Pen blanks

[alpha1]

Hi guys
The quality of pen blanks differ so much between different suppliers.
I have had a really bad week in the shed so many disasters to day I sat down and went through all my blanks and binned quite a few. What blanks turn Ok and finish Ok. Acrylic type blanks were should I be buying them in the UK.

 

[Themackay]

I have bought pen blanks from most of the suppliers in the uk and elsewhere and cant say I have had a problem with quality,most will come from a small number of manufacurers.When I started doing pens I had quite a few disasters with Acrylic blanks until I got my technique right still occasionaly have a mishap,is it Acrylic blanks you have been binning or wood.,

 

[alan morrison]

If you ever do any segmenting then those binned blanks would come in very useful.

 

[flexi]

As has been mentioned above, good technique and practice will see you able to turn softer or more brittle blanks, but I do also agree with you.
I have had blanks from way too many sources especially from the homegrown 'master casters' these vary in density....some pappy soft to bullet hard.....some very brittle and some hybrid blanks that seperate like a shotgun on the lathe.
Over time I now have a short list of suppliers I use especially for resin blanks, that way I know the quality of what I am buying..... sometimes you have to pay a premium but I'd sooner do that and know it's not going to be bin fodder!!!
I have had some watch part cast pen blanks and the caster even added pre cast sizes to each blank so you don't run the risk of going that bit to far!
I hope this helps

 

[Bill Mooney]

I’ve had all types of “acrylic” blanks & like Mark says, many different textures.
Tool presentation, technique & practice will help you handle any blank.
Unfortunately you don’t know what you’re getting till you start & turn it. The right tool is the one that feels most friendly to the blank you’re turning. Most acrylic blanks sustain damage to the ends through pieces breaking off. This can be avoided by coming in from each end towards the centre of the blank. Fast lathe speed combined with slow light cuts are your best way forward.

 

[Curly]

You always have the option to give the blanks to someone for practice. There are always people starting out that have the enthusiasm but not the money.

Pete

 

[fortress]

Hi Dave, you don’t mention why you’ve binned those blanks, are they wood or acrylic, are they damaged, have you damaged them while turning? If I buy blanks, they are usually of good quality and turn well. I know it sounds obvious but are your tools as sharp as they need to be, are you turning at the right speed?

 

[Lons]

If my memory serves this isn't the first time you've complained of problems turning acrylic, and I seem to remember major failures with wood blanks. correct me if I'm wrong as I haven't checked back.

I really think the issue is far more likely to lie with your techniques and sharpness of tools. When the lockdown is over I'd seriously suggest you invest some time and perhaps money having a few lessons or join a club.
A day with Neil Lawton in York would sort out your problems PDQ. Worker in Wood – Wood Turning Courses in Yorkshire

I'd add that with acrylic and resin blanks from various sources I've never over the years had what I'd call a bad one. Yes there have been a few with air bubbles and different types naturally need a specific approach but that's just different materials same with wood, some dead easy to turn others damn difficult but that's what experience and patience is for.
failures are, more often than not the fault of the turner.

 

[alpha1]

Hi a bit of a coincedance but I spent part of to day sorting out blanks.
I have had two fail yesterday one cracked while seating the nib. The other one was extremelly hard and whilst sanding the blank ended up with a void that you could see the bras through. It seems to be mainly blanks with resin and wood mixed. Are they hybrid blanks. It seems some of them are better quality than others. I guess its down to the type of resin used. Some other types seem brittle I have had them were chunks break off. I think I can regognise the type of blank and I am binning them.

 

[Lons]

I think I can regognise the type of blank and I am binning them.

Instead of binning them why not send them to Bill Mooney who will turn them into pens for charity.

 

[woodhacker]

Gawd almighty somebody binning blanks whats the world coming to.

 

[Penpal]

I humbly suggest you sand the blanks toward round before you turn it will alleviate the problem.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

Keep them put them aside and try again later.

 

[Dalboy]

Like many, I have quite a few pen blanks.

Many of them are plain woods but yet do not get rid of them as they will come in handy. Some of these are acrylic in some shape or form in regards to the type of resin used the older ones are a little brittle but with gentle turning and taking small amounts off I can get over this.

The other problem of seeing the brass tube can be overcome by either painting the tube or of a hole appears filling it with a complimentary coloured filler. As for the resin/wood splitting some nibs I have found a little tight so these need care when inserting them and making sure that they do not cock over when inserting as this can cause the problem (Don't ask).

I know I do not turn many pens as many here joke about when I do, but I have turned enough to know the problems that can occur