Bubinga pen blanks - 5 pack

5-pack of Bubinga pen blanks – 3/4" square by 5" (19  mm x 19 mm x 127 mm)

Turn a durable, eye-catching pen with these Bubinga pen blanks. Bubinga is a dense African hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown tones, fine, tight grain, and excellent working properties. It turns cleanly, finishes beautifully, and is a favourite among woodturners for both its stability and natural lustre.

The photo shown is a representative sample. Blanks are selected at random, so each piece will have its own unique grain pattern and colour variation.

What size are the blanks?

Each blank measures approximately 3/4" square by 5" long (19 mm × 19 mm × 127 mm), the standard size for most pen kits.

How do you recommend I finish these blanks?

Bubinga doesn’t need anything complicated to look great. Its natural density and lustre allow it to polish to a high sheen with the right sanding and finishing approach. Start by sanding progressively through the grits up to at least 600 grit using Abranet, sanding mesh, sand paper or even an abrasive paste for dust-free sanding. For a higher-end finish, continue with Micro Mesh up to 12,000 grit to bring out the natural depth and chatoyance of the wood.

From there, you have a couple of solid options. For a natural look: Apply a friction polish or simply buff and polish the wood. Bubinga’s natural oils and tight grain will produce a warm, glossy finish on their own. For a durable, high-gloss finish: Apply a cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish. Build thin layers, sand between coats if needed, and polish to a glass-like shine.

What makes Bubinga a good choice for pen turning?

Bubinga is dense and stable, which helps it drill cleanly and turn smoothly with minimal tear-out. Its natural oils and fine grain allow it to achieve a high-gloss finish with sanding and polishing alone.

Fun facts about Bubinga:

• Bubinga is sometimes called “African rosewood” and has been used for high-end furniture, luxury car interiors, and musical instruments.

• This wood is naturally lustrous — it can achieve a beautiful finish with just polishing, without added oils or stains.

Price is per blank in Canadian dollars.