Spindle Turning

[mkenny28]

I've been asked to supply a few things for a wedding fayre, so gonna try a few cake slices, bottle openers/stoppers as well as a few sets of pens. What would be an ideal size of blank to use for the utensils? Length will obviously depend on what the tool is but what about thickness. Don't wanna buy too big and waste material.

On that note where do you guys find that are the best places for purchasing spindle blanks? I've used stiles & bates quite a few times.............

 

[Penpal]

Use your hand as a guide using existing utensils

 

[flexi]

I too use Stiles and Bates, great to deal with and fantastic choice, any excuse for a visit ( but might be a bit far for you)
As to optimum length, personally I just buy any length, the offcuts get used for segmenting, light pulls or single blank pens

 

[Dalboy]

If unsure about the size get some cheap pine and turn it down in 1/4" diameters and see which one is nearest to a comfortable hold in the hand then buy the next size up this will allow for any variation in turned size. Then buy that size in the length that you require.
I can't remember the last time I brought any wood as I tend to cut from the tree into various sizes including spindle blanks. I can still get it wrong as can never find the right size that I need when making a project.
Like Mark I am so close to Stile and Bates a trip down there is ideal or even Axminster tools and Olivers Woodturning, all three are at most a 1/2hour drive in different direction