Cottonwood Pen Blank Curly

.90x .90 x 6

Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is a popular North American hardwood prized for its light weight, easy workability, and smooth, even texture. Though often overlooked, Cottonwood is a favorite among turners, carvers, and artisans who appreciate a wood that tools effortlessly and finishes beautifully.

Because of its soft, forgiving nature, Cottonwood is ideal for makers seeking a clean-cutting material that won’t dull tools and allows for precise shaping.

Why Woodworkers Choose Cottonwood

Incredibly Easy to Work: Cuts cleanly with hand tools or power tools.

Lightweight & Stable: Excellent for large turning projects or carved pieces that need to remain light.

Soft, Uniform Texture: Perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Accepts Dye & Finish Extremely Well: Great for colorful projects, pyrography, and epoxy accents.

Sustainably Abundant: Ethically sourced and widely available throughout North America.

Common UsesCottonwood is widely used for:

Woodturning blanks (bowls, hollow forms, bud vases)

Carving & whittling projects

Laser engraving & pyrography

Boxes, ornaments, craft projects

Rustic art and live-edge décor

Wood Stats

Species: Populus deltoides

Color: Pale cream to soft tan with subtle grain

Grain: Straight, even, uniform; typically low-contrast

Hardness: ~430 Janka (very soft hardwood)

Workability: Excellent — sands, glues, turns, and carves effortlessly

Drying: Air-dries quickly; minimal movement once seasoned

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