Organizing blanks

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Status
Not open for further replies.
wudnhed

wudnhed

Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
2,680
Location
Brawley, CA, USA.
OK, I have lost track of what blank is what. How do I go about figuring out what kind of wood it is? I think from now on I will get some containers and mark them with each wood type that I buy. Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I have a container for each wood type.

You can also mark each blank with; masking tape label, permanent marker, white out, etc.

Some use number codes or initials for each blank.
 
Hi Becca, I try and write what they are on each piece. I then use a program that a nice person on this web site made for us (with help from some of the other members of the group). The persons name is Jon and he goes by Webmonk on this site. The program is at www.penventory.com, it is really a great program for pen makers.
 
Becca, I use a marker (paint or permanent both work) to lable my blanks when I get them. Then I try to keep them all together in my stash. Ideally, a subdivided bin would house each type. I haven't been able to stop turning long enough to build one.
 
If you've got a few that you cant identify, snap some pics and let us see them. We may be able to tell you.
 
I use a numbering system. I have a 3 ring notebook that I list the number and what type of wood that number stands for. Example
1) Olivewoo
2) Cocobolo
3) Desert Ironwood
ETC

This works for me. I also try to keep the differant types together in their on storage box.[:)]
 
Becca,
All good suggestions... I generally use a narrow masking tape label.. don't like to write on them with markers in case bleeds through..although I know it won't.. just my preferance... if I do write on the, usually with graphite shop pencil.. which makes for some interesting interpetation later on. I keep single blanks in little plastic bags on a peg wall... same as kits... multiples sit on a shelving unit next to the band saw... can't help much on i.d. of the woods.. as long as been turning, if don't mark it, CRS.
 
I just use plastic containers and lable them with masking tape. The odd/expensive blanks I write a number on them and log it in a spiral notebook. It's just kind of cool to keep track of what types of woods you've turned.
 
I have tried to download the penventory program that was mentioned above, but when I try to go to that site it says there is no such thing. Does anyone have another link I could try?[8D]
 
Becca,
I use my memory, but that's easier for me, because I cut almost all of my own blanks (or have a friend help me). I did get two woods mixed up once, but I sorted it out. Please post some close-up pics and maybe we can help you. I study the woods when they come in, or have studied them previously, so I can tell them apart. Some woods I have never dealt with, but someone else here most likely has. There are a lot of smart cookies here.

Also, you can ask your supplier to mark the blanks for you. If you get the order in and have ordered them in groups, you may be able to separate them and label them then, before they go on a shelf. I line mine up on shelves and mark the bottome one with an initial. Of course, I have about 50 types of wood, so I have found that it is easier to mark them, than to remembere what they look like. Also, some woods have more than one appearance. For example, Honduras Rosewood can be very light, medium brown, dark, or a mixture. You may also have some figured, or alternatively-cut woods, like cross-cut, etc. If you can't tell them apart, you may want to mark them too. It's my least favorite part of selling blanks, but it helps out the turner.

Rob
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom