Mininum Size for pen blanks?

[mikemac]

I am planning on cutting up some wood for blanks, and want to maximize my return (I'm thinking of possibly selling some off here)

Before I put blade to wood, I'm wondering what MINIMUM size I should be cutting, that allows the blanks to be used for 90% of pen kits? I"m pretty sure I shouldn't cut smaller than 3/4" x3 /4, as 5/8" just doesn't seem to leave much room for error.

What about length? Seems that most of the blanks that are 6" leave at least 1" left over. If I cut them at 5", is that too short?

Thoughts? [?]

 

[rhahnfl]

My preference is to buy blanks that are at least 3/4"x3/4"x5 1/2". That way I can use a variety of kits. I always save my cutoffs for later use.

 

[bradh]

The Regency pen needs about a 6" blank, but not many people use that kit.

 

[kent4Him]

If you are trying to sell them, I wouldn't recommend going smaller than 3/4".

 

[louisbry]

I like 7/8 square by 6 inches if I buy more than my immediate needs. If I know a 5/8 or 3/4 inch square will do for the pen I am currently working on will work then the smaller dimentions are all right.

 

[guts]

I don't sell wood but the ones I cut for myself are 7/8x7/8 x 5 1/2,plenty big enough for any pens I have made.