The Pen Blank
The Finished Product
$10.00 ea
$10.00 ea
$10.00 ea
$10.00
Cholla cactus is native to the Southwestern United States where it grows abundantly. As the cactus grows and ages, it casts off old branches. They lie on the desert floor and dry there. Gathering them up begins the process of turning them into pen blanks.
The single thing that makes Cholla Cactus desirable as a pen blank are the elongated holes that cover the skeletons. Once they have been encased in Alumilite resin and cast into pen blalnks, they turn into remarkable pens! For a truly one-of-a-kind pen, these blanks do a great job.
If you have never turned Alumilite, you are in for a real treat. When compared to Acryllics and Polyesters, Alumilite turns like butter. It puts the fun back in penturning. Give it a try, you will be glad you did.
Since Cholla Cactus does grow in the desert, some desert sand gets imbedded in them. When you are turning these blanks they have a tendency to dull your tools. A quick touch up on your tool edge may be necessary.
Helpful hint: With most pen blanks you drill down the center of the blank before inserting the pen tube. With Cholla Cactus it is recommended to drill down the center of the cactus instead. This will give you the best coverage when turning your pen to its finished size.
