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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
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    Valla Beach
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    Default Pretty happy with this BH Sassafras Pen I finished today

    Hi all, Having just started this a few weeks ago, with my super duper el cheapo 1 foot long miniature lathe, I was pretty happy with this pen I finished today.

    Paul
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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    Leopold, Victoria
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    65
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    Looks like you have taken to this pen turning just like you do to everything else you turn your hand to Paul. A beautiful finish and the fit looks good. Which finish have you used on this one?
    I hope that's a reflection at the top of the tip and not your blood sweat and tears
    You will have to put up a photo of your lathe setup for turning your pens so we can see how simply it can be done if you put your mind to it.
    Dallas

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
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    Valla Beach
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    Default

    Hi there Dallas, hows it going mate. I think I put up a pic of my 1 foot long lathe, I'll find another here. The finish I have pretty much settled on is very simple. No micro mesh pads anymore.

    After turning piece and fine sanding 240 and 400 grit sandpaper then 1200 grit W&D, on dry. Then I fold up a paper towel into a long strip. I apply some boiled linseed oil to the paper and run it across the timber whilst spinning. Then on that paper I add some drops of fine CA to where I put the BLO on, and run it across the timber, I do one piece of timber at a time. I then repeat this process, blo on paper add fine CA on top of that blo, and run it over the timber, kinda make a loop on the paper and let it really rub in.

    I do the fine CA maybe 3 times. Then I repeat that whole process with medium CA, maybe another 5 times. I usually do this late arvo and let it sit overnight, not sure if I really have to, but thats what I have done so far. Next day I apply 3 hits of Shellawax, then 4 or 5 hits of Aussie Oil. Comes up soooo nice, just like glass.

    I let that sit for a bit, then remove it and assemble it.

    I added a pic of a Purple Heart Pen I finished this morning also.

    Paul
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  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    Leopold, Victoria
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    Default

    Had seen your lathe before, just not set up with a pen. You could almost put it in your pocket and take it anywhere to whip up a pen for someone.
    Long time since I have done the BLO and CA finish.

  6. #5
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    Sep 2011
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    Valla Beach
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    Default

    Hey Dallas, I am curious now, so you have a better finish? By googling about here and there, the BLO acts as the accelerator for the CA as well as applying a nice finish. I eliminated the micro mesh pads as ,...in my opinion, tended to get a better glassy finish by not using them. This method seems pretty simple, a little time consuming but,..!

    I am open to improvements though?. I really just want to be able to make a nice pen box to house 2 pens only and sell them. I started 3 pen boxes the other day but they proved far more mucking about than I expected. So working on another couple at present.

    Paul

  7. #6
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    Oct 2008
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    G'day Paul, I'm not saying I have a better method, just my preferred method. I tried the BLO/CA finish quite some time ago and felt that what I achieved was not as good as straight CA. It may have been my method as there were quite a few people at the time who swore by this finish. I remember the BLO certainly was an accelerator for the CA as it went off very quickly (my first exposure to the fumes it can give off). Maybe one day I will have another go at it. Your way is obviously working by what you show in your photo.

    Dallas

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Canberra
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    584

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    very very nice pen
    i only do single barrel because i'm big on wood but that is very nice indeed

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    A.C.T
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    89
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    2,769

    Default

    Wonderful results blows away claims of insufficient lathes and all the old cliches. Top pens mate.

    Peter.
    Nil Desperandum

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Virginia, USA
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    62
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    1,904

    Default

    The pen is a beauty!

    The mini lathe is a revelation.
    When all is said and done, there is usually a whole lot more said than done.

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