Thread: Feedback Round 2!

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f69/my...elcome-114062/

Let me just start by saying, this forum has kept the pen-making spark strong for me. You are all very knowledgeable and helpful to us new turners.

Well this is my 2nd batch of pens. The link to my first post is above. Once again any feebback is welcome! The main focus of these pens was the finish. I was trying to do the CA finish to the pens. I have three (3) pen pictures attached.

Basic steps I used...
1. sanded from 150-600
2. applied 12-15 coats of CA with accelerated between
3. micro mesh wet sanded from 1,500-12,000
4. plastic high speed friction polish

1.) Curly Maple Blue Dyed Cigar Pen
Let just say, I am kinda embarrassed to even post this pen. I think it looks terrible
This was my first try at a CA finish. I really wish I would have saved this piece for later, but I was excited to turn it.I learned a couple of things during this pen. 1. I had the lathe at too high of a speed for applying the CA. It cause the glue to bead up and make waves. 2. I was rubbing in the CA glue way to much. I realized later on, I was really only making the glue smooth.

Also, on this pen. The CA glue made the color wayyy darker than I wanted. Any way to control the tint of the CA finish?

2. B&W Ebony Slimline
I really like this finished pen. I think its my favorite to date. I don't really think the images do it justice. I used the same steps as above, but I was using about the lowest speed my lathe has. The CA finish is a much more durable feeling finish. I am going to take this one to work with me this week and see how it holds up.

If you notice you can still see a lot of sanding swirls on this pen. I am not sure if its me or the wood. It showed up bad the last time I used B&W Ebony, but I don't really see it as bad on my other pens.

3. Slimline of some wood I don't know
This was my last attempt to do a CA finish for the day. (3rd overall) Its a kit that I got on closeout from woodcraft for $0.50. I bought about 10 of them. I didn't have any bushing or instructions. As you can see it didnt line up correctly. I think i should be able to make it fit correctly on my next attempt.

Anyone know what kind of wood this pen is?

Don't hold back any punches. I'm here to learn!