I just finished this pen today. The blanks used were Indian Ebony and Aquapearl, and the kit was New Series from Berea Hardwood. I wanted to try using pins so I decided to go with a 3/32" aluminum rod with an offset pattern. The pen was finished with 7 coats of thin CA polished using MM and then finished on the Acrylic Buffing System. I apologize for the quality of photos as I was struggling to control the glare from the lighting.