It sounds like you're referencing a type of wood that's suitable for turning pens on a lathe. Many types of wood work well for pen turning, depending on the desired appearance, hardness, and grain pattern. Here are some great options:
Best Woods for Turning Pens:
Maple – Hard, fine-grained, and takes finishes well. Can be dyed or stabilized.
Walnut – Beautiful dark brown color, easy to work with, and polishes nicely.
Cherry – Rich reddish tones that darken over time. Turns smoothly.
Oak – Durable with prominent grain, but can be porous.
Purpleheart – Exotic, vibrant purple color (can darken to brown over time).
Ebony – Extremely hard and dense, jet-black when polished.
Rosewood – Dark, oily wood with a rich grain; great for luxury pens.
Padauk – Bright orange-red color that mellows over time.
Bocote – Striking grain patterns with a golden-brown hue.
Spalted Woods (Maple, Birch, etc.) – Unique dark lines from fungal decay (often stabilized).
Tips for Turning Pens:
Stabilize soft or spalted wood with resin to prevent cracking.
Sharp tools are essential for clean cuts.
Sand progressively (from ~120 to 600+ grit) before finishing.
Use a durable finish (CA glue, polyurethane, or friction polish).
Would you like recommendations for a specific style (e.g., classic, modern, exotic)? Or are you working with a particular type of wood?
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