A Gatsby Dressed in Purple Stabilized Box Elder

A Chrome Gatsby Dressed in Purple Stabilized Box Elder

Box elder is native to North America where it is most commonly found in the central and eastern United States. It can grow as large as 80 feet tall with a 2-foot diameter. It’s heartwood is frequently streaked with red or pink flames, the result of an anti-fungal produced by the tree when it is wounded. Box elder is sometimes called “ash-leaved maple.” It is technically a maple tree although its lumber is softer, weaker, and lighter than almost all other species of maple.

Stabilizing is the process of using a vacuum chamber to replace the air pockets in a soft wood with resin, without or without an added dye. This process creates a stable, hardened wood blank that is safe to turn, is nearly impervious to moisture, and can be polished to a high gloss.

This pen has mystery, flair, and elegance plus a smooth twist mechanism. 

Accepts Parker-style ballpoint refills.


Information on box elder from the Wood Database. Information on stabilization from The Wood Turners Catalog.