Gatsby Grande Hempwood

[qquake]

The pen is a PSI Gatsby Grande in gold and gunmetal. I know I said I was done with hempwood, but this blank is dyed and stabilized from Bullseye Turning Supply. I was hoping the stabilization would make it easier, and it did. I did have a couple of chipouts, but they were minor, and I was able to finish it. I have to say, the finished blank is nothing less than spectacular! I love the colors and grain patterns. I'll be turning more of these, and in fact, I have a stabilized undyed blank to try. The finish is Pens Plus.

 

[qquake]

Here is the unturned blank. It's large, about 5" long by 1" square.

 

[qquake]

The chipouts. I'm bad about turning too aggressively, so I had to force myself to be patient and take my time. It was worth it.

 

[David350]

Glad you didn't give up on the hemp as you made a great looking pen. Score one for perseverance

 

[qquake]

Glad you didn't give up on the hemp as you made a great looking pen. Score one for perseverance

That and stabilization.

 

[Alan Morrison]

I like your pen, Jim.
The colouring is understated and all the better for that.

Alan

 

[sorcerertd]

That's beautiful! Glad you gave it another chance. Obviously, you need sharp chisels, but I wonder if rounding the corners on a belt sander would help with chip-outs?

 

[qquake]

That's beautiful! Glad you gave it another chance. Obviously, you need sharp chisels, but I wonder if rounding the corners on a belt sander would help with chip-outs?

I use a radiused carbide cutter with a "shearing" cut. And I "knocked" the corners off on the bandsaw before I started turning it.

 

[Kcimdrib]

Great Pen but not without its moments. I like the colour Hempwood is starting to fascinate me.

 

[qquake]

Here it is on the lathe before turning.

 

[KateHarrow]

I really appreciate you giving it a second shot and you made my blank look really nice with that finish! If I've said it once I've said it a million times, its all about patience with this stuff - even if it's stabilized. You did a great job!