Cutting pen blanks

[mavrick1903]

I'm aware of how big in dia I need on average, but if I'm cutting my own blanks, how long should I be looking for at a minimum? 5", 8" how long is a good length to do most kits?

 

[Nolan]

Ipersonally believe you can go with 5 and it will cover all the pen kits that I am aware of (assuming no closed ends). I cut mine at 5 1/8 for 3/4 and 5 1/2 for 7/8 blanks but of course I will cut any size a customer requests. I used to cut at 5 1/2 and 6 but just too much waste for the expensive burls I was milling.