609 - Burl Brown Mallee

609 - Burl Brown Mallee​

The pen blanks are dry, they are not enclosed in wax.

Please note, due to the nature of burls, this wood may have checks (small cracks) that are visible or not. This is the nature of this type of wood and some checking should be expected. It is my opinion most checks are easily worked around and add to the character of the wood.

When you are working with a piece that has large checks or voids, fill the check with gel type Cyanoacrylate (super glue type glue commonly called CA) and then sand the piece before it cures. You can also push dust into the crack along with the gel CA. When it cures, it blends very nicely with the wood. I will often take a scrap piece of the same wood and grind a small pile of dust to mix in the cracks with CA.

When working with burl that has hairline checks, use the thinnest CA you have and squirt it into the crack so the hygroscopic wicking action takes it along the entire crack. You may have to do this more than once. It’s OK to squirt it with a CA accelerator to speed the cure along. This may be the absolute best conditions to use CA in. The bond will be several times stronger than the wood its’ self. I routinely use thin CA on hairline cracks to strengthen pieces. I’d recommend you do the same.

Warning

Woodturning is a potentially dangerous activity. It is your responsibilty to make sure you are propertly educated in all aspects of woodturning and to follow safety guidelines and manufacturers recommendations regarding the proper use of product to ensure your safety

Always wear a full-face shield at all times. Shop/Safety glasses alone are not sufficient protection from flying debris.

Exposure to dust produced by this item can be harmful to your respiratory system. Always use a proper dust mask or air filtration helment in addition to adequate ventilation.

Safe turning practives are not limited to the recommendations listed above. It is your responsibility to become properly trained and educated prior to attempting woodturning/pen turning.