Bloodwood

[theturningcircle]

Some advice please.
I've just been given some Satine Bloodwood. When cut it should give about 9 or 10 good size pen blanks.
Is it good for pens? Does it turn well and are there any hints or tips in using it? Does it take a good finish, and if so, whats the best finish for it?
It looks like it could be a good contrasting colour to maple for segmenting.
I really would welcome some thoughts on this please and when I've made a couple of pens with it I will post a picture of the results.
Thanks in advance.

 

[leehljp]

I use it often, with CA finish, and segment with it too with holly and or BOW (Olivewood). It turns very good for me. It can blowout if you push too hard in drilling.

Having bought BW in the US and Japan in different stores in each country, I am well aware that the color can vary quite a bit but most of them are very acceptable. Certain contrasting woods will bring out the red more than others.

For me, being in the ministry, I am gravitating towards BW, holly, BOW and red heart for close to 50 percent of my pen turnings. I am not selling them yet, only doing this as a hobby.

 

[rhahnfl]

I really like bloodwood when used for the red end of a teacher's pen. Looks very nice I think.

 

[Glenn McCullough]

I just completed a pen that will be in Provo at the Penturners rendezvous. Watch for the photos of the pen display and you'll see that bloodwood contrasts nicely with white corian. It is a solid, durable wood,turns well and takes an outstanding finish.

 

[GBusardo]

Bloodwood is one of my favorite woods. It turns beautifully for me and I agree with rhahnfl that it looks great on the end of a teacher's pen. Especially when the center wood is light colored.

 

[Ron Mc]

Bloodwood works very well as a color contrast in segmented pens. It cuts very fine very well and turns and finishes great. It is one type of wood that I keep on hand at all time.