Practice blanks

[Wrongway]

I am looking for a source or suggestions on inexpensive pen blanks I can use to practice turning with so I don't waste the few I have bought so far by silly mistakes. Something I can hold between centres without using tubes. I thought I might be able to use firewood, the sort that we used to see in bundles sold by corner shops. But had no luck in that direction. Is it the sort of thing I should put in the for sale/wanted forum?
Is something like this a good buy? 50+ PIECES SEASONED PEN OR LACE BOBBIN BLANKS, MIXED WOODS WOODTURNING | eBay

 

[TaylorsMirfield.co.uk]

Anything from offcuts to branches. Anything you can get between centres.

 

[bassethound]

Places like Aldi and Garages usually have firewood for sale, not sure if it is cheap enough though, try getting some old thrown out furniture etc mate

 

[Wrongway]

Places like Aldi and Garages usually have firewood for sale, not sure if it is cheap enough though, try getting some old thrown out furniture etc mate

I'll have a look in ALDI tomorrow. Just thought theres a timber merchants nearby that might be worth a visit and ask for offcuts. Jacksons Timber - JJI Joists, Wood Flooring, Trusses, Industrial Products - Welcome

 

[GeordieB]

You could try your local joiners shop you might be able to scrounge some offcuts

 

[mattyts]

Chopping boards from the poundshop are usually good at 12mm thick,mostly made of bamboo I think.

Should be able to get 10-20 from each one so 5-10p per blank

 

[Wrongway]

I will have a look at joiners local. But just been to the garage around the corner and they had bags of firewood for £3. Brilliant. On my doorstep and never realised.

I like the idea of chopping boards. I got a second hand bandsaw recently.

 

[Vic Perrin]

You must know someone who is chucking some old furniture out. Tables, chairs, draws etc. have you got a local tip near you ? Hang around there for an hour and I bet you can get hold of plenty of good timber to practice on

 

[Bill Mooney]

Raid a skip.

 

[Jim]

Any old timber will do, i have learned to walk with my eyes since turning Robbie ..

 

[Wrongway]

You must know someone who is chucking some old furniture out. Tables, chairs, draws etc. have you got a local tip near you ? Hang around there for an hour and I bet you can get hold of plenty of good timber to practice on

Some nice ideas Vic thank's. It's a shame 90% of furniture thrown out now is chipboard type rubbish. You do get the odd bit of real wood I suppose. As for the tip definitely a no go around here. Big notice up saying anyone removing items will be prosecuted. Got some great ideas now though as well as a bog of firewood.

 

[Wrongway]

Any old timber will do, i have learned to walk with my eyes since turning Robbie ..

Must admit I have started looking in that fashion when out and about now. Was walking in a wooded area the other day and saw some small branches. I thought they would be unsuitable being unseasoned and not dried out.

 

[chas_41_uk]

If it is for practice any old wood will do, old furniture that is being thrown out is always good

 

[mattyts]

Some nice ideas Vic thank's. It's a shame 90% of furniture thrown out now is chipboard type rubbish. You do get the odd bit of real wood I suppose. As for the tip definitely a no go around here. Big notice up saying anyone removing items will be prosecuted. Got some great ideas now though as well as a bog of firewood.

Stop the people placing them in the tip,then you're not removing,just preventing

 

[Lons]

Some great ideas already.
Why not put a wanted add in freecycle for any old solid furniture, Dining chairs are an excellent source of sizeable solid, often hardwood. If you ever get over to Northumberland (Morpeth area) drop me a pm and I'll supply you with loads of practice stuff.

 

[paulm]

Borrow someones dog if you haven't got one yourself and take it for a walk in the woods. You will find loads of fallen branches that can be cut up and used.

 

[Penpal]

Nearly fell off my chair Robbie thinking of learning and making Lace Bobbin blanks all in the one sentence mate very ambitious I will take a couple of pics of my bobbin blanks to show you precisely what I mean. Dowelling in hardware stores can be beautiful as I find fencing pieces I will also show you a pic of only cheap as and exciting grain etc then you have to cut it up mate do you have a band saw all progressive steps. Have fun on the way.

Peter.

 

[lignaterrae]

All good ideas above. I'd be tempted to stay away from the bags of firewood from the local shop as they are usually ropey softwoods that are awful to turn and I wouldn't want that to put you off turning!
Stick to hardwoods. Don't pass a skip without looking in. If you see anyone having an Indian sandstone patio laid try to get hold of the crate they are delivered in, they are made from lots of good hardwoods, mainly eucalyptus. Some pallets are also great hardwoods.

 

[Dalboy]

When out driving look out for people chopping down trees. You will also get to know the sound of a chainsaw being used. The worst thing is it normally happens when you can,t stop, like the other day traffic lights around men chopping down a tree could not stop as was on the way to pick up some bunk beds, got past them and ended up behind a tractor and trailer with a load of wood on

 

[Wrongway]

Must be very frustrating seeing something like that and can't do anything about it. Would the wood be ok as it will be new and unseasoned? Would you need to dry it out for a while before it's any use.