Laminated wood stock blanks are popular for woodturners and hobbyists seeking durable, multi-layered veneers with vivid color options. This guide highlights five top laminated blanks designed for pen turning, spindle work, and bottle stoppers. Each product offers a raw, unfinished blank ready for turning, plus a range of color-grained options. Read on to compare features, sizes, and recommended uses to help you choose the right blank for your next project.
Overview of selected products:
| Product | Size | Use | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State PKEZLAM91 Color Grain Laminated Pre-drilled Mini Pen Blanks | 9/16″ x 9/16″ x 2-1/32″ | Mini pen turning | Includes 7mm pre-drilled hole; six color options |
| Penn State PKEZLAM36 Color Grain Laminated Super Spindle Wood Blank | 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 12″ | Spindle turning | Laminated multi-layer dyed veneers |
| Penn State PKEZLAM46 Color Grain Laminated Super Spindle Wood Blank | 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 12″ | Spindle turning | Die-dyed veneers, raw and unfinished |
| Penn State PKEZLAM14 Color Grain Laminated Jumbo Pen Blank | 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 5″ | Pen turning | Multi-layered dyed veneers; angled cut |
| Penn State PKEZLAM33 Color Grain Laminated Bottle Stopper Wood Blank | 2″ x 2″ x 2-3/8″ | Bottle stopper | Laminated dyed veneers |
Penn State PKEZLAM91 Color Grain Laminated Pre-drilled Mini Pen Blanks
These pre-drilled mini pen blanks measure 9/16″ square and 2-1/32″ long, designed to yield six standard two-piece Slimline or Comfort pens. The blanks arrive raw and unfinished, enabling customization with your preferred finish. Each blank includes a 7mm pre-drilled hole, streamlining setup for pen turning. Color options include Oasis, Oceania, Festival, Southwest, Gold Rush, and Night Fire. Ideal for hobbyists who want a quick-start, color-rich turning project with reliable blank quality.
Penn State PKEZLAM36 Color Grain Laminated Super Spindle Wood Blank
This super spindle blank measures 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 12″ and arrives raw and unfinished. It is crafted from laminated multi-layered dyed hardwood veneers, offering bold color patterns and strong turning performance for longer spindles or accent pieces. The laminated construction helps resist warping during turning, making it suitable for longer, more demanding spindle projects while providing consistent color depth and texture.
Penn State PKEZLAM46 Color Grain Laminated Super Spindle Wood Blank
Another 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 12″ spindle blank, this model features laminated multi-layer dyed hardwood veneers. It arrives unfinished, allowing craftsmen to select a finish that complements the color depth of the veneers. This blank suits longer turning projects and offers durable surface stability for consistent results across multiple passes on the lathe.
Penn State PKEZLAM33 Color Grain Laminated Bottle Stopper Wood Blank
Designed for bottle stopper turning, this blank measures 2″ x 2″ x 2-3/8″ and uses laminated multi-layered dyed hardwood veneers. It arrives raw and unfinished, signaling a straightforward path from blank to finished stopper with clean edges and consistent color depth. The compact size suits standard bottle stopper hardware and kit designs, enabling quick-turn projects with striking visual appeal.
Penn State PKEZLAM14 Color Grain Laminated Jumbo Pen Blank
The jumbo pen blank measures 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 5″ and is built from multi-layered dyed hardwood veneers. It arrives raw and unfinished, with the added note that the blank is laminated and cut at an angle to optimize grain flow during turning. Use sharp tools and light cuts for best results, especially on longer, tapered turning sequences for a balanced, colorful pen body.
Penn State PKEZLAM23 Color Grain Laminated Bottle Stopper Wood Blank
This bottle stopper blank measures 2″ x 2″ x 2-3/8″ and is crafted from laminated multi-layered dyed hardwood veneers. It arrives raw and unfinished, offering reliable stability and vibrant color depth. The compact form is well-suited to standard bottle stopper kits, enabling consistent shaping and a polished final product for home or workshop use.
Buying Guide
- Blank size and shape: Choose blanks that fit your turning project—pen blanks are typically smaller (mini or jumbo), while spindle blanks and bottle stoppers require larger or differently proportioned blanks. Consider overall blank length and final product dimensions.
- Lamination quality: Look for blanks made with multiple dyed veneers for stronger surface stability, reduced warping, and consistent color across the blank. High-quality laminates often yield richer color and better edge stability during turning.
- Pre-drilled features: Some mini pen blanks come pre-drilled (e.g., 7mm hole). Decide if you need pre-drilled blanks to save setup time or if you prefer to drill your own to match specific hardware or nib sizes.
- Finish and prep: Blank raw and unfinished surfaces allow full customization with your preferred finishes. Sanitation of edges and consistent blank dimensions help ensure smooth turning and finish quality.
- Application variety: If you plan to use blanks for several applications—pens, spindles, bottle stoppers—select a mix of sizes (2-1/2″ spindles, 3/4″ jumbo pen blanks, or 2″ bottle stoppers) to cover diverse projects in a single order.
- Color and veneer varieties: Dyed hardwood veneers provide vivid color patterns. Check color options to match design aesthetics, from Oasis and Festival tones to deeper Night Fire or Gold Rush hues.
- Material handling: Unfinished blanks require sealing or finishing. Consider the level of sanding and pore filling required to achieve the desired surface smoothness before final finishing coats.
- Durability and workability: Laminated blanks are designed to resist warping and cracking, but turning technique matters—use sharp tools, light passes, and steady feeds to avoid tear-out and to preserve veneer integrity.
- Value and range: If you’re just starting, consider a mixed pack that includes multiple colors and sizes. For seasoned turners, a few specialty blanks in larger sizes can expand your project repertoire.
- Compatibility: Confirm that your lathe and turning tools are suited to the blank dimensions. Some blanks are optimized for slimline or standard pen kits, while others suit longer spindle or stopper designs.
These laminated blanks offer a balance of color, durability, and versatility for a range of turning and crafting projects. When selecting, prioritize size compatibility, veneer quality, and the intended final product to ensure the blanks meet your project needs.