using pencils for woodturning

[Jon]

Woodturning with colored pencils is popular in DIY circles on the internet. Like 3D end-grain cutting boards, the final product is visually striking enough to gain solid traction on the net.




However, the multi-colored turnings can be a bit gimmicky and overbearing, even when the colored pencils are used sparingly with other segments in the finished product. They're downright beautiful turnings for children's bowls and such, but a bit gaudy for adults to stomach.

Instead of colored pencils, Tuomas Markunpoika bucks an internet trend and uses non-colored pencils, also known as "pencils".

[Paul Jones]

Very interesting designs and the non-colored graphite "pencils" seem to be a very artistic media with the various grain configurations. Thank you this interesting post.

[Jon]

Glad you like this one. This would go well with a very low-sheen finish like Dead Flat Varnish.

[Paul Jones]

I agree the finish is important to maximize the beauty of these objects. Also, I would image you have to take your time during the gluing and assembly stage to ensure to densest packing of the pencils and consistent pattern. Well worth the effort with the beautiful results. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[mklotz]

A mixture of steel, brass and aluminum hex rods epoxied together might produce a similar effect when turned on the metal lathe. A very coarse pitch thread should produce some real eye-catchers.