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ABushman · 20 February 2007, 07:23 AM

...is woodturning small projects. These are a couple shots of some pens I recently made. All are made from Desert Ironwood.

This is a pen/pencil set I made as a gift:

Set.jpg

This is a fountain pen that I made for my own use:

Fountain_1.jpg

Fountain_2.jpg

Otis · 20 February 2007, 07:33 AM

Wow, lovely!
What a fantastic rich colour that the ironwood has. You've got talent too!

Prince · 20 February 2007, 07:37 AM

Absolutely beautiful, Allen! Have you turned your hobby into a business, or shall it remain just something you love to do? Fabulous work!!!

JJ Irani · 20 February 2007, 07:43 AM

Genius at work!!

Fantastic, Allen....you have tremendous skill!!

Alcan · 20 February 2007, 09:23 AM

Those pens are beautiful, Allen.

How long does it take to create something like those from start to finish?

mikey · 20 February 2007, 11:40 AM

Those pens are excellent

ABushman · 20 February 2007, 06:47 PM

Thanks everybody. It's just a hobby - no intention of taking it commercial, although I have sold a few special order pieces for people that wanted one made out of a special piece of wood. The whole process takes about 3 hours, plus the curing time for the epoxy that holds the wood to the pen tube inside. They can be made faster, but I tend to blow-up my work if I hurry!

I took a series of photos that document the entire pen making process a few months ago, and put them on a DVD that I gave to somebody along with a pen set for Christmas to show then how their pen was made. I'll post those shortly, as it is kind of fun to see how simple all of the steps really are.

ABushman · 20 February 2007, 07:34 PM

As promised, here are a series of photos that depict all of the major steps in the creation of a European twist-style ball point pen.

The raw blank of Desert Ironwood:
1_wood_blank.jpg

Next, the blank is cut to the proper length:
2_cutting_blank.jpg

The blanks must be drilled:
3_drilling_blank.jpg

Each blank has a metal tube properly sized for it:
4_tube_insert.jpg

The metal tubes are epoxied into the blank, then allowed to cure:
5_tube_insert.jpg

Once dry, the excess epoxy is removed, and the end of the blanks are squared off:
6_clean_ends.jpg

The blanks are now ready to be mounted on the wood lathe:
7_lathe.jpg

A closer shot - ready to turn!
8_blanks_on_lathe.jpg

The square blanks are rough-turned into cylinders:
9_rough_turing.jpg

Then, they are fine-turned into the desired shape.
10_shaping.jpg

The finished pieces are then sanded smooth. I use a six-step process, starting with 180 grit, working down to 3000 grit, which results in a nice glossy finish. Then, a two step waxing process is applied:
11_waxing.jpg

Followed by buffing the wax into a hard finish:
12_polishing.jpg

All of the components are staged for assembly:
13_ready_to_assemble.jpg

I use my drillpress as an assembly press. Here, the writing tip is being inserted:
14_writing_tip.jpg

Next, the twist mechanism is pressed into place:
15_pen_mechanism.jpg

A standard Cross pen filler is inserted into the mechanism:
16_adding_filler.jpg

A threaded receiver is pressed into the cap:
17_cap_top.jpg

And the cap is screwed into place. Note: This pen was for a lady, so no pocket-clip was installed, but it would also be added at this point if needed:
18_cap.jpg

And finally, the lower barrel and the cap are pressed together, resulting in the finished product!
19_final_assembly.jpg

astcell · 20 February 2007, 09:43 PM

Beautiful!!!!!

Earl · 20 February 2007, 10:25 PM

stunning work :o)

Earl

greenfan · 20 February 2007, 11:42 PM

Really impressive!! Congratulations, I like pens so much

21 February 2007, 12:13 AM

Those look great!

I have done a bit of woodworking, but mainly on things like furniture. I'm still working on a hutch that I started 10 years ago.

Maybe I should start working on some smaller projects......at least then they might get done!

JJ Irani · 21 February 2007, 05:13 AM

Bloody amazing....excellent work there!! Very skilled!!

sinbad · 22 February 2007, 04:09 AM

Outstanding. I love working with hands on these types of projects. However, my skill level in nowhere near yours. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

astcell · 22 February 2007, 06:39 AM

I remember an episode of M*A*S*H where a woodworker handed Frank a 2x4 piece of wood. The conversation goes like this.

Wood worker: "It used to be round."
Frank: "It looks like a 2x4."
Wood worker: (sniffs) "Thank you."

Gedanken · 23 February 2007, 11:29 PM

Hot damn, Allen, it's great seeing the transformation of the raw materials into the finished product!

