Setting a Standard

My thoughts are this: If I'm going to try and pursue any sort of woodworking business, having a few standard items that customers can choose from would be a good way to start. These next few posts will include a few design ideas for a standard set of Cigar Pens.

I consider the Sapele Cigar Pen the classic or standard cigar pen. Since this was the first style that I had started using and it's just got a nice warm comfortable look to it. I can see that just about anyone could use this style pen.



Sapele, also known as African Mahogany, has a nice rich brown color to it. I've modified my finishing technique slightly on the set that I made tonight. With these, I sanded with 220 and 320 grit sand paper. I then applied a coat of BLO (Boiled Linseed Oil) and wiped off the excess for a total of three coats. I then upped the speed of the lathe to the range of 2500RPM and rubbed the pen down with 0000 steel wool. The final step is to wipe the pen of with a tack cloth. This gives the pen a nice sheen.

The Acrylic

The Blue and White is the first acrylic blank that I started working with and I think it goes fantastic with the platinum hardware. This is another that I'm considering as standard offering.

Bronze Cigar Pen

Here's the second cigar pen that I'm making for my friend. I'm happy with how both of them turned (pardon the pun) out. Of the two, I think the blue is my favorite, though the black chrome kit on this bronze blank looks pretty good.

As far as processes are concerned, I sanded this one with 220 and 320 grit paper and finshed up with a good rubbing of 0000 steel wool. A tac cloth helps clean up the dust.

I've got a couple more acrylic pens to make and then back to some using wood. I got some bloodwood from another local woodturner that I think will look real good.

New Acrylic Cigar Pen

I finally got around to making one of two pens I told one of my friends I would turn for her what seems like a couple months ago...



Hope she likes it!