Handcrafting Pens From Local Wood
The art of pen making is one of the basic techniques that wood workers initially use when they begin their wood turning adventure. Almost all practice many hours on pieces of wood not considered usable for better projects or with wood that contains a good portion of sapwood. After that, the number of wood sources explodes to the awesome struck wood turner.
I am no exception, and at Witmer Enterprises, I look for many types of local hardwoods to turn out beautiful looking pens. I’ve been a pen collector well before I began wood turning and I have a nice collection of other makers’ wares. For me, pen making is an extension of that passion, coupled with the passion of turning wood. Thus, my business was born! My pens are available at www.WitmerEnterprises.com and there you will notice the large selection of hardwoods I draw upon to turn into pens. Of all the exotic and burl wood available to me, my favorite wood to turn is wood local to the shop.
I’m fortunate to reside in southeast Pennsylvania and have access to many different types of hardwoods that are not as common elsewhere. Some of my favorite hardwoods to turn are Red and White Oak, Black Cherry, Black Walnut, Beech, Birch, Black Walnut and Maple. I also have access to a supply of curly Maple.
I also use Cedar from some trees that we lost in a snowstorm and have made quite a few pen blanks from the wood and turned the rest into bowl blanks and spindle blanks. It’s very aromatic in the shop when Cedar is being turned. It also makes a beautiful pen.
The local hardwoods I turn seem to have much better inner markings that result in fantastic and exquisite designs on the pens. It takes time, but when I come across these pieces, I naturally take more time to ensure I get the desired look I’m seeing in my mind. Once sanded, sealed and finished, nothing is more beautiful than watching your creation come to life.
It’s hard to put a price on some pieces, but in reality, the going price is the same as all my other hardwood pens. When a customer sees that piece and appreciates it as much as I do, I’m satisfied the pen will be well cared for. Pens that exhibit a more defined character may very well end up in my personal collection.
At Witmer Enterprises, all the pens I create are made to be used as well as shown off. That has brought more and more customers to want a piece for themselves. My local supply of hardwoods will not run out in my lifetime, so I can create for the customer what they desire. I had one customer who couldn’t decide on one specific type of hardwood, she ordered the barrel in beech and the cap in birch. When completed, she had a work of art which exhibited characteristics of both woods which complimented each other. She couldn’t thank me enough, and has been a loyal customer ever since.
I love the appearance of many of the exotic hardwoods, but will forever love the local hardwood species just outside my door. The graining of Bocote and Jobillo are stunning; as are the colors in Tulipwood and Orange Osage and Marblewood. They are beautiful to look at, but not native to my home. I turn them all and enjoy them, but take a greater pleasure out of turning hardwoods from home. Check the website for all of my selections for sale.
© Witmer enterprises 2010
About the Author
Paul Witmer is a pharmaceutical engineering professional and an avid wood worker specializing in fine pens. Paul is also co-owner of www.WitmerEnterprises.com
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