Woodbox 23

There are some interesting new products coming out for pen turners with a Green bent.  I found a number of new ones at Craft Supplies USA recently.

I’ve ordered some of each, and hope to report back with the results soon.

 Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast growing wood, that is environmentall responsible because it can be harvested sustainably.  I have the blanks in the shop now, and am looking forward to turning it.

Envrion

“Environ is an environmentally friendly material that is attractive, durable and easy to turn. Made of recycled newsprint and soybean by-products, Environ¹s unique pattern resembles natural stone. Environ drills, turns and finishes like wood.”

I’m going to order some next week, and try it out. I love the concept of this.

 Dakota Burl

“Dakota Burl is a unique material made from crushed sunflower seed hulls that have been impregnated with formulated resins. These impregnated seed hulls are then bonded together under very high temperatures and tremendous pressure to form a totally homogenous product that is easy to turn and finish. The unique pattern created by the seed hulls is beautiful, distinctly different from wood and makes a great conversation piece.”

I have one of these blanks in the shop as well, it’s very light, and looks to create interesting and unique looking patterns.  It also looks like it would take dye really well.  I’m not sure how it turns, but I look forward to finding out.

– badger (green)