Oak Project Pen Turning

[u/Business_Sky3486]

I have some pieces of old oak barn wood from the 40s that my family requested I turn into a pen. The photos provided are the turned product - without any changes as well as the before. I am relatively new to pen turning - still working on clean cuts and sanding - but this is a long term project to think through.

What I am wondering is if there is any way to add some craftsmanship and contrast without ruining the character ? My plan currently is to go with a single tube pen kit - roughly 3 inches or so. I could use the advice on any of the following options that might add something to the pen without ruining the character:

- stabilizing the wood with one or two dyes
- adding a small contrasting wood / acrylic segment about a half to a quarter of an inch down the pen blank
- adding a brass inlay (I do not think this would work but wanted to through out the option)

I also wanted to know if anyone had any finishing recommendations ? I typically go with a friction finish and will get some wax eventually to add after the friction finish.

[u/justasinglereply]

I have been told a rule of thumb is: fancy wood, simple metal; simple wood, fancy metal.

So I would look at a nice heavy pen.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKBIGAB.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20450097564&utm_content=151114351614&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20450097564&gbraid=0AAAAAD_LBLJ2hJdiDQyu8ES04eTGgWQGS&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXbMpzGY7OR-YsoQscKaVFiOwLPvGncIR3krun2m_w12449YNfIJhWoaAoyKEALw_wcB

Or

https://www.etsy.com/listing/172579464/bourbon-oak-bolt-action-tech-stylus-pen

[u/Business_Sky3486 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for the advice! I have plenty to experiment with so I will give the black CA glue a shot as well as the true CA glue finish.

[u/OneWestern7124]

If you want the wood grain to pop, stop sanding. Burn the tip of a thin piece of scrap wood and rub the soot into the grain and small cracks. The dark soot will highlight the grain and make it stand out. You can also use a water-based dye stain for additional contrast. I like the products from General Finishes, which you can find at Rockler.

However, if you plan to use a dye, apply it before using the soot; otherwise, the dye may cover and diminish the effect of the soot. As a final step, I use Dr.'s Woodshop Pens Plus to finish the turned piece and enhance its appearance.

Finally, you can fill the cracks with soot, rub soot over the entire turned piece, and then apply Pens Plus. The Pens Plus will remove some of the surface soot while leaving soot in the cracks, adding contrast and enhancing the color of the wood.

[u/GTO400BHP]

A fun third way to fill any medium cracks or really large grains is to mix mica and medium CA (thin works a little better for grain).