I couldn't help but notice the SERE patch on the wall near the drill press. I take it you are/were in the service?

Prince · 23 February 2007, 11:37 PM

Unbelievable, Allen!!! Thanks so much for sharing the process of making these beautiful pens and pencils. I remember that Hallmark made (or may still make) pens and pencils made of wood. I have some of them, in fact. But NONE of them look as good as what you create.

I'll bet a lot of folks right here on TRF would LOVE to purchase one of these from you sometime. Just superb work!!! Congratulations!!!

Earl · 23 February 2007, 11:52 PM

great looking pens and sets for sure. :o)

ABushman · 24 February 2007, 02:55 AM

Thanks guys. It really is a rewarding hobby - I pretty much covered Christmas gifts last year with turned items - pen/pencils, pepper mills, letter opener/magnifier sets, wine bottle stoppers, salt/pepper sets - you name it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

I couldn't help but notice the SERE patch on the wall near the drill press. I take it you are/were in the service?

I retired from the US Navy in 1994. Did a tour as a SERE Instructor in the early '80s. What you see in the photo is an old magnetic placard that helped distinguish the "good guy" vehicles from the "bad guy" vehicles.

President · 24 February 2007, 02:58 AM

Make one that'll fit a Mont Blanc refill and I'll have one!

ABushman · 24 February 2007, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

Make one that'll fit a Mont Blanc refill and I'll have one!

You know - its funny you should say that - I've considered doing just that. My wife has a MB, and I was going to take a look and see how difficult that would be. I just haven't got around to it yet. Maybe because I'm supersticious - wouldn't that be a bit sacrilegious or something?

Earl · 24 February 2007, 03:06 AM

awwww, man Pres thats going to cost you more now that you said Mont Blanc !!!! LoL J/K

Earl

President · 24 February 2007, 03:08 AM

I own a Mont Blanc and 3 Crosses, and I can say without a doubt that Mont Blancs are better than Crosses.

Prince · 24 February 2007, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

I own a Mont Blanc and 3 Crosses, and I can say without a doubt that Mont Blancs are better than Crosses.

I think Earl meant that now that you've mentioned what pen the refill is meant for will increase the price of the finished product from Allen. Man, I have to explain everything to you...

ABushman · 24 February 2007, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

I own a Mont Blanc and 3 Crosses, and I can say without a doubt that Mont Blancs are better than Crosses.

Pres, what is your preference: Fountain, Ball, or Roller? Twist or capped? Black or Blue (or other)? Fine or medium? It seems everybody has a differing opinion. Maybe I should start a survey!

Also, what part of the MB puts it ahead of the Cross in your opinion? Writing quality, feel, mechanics, finish, or all of the above?

Prince · 24 February 2007, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABushman

...Also, what part of the MB puts it ahead of the Cross in your opinion? Writing quality, feel, mechanics, finish, or all of the above?

Its probably just because he SAYS its better, Allen...

jaxflats · 24 February 2007, 06:08 AM

That really is very cool. I'd imagine it always keeps you looking for different woods/metals to use as pen parts. I can just imagine how some look with exotic woods, etc. Do you have your own personal stamp that you use to mark the pens (i.e. initials, etc.)? That would also be rewarding.

ABushman · 24 February 2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxflats

That really is very cool. I'd imagine it always keeps you looking for different woods/metals to use as pen parts. I can just imagine how some look with exotic woods, etc. Do you have your own personal stamp that you use to mark the pens (i.e. initials, etc.)? That would also be rewarding.

Thanks Jaxflats. I've tried a variety of woods, and a few other materials, such as bone, antler, acrylic-encapsulated rattlesnake skin, etc. Some worked, some didn't! I really liked the results of whitetail deer antler, but working with it was horrid - it gives off an odor like getting your teeth drilled at the dentist - but 10x more pungent! lol.

gmt 16750 · 24 February 2007, 06:18 AM

WOW Allen, that really quite impressive mate.

The pens look so good when finished I guess you must be doing something write!

PS - have you ever used zebra wood?

Prince · 24 February 2007, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmt 16750

...I guess you must be doing something write!

LOL - Adrian (Uncle-AJ) will love this one. He would say something like that as well!

20 February 2007, 07:23 AM	#1
ABushman Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Allen Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 178	My other hobby... ...is woodturning small projects. These are a couple shots of some pens I recently made. All are made from Desert Ironwood. This is a pen/pencil set I made as a gift: Set.jpg This is a fountain pen that I made for my own use: Fountain_1.jpg Fountain_2.jpg

20 February 2007, 07:33 AM	#2
Otis "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2006 Real Name: Urs Location: QLD AU Watch: Omega x 2 Posts: 2,046	Wow, lovely! What a fantastic rich colour that the ironwood has. You've got talent too! __________________ Rock the Casbah!

