Thread: Wild Cocobollo

Well done DM I did have some Rustins but forgot, I should have tried it on mine but then again sometimes I like the look of the natural timber rather than the plastic look of some finishes.

The cocobola is a lovely timber but different every piece.

Stunning pen... love the grain and detail on the cap. You would have to be happy with that!!

Jenny

You nailed those pens, good work, lovely grain with thoughtful presentation. I agree with Sam however most users look for that depth that comes with Rustins etc.

Just today gave my Chemist in charge at my frequented pharmacy an Olive from Bethlehem Matte Gold.

As I have said from day one fifteen ,more years ago The Power Of A Pen.

Regards Peter

One way to soften the look of the plastic coating is to use 2000g wet & dry with some washing up liquid in the water.

Make sure you give it a few days to fully cure then use the wet & dry , it takes a little bit of the hard sheen of the gloss and gives it a softer look.

Also good for taking any of the blemishes of.

Just remember to keep the paper wet and not let it drag or you may go through the finish real easy. Very soft hands are required.

One thing I have noticed with some of the finishes using the plastic coating is seeing brush marks. Use a soft small brush like the ladies use in their folk art and if the plastic coating starts to thicken add a couple of drops of the thinners and mix softly.
If it drags it will give the uneven finish. You should be able to apply the finish and it should self level if not the mix is too thick.

Another superb effort DM.

Don't you just drool when you see a blank come up like that?

Dave, excellent, beautiful finish and a blank to match. just love it, Amos

Great job Dave, love that Cocobollo, have never tried that.

Must say I like those Gents too.

Very nice pen. That second photo is exactly why cocobolo remains one of my favorite timbers. Nicely done.

Thanks for the comments guys.
Also should mention this was my first attempt to get a gent's sized pen from a 3/4" blank (usually used 7/8" stock in the past). Havent been game before due to the size of the drill bit for the cap .

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

One way to soften the look of the plastic coating is to use 2000g wet & dry with some washing up liquid in the water.

Make sure you give it a few days to fully cure then use the wet & dry , it takes a little bit of the hard sheen of the gloss and gives it a softer look.

Also good for taking any of the blemishes of.

Just remember to keep the paper wet and not let it drag or you may go through the finish real easy. Very soft hands are required.

One thing I have noticed with some of the finishes using the plastic coating is seeing brush marks. Use a soft small brush like the ladies use in their folk art and if the plastic coating starts to thicken add a couple of drops of the thinners and mix softly.
If it drags it will give the uneven finish. You should be able to apply the finish and it should self level if not the mix is too thick.

Thanks for the tips Jim.
I usually use a foam brush from the art store to stop the brush marks, they also dont leave hairs in the surface like almost all of the hair brushes I've used (cant seem to get good brushes these days).

For the softer look, are you recommending stopping at 2000 grit then going to the burnishing compound, or do you just use the wet & dry and stop there?

Originally Posted by artme

Don't you just drool when you see a blank come up like that?

I certainly do!

Only need to use the 2000g once the pen has fully cured.
All you are trying to do is soften the look and take out any blemishes.

The burnishing compound ususlly brings the gloss back up.

Ta, I'll give that a try on one of the next batch and see what happens...

Very well done Dave.
Excellent fit and finish!