Stabilized & Dyed Amboyna Burl pen blanks

Stabilized and dyed Amboyna burl pen blanks

Add rich colour and spectacular natural figure to your next pen with stabilized and dyed Amboyna burl pen blanks. Amboyna burl is prized for its intricate grain, swirling figure and distinctive character, and the stabilization process makes this highly figured wood more consistent to drill, turn and finish.

Each blank has been stabilized with coloured resin, combining the natural patterns of Amboyna burl with added colour. Because every piece of burl absorbs resin differently, no two blanks will look exactly alike.

What are the dimensions of these pen blanks?

Each blank measures approximately 3/4" square × 5" (19 × 19 × 127 mm), a standard size suitable for most pen turning projects. The photos are representative examples only. Blanks are selected at random and will vary in colour, grain, burl figure and resin absorption.

What does “stabilized and dyed” mean?

Stabilized wood has been impregnated with resin, reinforcing softer or highly figured areas of the wood. In these blanks, coloured resin is used during the stabilization process to add colour while preserving the natural grain and burl figure.

Variations in wood density mean that different areas can absorb different amounts of resin, creating variations in colour and pattern from blank to blank. Minor internal imperfections can also occur naturally in burl wood and are not considered defects. We do not offer refunds for natural colour variation or minor internal imperfections.

What is burl?

Burl is an unusual growth on a tree that produces highly irregular grain rather than the straighter grain found in typical lumber. When cut, it can reveal tight swirls, eyes and complex figuring, which makes burl especially popular for decorative woodworking and turned projects such as pens.

How should I finish these blanks?

These stabilized blanks can be drilled and turned using standard pen-turning techniques. For best results, sand progressively using Abranet or sanding mesh, followed by Micro Mesh.

For a smooth, high-gloss finish, apply a cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish followed by a plastic polish, or use the GluBoost finishing system. Friction polishes such as Doctor's Wood Shop, Mylands, Aussie Oil or Shellawax can also be used.

Two fun facts about Amboyna burl: 

• Amboyna burl comes from Pterocarpus indicus, a tree native to parts of Southeast Asia. The burl is known for its intricate figure and naturally rich colour, which can range from golden brown to deep reddish tones, sometimes with contrasting lighter sapwood.
• Its distinctive appearance has made Amboyna burl a sought-after material for decorative woodworking and other projects where the grain and figure can take centre stage.