10 to take out

[gwilki]

These 10 pens are my first contribution to Jim Shaver's pens for our armed forces project.
All are chrome cigars done in Katalox. I figured that wood is hard enough to withstand anything.
I truly hope that each of these pens finds its way back to Canada, in the pocket of its owner.

[Rick Gibson]

Look good and I agree with the sentiments. I sent 7 a couple weeks ago. Now it would be nice if Jim could get sponsors for the project much like Sawmill Creek has for the U.S. pens. Being retired I can turn pens all day but don't always have the extra funds to buy them at full price.

[gwilki]

I know what you mean, Rick. In the US, Dupont donated TONS of corian in red, white and blue. The turners have been getting kits either at wholesale, or in some cases, for nothing.
I thought that I would write to a couple of suppliers of kits to see if we could at least get some break on the price.
For me, the most difficult part of this project is going to be writing the letters that go with the pens.

[Rick Gibson]

I agree the letter was the hard part but it is likely the most appreciated part. I know when I was in the Air Force 65 - 75 most of the time was 1300 miles from home. Getting a letter or phone call was always appreciated. I know Rob Lee frequents some of the other woodworking forums so I think I will PM him and point him to Jim's website to see if there is something they can do.

I have a couple more Christmas gifts to do then I am going to build a display case with a couple pens in it to put in our local war museum. Maybe I can get a few kits donated and someone else can do the hard part and write the letter.

What is katalox, never heard of it before. I have a few hundred board feet of walnut so most of mine will be walnut.

[gwilki]

Rick
Katalox is a brazilian hardwood. It is harder than cement, and very heavy. I got it from a friend who is a professional turner. He imports exotics and this particular katalox was the pallet that a shipment was banded to. It was very rough, and full of nail holes and other flaws, but deep down, it is incredible stuff. Kicks the hell out of planer and jointer blades, though. I ripped some of it into pen blanks and have done a few before these. I thought that it would make good pens for these situations, as it is very durable stuff.

[Louis]

Nice job and great gesture Grant!

[Machine]

Beautiful pens not to mention the finish.
Is katalox a laquer?
Dan

[Machine]

Sorry....Didn't see Ricks post..Dan