Tom made a pen

[Tazmaniandevil]

I've always been a bit scared to try pen making, mainly because they are fine and delicate and I have (to quote the safety officer at work) "fingers like a pig's teats." Not the best combo I feel. Having replaced many of my scabby cheapo tools I decided it was time to dip my toe in the pool. So, having bought some walnut blanks I drilled and tubed the 1st blank and

Not too bad for a first attempt I think. A few mistakes, but managed to get the shape pretty much how I wanted it. All in all happy with the result.

 

[nev]

=D>not bad, not bad at all Taz! =D>
personally i found the turning bit the easiest to get to grips with, its the finishing that trips me up
so far ive sussed out that..
best tool = skew,
best abrasive to use = 320/400/ rhino, 600 then micromesh (lathe stationary and sanding with the grain)
best finish (that ive managed) = CA/BLO x3 then the last 4 micromesh again, then another CA/BLO x3 and a quick wipe with liquid carnuba (simoniz car polish).

then you try a different flavour wood and it comes out completely different :evil: start again :?
one thing to watch out for, they become a bit addictive

 

[gregmcateer]

Very nice - both of you.
Greg

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I like the BLO/CA finish, hard as nails. After my final "along the grain sanding with 800 grit I did a polish with Mer car polish and a buff up with Autoglym super resin polish. The quick snaps don't do the finish justice really, especially with the shadow at the nib end which makes it look really dull.

 

[Blister]

Tom

A very nice pen

It always gives such a sense of achievement when you achieve a first =D>

Have you started No 2 yet :lol:

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

Have you started No 2 yet :lol:

#2 is also done, and #3 has been cut & glued ready for turning. My second one went to my lovely missus who has severe arthritis, and was turned to fit her hands.
#3 will be iroko, from some square stock I had kicking around. I've also ordered more blanks from the bay of E, 15 for around a fiver.... 'tis true, this is addictive.

 

[Jonzjob]

Be a bit careful with the iroko. It doesn't like me and brings my hands and arms out in a rash and my eyes get very sore very quickly. The dust isn't good for your breathing either!

That is also why my pens are the shape they are because I have arthritis although not too bad at the mo!!

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I'm OK with iroko, but always mask up when I'm using it - even cutting with a hand saw.

Took a bit of doing, on and off the lathe to let her hold it with a dummy pointy type bit on the end (don't know what that bit is called) until she was happy.

 

[Jonzjob]

I think 'pointy bit' is about as techy as is needed mate :mrgreen:

She will certainly treasure it for the care you took with it! Nice looking pen and finish. I have never used cyano as a finish. I always use celulose sanding sealer and melamine laquer and buffed on my Beal system finishing with carnuba wax.