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Silver birch

alisboy

Full Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Posts
102
Location
Mull of Kintyre, Argyl
Hi everybody

This is my first post, but have been looking at the forum for some time.

I am new to wood turning and going to try my hand at pen making, and would like to know if the wood from a Silver Birch would make good pens, as i have several bits that are big enough to make some blanks.

Thanks for any comments
Ernie

P.S this is just my hobby after an accident and not able to walk or stand much (old interest in wood working) so I am trying this instead of watching telly. (sometimes think should have stuck to the telly)
 

Grump

Grand Master
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Posts
10,504
Location
Stevenage
First Name
Brian
Wotchya Ernie.
Welcome in to the friendly forums you'll have to excuse a lot of what you read here but join in and be comfortable in the company fellow turners.
A diverse bunch with all sorts of interests not only turning.
Where are you located we may be able to plot you up with someone local so you can show them how to do it cos we is all still learning init?
As for Silver Birch yep we make pens out of anything even plastic ones.
 

edlea

Lobbygobbler
Registered
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Posts
4,693
Location
Blackpool
First Name
Ed
Hi Ernie ..welcome into the circle of woodturning knowledge .You will learn much here .
 

Woody

Registered
Joined
Jul 12, 2013
Posts
12,812
Location
at home
First Name
no
Hi Ernie
Welcome to the forum just be aware there are a few plonkers on here who may push you over the edge
Silver birch makes excellent pens but store it in a dry airy place as it will rot very quickly if it is exposed to the weather in fact I made one today from Spalted silver birch
DSCF1694 (2).JPG
 

bluntchisel

Registered
Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Posts
3,849
Location
Kent, UK.
First Name
Bob
Hi, Ernie,

Welcome aboard, matey! You did the right thing, joining this forum instead of wasting your life watching telly. While it's true that you'll come across the same insane content at least what you see here will prove of use to you! I wish you a speedy recovery from your problems, friend. And YES, silver birch will produce some nice pens and bowls - so long as it is seasoned. If your pieces are not and you are impatient to get started then why not turn some mushrooms - you can turn these on the same machine you'll turn pens your on.

Bob.
 

alisboy

Full Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Posts
102
Location
Mull of Kintyre, Argyl
Hello

Thanks for your replies to my question. I have the wood in a shed and tried to turn some this week but still seems rather wet, (Cut down March this year) will keep it a bit longer.

To answer the question of where i am, i live on the Mull of Kintyre close to Campbeltown.

As for my accident i hurt both knees in an accident 2009 when i was a driving assessor on the buses in Glasgow (he failed would you believe)

Ernie
 

bellringer

The Young one
Registered
Joined
Feb 27, 2013
Posts
5,187
Location
Surrey
First Name
Alex
welcome it will be fine for pens

It will need to dry for a bit longer maybe 6 months more
 

Doug

Loquacious
Executive Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2013
Posts
6,647
Location
In the wood shop
First Name
Take a guess
Hi & welcome Ernie :waver:

If you haven't already I'd suggest you cut the Silver Birch into 1" square pen blanks about 6" long, that way they will dry much quicker than if left in larger sections
 

Jim

Grand Master
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Posts
15,617
Welcome to the forums Ernie, no question is a silly one .. If the wood is still wet i wouldn't bother turning pens with it, as you say, leave it much longer ... I hope your knees hold out my friend ... :thumbs:
 
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