Create an eye-catching turning project with this stabilized maple burl pen blank, proudly made in Canada. Featuring dramatic swirling figure and eye patterns, maple burl is a favourite for pen turners who want bold character and a premium look in a finished pen.
What size are the blanks?
This blank measures a minimum of 1" × 1" × 5", ideal for pill holder key rings, vegetable peelers, coffee scoop handles, bottle openers etc. The blank you see is the blank you'll receive.
What does “stabilized” mean?
Stabilized refers to wood that has been impregnated with resin under pressure, reinforcing softer or highly figured areas and eliminating weak spots. This creates a blank that drills cleanly, turns smoothly, and resists tear-out or blowouts. Each blank is unique and will be selected at random. Some colour variability is normal due to differences in wood density and how the resin is absorbed. We do not offer refunds for colour variation or minor internal imperfections, which are inherent to burl wood.
What is burl?
Burl is a rare, abnormal growth that forms on a tree in response to stress, injury, or disease. Instead of straight grain, burl produces tight swirls, eyes, and complex figure, making it highly prized for high-end furniture, decorative inlay, and premium turned objects like pens.
How should I finish this blank?
This blank is easy to drill and turn. For best results, sand progressively using Abranet or sanding mesh, followed by Micro Mesh. Use a cyanoacrylate glue finish followed by a plastic polish. Friction polishes like Doctor's Wood Shop, Mylands, Aussie Oil or Shellawax products will also give you a durable, high gloss finish.
Price is in Canadian dollars.