Price is per blank. Multiple blanks shown to illustrate the
variety that is possible.
Click here for photos comparing the various TruStone blanks.
Dimensions: 3/4" square by 5 1/2
inches long
Description: The black blanks are some of the hardest TruStone blanks. This blank has black with a gold web throughout the blank.
Opacity: Extremely opaque. Tubes
are not visible on even the thinnest walled kits.
Turnability: Hard+,
recommended for experienced turners only. Please try
Easy and
Medium TruStone blanks first.
Turning Notes:
- I recommend carbide tools for the Medium and Hard TruStone blanks. HSS
tools are OK on the Easy and Medium, but will need to be sharpened more
frequently.
- Go slow and allow
these blanks to cool if too much heat builds up while drilling and turning. Too
much heat can cause them to crack or shatter. Take shallow cuts and cut from the end of
the blanks towards the center to avoid stress on the unsupported ends of the
blanks.
- I recommend that you do not drill all the way though the blank. Leave the blank
whole or cut oversized, then drill to the depth needed (without exiting the
blank), remove blank from drilling vise, and cut to the correct length. If needed a
sacrificial piece of wood can be glued to the end and will help prevent blow-out
when drilling.
- Consider using a thick walled pen kit like the Cigar or the Sierra Vista style
kits when you first start making TruStone blanks.
- If you are new to turning TruStone blanks I recommend trying the
easy blanks
first, and working up to the
medium and
hard blanks. Also, consider using a thick walled pen kit like the Cigar or
the Sierra Vista style kits when you first start making TruStone blanks. The
thicker walled kits will be easier to turn.
- Finish as you would finish acrylic blanks (a CA finish is not needed). I sand
through the micro-mesh grades, cleaning the blank with alcohol between grades,
and then buff with ZAM to bring out the ultimate shine.
- These are the pliable TruStone blanks, and while they have powdered stone in them the exact stone used is a trade secret. I highly doubt any semi-precious stone is used and the descriptions should not be taken to construe the presence of any specific mineral.
TruStone blanks make very impressive finished pens. The easy
blanks are within the ability of most turners, and while the medium and hard
blanks are more difficult to turn, you will be well rewarded for taking on the
challenge of these blanks when you end up with a beautiful finished pen.
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