Thread: Monthly Pen thing

I don't know what they are either - high carbon steel sounds more correct.

Perhaps when the Triton wheel finally arrives, I should replace the buffing wheel (dry) with a new Al oxide one, but now that's probably too slow for effective sharpening.

Think I need to make one of Stu-in-Japan's jigs - I don't do enough to become proficient at freehand.

I'd just make an adjustable table on the front, so you can set the right angle but still freely move the tool across the stone.

Using a jig tends to "lock" the resting position of the tool into one place on the stone and you really won't want that on your new toy.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

I'd just make an adjustable table on the front, so you can set the right angle but still freely move the tool across the stone.

Using a jig tends to "lock" the resting position of the tool into one place on the stone and you really won't want that on your new toy.

I too use a white wheel, and a kind gentleman at my TAFE classes many years ago made me two adjustable tables, one which angles up for the gouges and the like and one which angles down for srcapers and the like. They work a treat.

JD

Dear All
I have been on holidays but sadly it is now finished. I hope my bullet etc are at work where all my mail goes. I will check tomorrow. An interesting challenge thanks Toni.

OK... so I've finished my version of the bullet pen and tomorrow I'm going to dismantle it and rework some parts. Why? Well, I don't have any chrome fittings and both gold and black look out of place. I should've used the burl, dammit!

However, the casing's a bit battered, showing a few specks of brass here'n'there, so I'm thinking of trying to strip the plating off to leave just the barebones brass case.

Unfortunately I can't slap it in an electrolytic bath as 'tis all glued up... so I'm thinking of actually spinning 'er up on the lathe with some 600 or better grit and seeing where that gets me.

Anyone got a better idea?

That's how we used to clean shells (5" ones ) in the Navy as trophies. Spin em up on the lathe, then use brasso and some of those green kitchen scouring pads. A pen is much smaller (obviously ), but the principle is the same

sorry Skew they are used shell
Toni

Had the same idea Skew, sanding off the crome. I'll have to check what kits I have, I am running low.

What is glued up, the tip? Perhaps covering the good bits with masking tape to protect it whilst sanding.

Originally Posted by lubbing5cherubs

sorry Skew they are used shell

That doesn't matter Toni, the bullet polished up nicely and I wasn't worried about the dings... they add a bit of "authenticity" to it. 'Sides, I think the postie would chuck a wobbly if they were new shells.

But I used just the antler with it and screwed up on my measurements so the brown "gullies" were turned away (I wanted some left for the effect, but... ) and now the pen is just bone'n'chrome. It looks too cold & clinical for my taste, more like an antique surgical instrument than a pen. I want to add some warmth and colour back into it and short of throwing away the antler, well... I think this is the simplest way to go.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

Had the same idea Skew, sanding off the crome. I'll have to check what kits I have, I am running low.

What is glued up, the tip? Perhaps covering the good bits with masking tape to protect it whilst sanding.

It's a heavily modified slimline and the bullet is glued to the antler. Everything else is press fit so it should be easily stripped to almost the bare essentials. But almost isn't good enough.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

...so the brown "gullies" were turned away ...

Hmmm, similar problem, I had assumed the brown continued at depth . Now I've added a bit of colour with resin, just hope I haven't stuffed it completely .

On the bullet side, the crome isn't too bad, so I might try and live it as is. Also running low on kits, so after turning the antler I will call in on GPW during the week and see what kit will look Ok.

So do you guys have any photos?

Yessss.... but the month isn't over yet.

if i stuff up the bullet....should i still make a pen with the antler and a bit of acrylic or make a key ring....( i haven't stuffed the bullet yet but i want to have a back up plan because it seems more than likely lol...)

cheers

mmmmm... I wish Aussie Post would feed the pigeons a little better for their big trip ....... mine are still not here yet

or maybe Toni's 'roo shooters got bored and shot my pigeon!

JD