon) as you need to create a burr on the top edge of the tool. That’s the key and is what does the work. You’ll end up with a very smooth finish on the end grain and, as you’re scraping rather than cutting, you’ll reduce your chance of a catch.

 

[flexi]

All very good advice above, and I now have nothing to add!!

 

[Penpal]

Wise choosing IMHO using chosen timbers my favourite Hairy Oak is wild in normal grain but famous cross cut.

 

[Bill Mooney]

All good advice.