Woodbox 23

Gallery Here:
http://www.badger.cx/gallery/v/woodworking/segmentedpen/

This is a new pen style for me, something I was inspired to do by a challenge at the http://penturners.org. The challenge was to turn a new pen, using a “segmented” style, in the slimline style. I’ve never done it, but thought it might be fun to try.

The woods used in this pen are Bloodwood, Holly, Rosewood, and the ends are African Blackwood. I learned a lot doing this, including that my drilling set up is less than precise. I also forgot to keep track of the order of the pieces when assembling. The end result is that the pen has a real “patchwork” feel to it, which I quite like.

All in all, I’m happy with the pen, it was a lot of fun to figure out.

Here is the details:

Woods: Bloodwood, Holly, Rosewood, African Blackwood.
Finish: Sanded to 400 grit, and Mylands Friction Polish
Kit: Slimline Gold from Craft Supplies, USA

Assembly: I glued long thin strips of Bloodwood, and Rosewood to an even thinner strip of Holly. After the glue dried I drilled the hole down the center (or close). Then I cut it into half inch pieces. I was short a bit on each tube, so I capped the ends with some small pieces of African Blackwood. I turned each section 90 degrees during assembly to get the rotating effect.

A fun challenge, and a cool pen. Win!

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chess piece progress

Originally uploaded by sablebadger

I was able to sneak some time to get down to the garage tonight. The baby was sleeping, and my mother was here to help my wife with the baby for a bit, so I got a chance to turn a few pieces.

I made a second rook, not quite the exact scaling as the other one, but I’m not worried too much about it. Same look.

And the Bishops I turned two of these in the shape I was going for. I still have to come up with some kind of design for the Knights though, they are being a design nightmare for me. I have some concepts for the King, and a couple ideas for the Queen in mind. I’ll get some wood on the lathe and turn it round a bit to see if I like them.

The Wood is White Oak, and the Source is Recycled. I found this great plank of white oak, with some streaking all through it that gives the pieces a lot of character.

So left to go is:

- 2x Knights
- 1x King
- 1x Queen
- true up all bottoms
- weight pieces (I’m going to insert some metal rod where the mandrel went)
- felt the bottoms

Then I need to make some decisions on the opposing side. I could make it in another wood, or use more the white oak, and dye/stain the wood. Also, do I do the same style pieces or a totally different style?

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