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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: Opaque light amber bands separated by clear dark amber bands.

Opacity: Translucent. You will need to paint the inside of the blank after drilling to avoid seeing the tubes. Choose a similar color to retain the original coloring. Use a darker color to darken the blank, and a lighter color to lighten the blank.

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. The Mexican Agate and Mother-of-Pearl TruStone blanks are 100% resin. They do not have any powdered stone in them.

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.