Cartridge pen(s)

[sdb777]

Had a good back day(be glad when I don't have to refer to my back for good and bad days).

First one is a little 'found wood'. The wood was recovered from the remains of a barn that was built around 1885. So the wood isn't really all that special, but I actually made two of these pens and gave the other to the guy that gave me the wood(I'd have enough wood to make about 500 pens)

The kit came from woodwhimes and has the 'standard' copper plating on the hardware. Very little assembly to be done using this kit!

The finish is 6 coats CA/BLO mm thru 12K and buffed with Miniwax. Probably not the super shiny finish like everyone else seems to get, but it should last for years!




So here they are:


The clip is not pink, just something weird happened during the photo...


As always, comments and critique is very welcome!!!

The second pen I did yesterday was another Twist-type Cartridge Pen using the 30-06 case. But instead of 'found wood', I used some Black Thorny Locust, same finish as above.









As always, comments and critique is very welcome!!!




Scott (friends like free pens, and I like free wood) B

[Ruffnek]

No critique, just a comment that the pens look great.

[maverick31]

I like them both too. you did a great job. On a side note, I just had a request for 4 cartridge pens, 1 antler,1 camo and the last 2 of them they want me to pick out wood and suprise them. I figured everyone would want antler but seems like wooden tops are very popular.

[rdabpenman]

Nicely done Scott!
The Copper plating complements the timbers.

Les

[Doug B]

I really am impressed with how quickly you have progressed Scott. Nice job on the pens.

Now for the critique because I know you really are interested in improving. I was too when I started out and I know I appreciated the honest critiques as much as the encouraging ones.

First, something that LOML pointed out to me on my cartridge pens is that they show fingerprints very badly. So, I now give the metal casings a coat of Renaissance wax by hand and buff by hand with one of those eyeglass cloths. That works, but has to be repeated every so often. And, it makes the pictures a whole lot nicer

My natural tendency is to put a slight curve on all pen barrels with the middle being a little fatter than the ends. But there are always exceptions, and in my opinion, the cartridge pens look best when they are turned very straight bushing to bushing (B2B).

It is always hard to tell about a finish based on a picture, but it looks like you are not too far from getting that super glossy look - if you are already using Micro mesh through 12000 then I think that using some kind of plastic polish will give the final results you are looking for. I use EEE, but I imagine any plastic polish is going to give you good results.

So, congratulations, you are way ahead of where I was when I first started making pens.

[sdb777]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Doug, the only reason I've progressed is this forum and those individuals that have told me straight up about anything that would help me improve! It's hard to tell someone that... Generally we as a society have learned to just tell someone "Great job!" or "That looks great!", when in actuality you should be saying "You skipped a sanding grit and I can see the scratches." or "The finish is dull, didn't you polish...."
No one really wants to put someone elses effort 'down', and possibly hurt their feelings...

So to all that look at my work, please don't hold back. I know that I've still got plenty to learn. And while it's nice to hear good things, I'd rather hear what I did wrong.



Thanks for the 'tip' on straightening the section out under the clip. I'll give that a try!






Scott (you can't hurt my feelings) B

[sachbvn]

Scott I agree with these guys, nice looking pens - you've come real far in a short period.

As Doug said - the straight barrels seem to look a little better on cartridge pens... of course that is completely opinion, so...if you like what you are doing - keep on it. I have made some with a slight taper, and one with a BIG taper and I MUCH prefer the straight straight straight ones I've turned.

I think the clip showed up pink in combo of it's plating, the lighting coming off the wood.

Try that EEE stuff, I am ordering some today, but it'll be a couple weeks before I can try it out.

I know as woodworkers (and wood turners) sometimes we try to go for that ULTRA gloss look, but remember - not everyone is drawn to that. Some like just a real solid, well done finish. Some sheen is very pleasing - but don't short yourself on your finish - it's nice looking. Now, having said that, let's get it to where you can pick food out of your teeth by looking in the reflection of the pen!!


Zac