Pen Blanks

**Tezza23** · 12th August 2007, 09:29 PM

Hi Everyone

Been awhile since I visited here, 20th June 2005 according to my last visit at the top of page.

I have just bought myself a pen mandrel, bushings etc yesterday, 12/8/07. I had never made a pen until yesterday and I had no instructions as to how to make it. All I did was followed how pens were being made at the working with wood show at the Claremont showgrounds. I made my first pen from Opalac and it didn't turn out too bad however there were a few mistakes made. Can anyone on this forum advise me as to what the finished length of the blank shoud be once I have turned it down and am ready to add the mechanisms etc.

The reason I ask is because, although the pen (twist type) tip comes out and I can write with it, it doesn't come out the full distance that I think it should. Should the bottom blank be shorter than the top? should they be equal length? The demonstrations had already started when I got to the stand and so didn't see the initial preperation.

**ss_11000** · 12th August 2007, 09:43 PM

i assume its a slimline kit?

if so, both barrels should be 52mm long. the mechanism should be pushed into the line ( if the barrel is 52mm ).

if your barrel is longer than 52mm, which yours sounds like it is ( or the mech isnt pushed in enough ), just push the mech in a bit further, put the ink back in and see if its right yet. keep doing that till its fine. i like to have the tip a couple of mm inside the nib when fully wound in

hope this helps

cheers

**DJ’s Timber** · 12th August 2007, 09:48 PM

Here's a link to the instructions for a slimline

**David Mitchell** · 12th August 2007, 09:56 PM

Hi Tezza 23
I think the pen blanks should be 52mil .I did get some centres that were
4mill too long once,made enquiries and they said to cut them down which I did
You may not have pushed the twist part far enough in.
these are a couple of points that I have experienced.
Regards David M

**Simomatra** · 13th August 2007, 09:54 AM

Welcome Tezza
I think that the question has been answered well above.

My 2 cents is that I adjust the lenght of the tip by gradually pressing the upper end of the lower barrel until I get the required fit in your case just a little more

Enjoy the addiction

**Tezza23** · 13th August 2007, 11:35 AM

Thank you all for your tips and suggestions. Will now go and try them and turn some more pens.

**ScrollZilla** · 15th August 2007, 12:05 AM

G'day Tezza,
Great tips all, but you forgot to mention one little thing. Please post some pics of your work to share with us.

Cheers,

Rick

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 15th August 2007, 12:19 AM

**lubbing5cherubs** · 15th August 2007, 08:36 AM

Tezza the length you cut the blanks is the same length as your tubes. Regardless of which kit you make, actually I cut a about 2mm longer on each end than the tube and mill back to the length of the tube. Then you definitely have nice square ends.
Hope that helps but as Skew and Rick said love to see pictures to please
all the best
Toni

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