I got started turning pens when I met with my
youngest brother, Jeff, at one of our family reunions in Kansas. We always meet
at Dad’s farm and he had bought an old lathe at an auction. Jeff brought some
of his pen kits up from Texas with him. There was/is plenty of wood on the 120
acre farm to choose from. The most interesting wood is the Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera or Bodark, Hedge Apple, that the farmers in
the area have used to make fence posts. It has an orange heart wood and a
lighter color or yellow sap wood. When I combine the two it makes some
beautiful pens.
I wanted to try a different style, hence the “grip”.I wanted to make a pen that felt good in your
hand. The result is several variations of the grip.
I bought my main lathe in June 2014 and have
tried many local woods, including Buckthorn, which has a deep orangeish brown
heart wood. A cross cut blank creates a shimmer to the pen under light. Also, I
have made pens from Slippery Elm, Northern Pin Oak, Black Walnut, all I have
right here in my back yard.
In the future I want to explore turning bowls
and maybe vases. I’ve seen some beautiful pieces from others that have turned
them.
I hope you enjoy exploring my website. If any
piece catches your eye, please make it yours.