Can someone do me a huge favor??

[Doug B]

If the center bushing already has the positive stop then I don't know why the cap or nib bushing would be stepped. And there is no way of knowing which bushing goes on the cap and which on the nib ends without measuring. I cannot tell from the pic if the 2 bushings are the same diameter or not.

The tenon goes on the upper (short) barrel and the center band fits on the tenon and gets glued to the tenon with CA glue (be very careful of glue squeeze out - that is a PITA to deal with). The top of the lower (longer) barrel must be small enough to rotate inside of the center band, so be sure that is the case - otherwise it will rub on the center band and cause problems with the smooth operation of the pen.

The stepped bushing is the thing I just cannot figure out

[sachbvn]

Thank you Doug! You pretty much solved HALF the problem.... I know exactly how the center band should go..... what does the "nib" refer to? Clip or tip? Regardless..... I know how half the pen ends should go now - so.... now I just gotta make sure I get the tip and clip right - but.... those were the less complicated to figure out.

Thanks!
Zac

[Doug B]

Zac, the nib refers to the writing end of the pen and is opposed to the clip end of the pen. Nib is probably more appropriate for fountain pens, but that is the way I've always seen the end opposite of the clip refered to.

Now, what is it that you still have to figure out? Maybe we can get it completely resolved so you can start turning a pen

[sachbvn]

Alright, Doug.... bottom line.... I don't think these bushings fit this kit perfectly.... I went ahead and turned the pen - I think it came out well - check it out on the finished turnings page.

The nib end of the blank, IMO, should have been turned/sanded down a wee bit more. The nib doesn't sit totally flush with the pen... maybe it's not supposed to, the blank is a little proud.

The center ring went on GREAT!! what I did (shoot me if I'm wrong) was turned it down to the shape size I wanted - then parted a tenon on the blank, with the ring on the bushing so I could fit it to that - that went well. I fit the tenon to just leave a tiny bit of ring hanging off, and cut a minuscule tenon (can't even tell when pen is together) on the bottom blank so it would fit right up inside. I then sanded the bottom blank so that it eased into it's tiny tenon. (Making any sense so far)

Bottom line - the pen is done, can't say it is my favorite - but I feel I could make it again - I do like the way it looks, but I am more of a fan of the way the slim style feels. My favorite pen in the world is those cheap 10 cent Bic pens, black ink only!

Thanks for the wonders of help guys!! I gotta find a turners club or something around here!

Zac

[Doug B]

Sounds like you did it pretty much the way I do the tenons. As far as the nib, that to me is the most important part of the pen to be turned correctly. If the fit is not perfect there, you will notice it more than anywhere else. It should have a nice fit where if you rub your finger over where the nib meets the wood you cannot feel any difference.

I have gotten to where I will measure the nib and the bushing I'm using to see if they are both the same. If they are then great - turn as usual, but if they are any different then I use the calipers and turn the wood as needed to make sure they will match up when put together.

Congrats on your second pen...wish it had gone easier, but then, this will be an experience you won't soon forget