20 February 2007, 07:37 AM	#3
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Absolutely beautiful, Allen! Have you turned your hobby into a business, or shall it remain just something you love to do? Fabulous work!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

20 February 2007, 07:43 AM	#4
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Genius at work!! Fantastic, Allen....you have tremendous skill!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

20 February 2007, 09:23 AM	#5
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Those pens are beautiful, Allen. How long does it take to create something like those from start to finish? __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

20 February 2007, 11:40 AM	#6
mikey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: Oysterdate 6694 Posts: 2,713	Those pens are excellent

20 February 2007, 06:47 PM	#7
ABushman Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Allen Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 178	Thanks everybody. It's just a hobby - no intention of taking it commercial, although I have sold a few special order pieces for people that wanted one made out of a special piece of wood. The whole process takes about 3 hours, plus the curing time for the epoxy that holds the wood to the pen tube inside. They can be made faster, but I tend to blow-up my work if I hurry! I took a series of photos that document the entire pen making process a few months ago, and put them on a DVD that I gave to somebody along with a pen set for Christmas to show then how their pen was made. I'll post those shortly, as it is kind of fun to see how simple all of the steps really are.

20 February 2007, 07:34 PM	#8
ABushman Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Allen Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 178	Step by step photos of pen creation As promised, here are a series of photos that depict all of the major steps in the creation of a European twist-style ball point pen. The raw blank of Desert Ironwood: 1_wood_blank.jpg Next, the blank is cut to the proper length: 2_cutting_blank.jpg The blanks must be drilled: 3_drilling_blank.jpg Each blank has a metal tube properly sized for it: 4_tube_insert.jpg The metal tubes are epoxied into the blank, then allowed to cure: 5_tube_insert.jpg Once dry, the excess epoxy is removed, and the end of the blanks are squared off: 6_clean_ends.jpg The blanks are now ready to be mounted on the wood lathe: 7_lathe.jpg A closer shot - ready to turn! 8_blanks_on_lathe.jpg The square blanks are rough-turned into cylinders: 9_rough_turing.jpg Then, they are fine-turned into the desired shape. 10_shaping.jpg The finished pieces are then sanded smooth. I use a six-step process, starting with 180 grit, working down to 3000 grit, which results in a nice glossy finish. Then, a two step waxing process is applied: 11_waxing.jpg Followed by buffing the wax into a hard finish: 12_polishing.jpg All of the components are staged for assembly: 13_ready_to_assemble.jpg I use my drillpress as an assembly press. Here, the writing tip is being inserted: 14_writing_tip.jpg Next, the twist mechanism is pressed into place: 15_pen_mechanism.jpg A standard Cross pen filler is inserted into the mechanism: 16_adding_filler.jpg A threaded receiver is pressed into the cap: 17_cap_top.jpg And the cap is screwed into place. Note: This pen was for a lady, so no pocket-clip was installed, but it would also be added at this point if needed: 18_cap.jpg And finally, the lower barrel and the cap are pressed together, resulting in the finished product! 19_final_assembly.jpg

20 February 2007, 09:43 PM	#9
astcell "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Angelus Oaks, CA Watch: 116713 Posts: 6,828	Beautiful!!!!!

20 February 2007, 10:25 PM	#10
Earl "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Who Me? Location: Northern Virginia Watch: out Posts: 4,616	stunning work :o) Earl

20 February 2007, 11:42 PM	#11
greenfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: George Location: Athens Greece Watch: GMT II 16710 Coke Posts: 1,046	Really impressive!! Congratulations, I like pens so much __________________ $C:\Documents and Settings\George.HOME\My Documents\My Pictures\Rolex$

21 February 2007, 12:13 AM	#12
---- Guest Posts: n/a	Those look great! I have done a bit of woodworking, but mainly on things like furniture. I'm still working on a hutch that I started 10 years ago. Maybe I should start working on some smaller projects......at least then they might get done!

21 February 2007, 05:13 AM	#13
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Bloody amazing....excellent work there!! Very skilled!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

22 February 2007, 04:09 AM	#14
sinbad "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Midwest U.S. Posts: 163	Outstanding. I love working with hands on these types of projects. However, my skill level in nowhere near yours. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

22 February 2007, 06:39 AM	#15
astcell "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Angelus Oaks, CA Watch: 116713 Posts: 6,828	I remember an episode of MAS*H where a woodworker handed Frank a 2x4 piece of wood. The conversation goes like this. Wood worker: "It used to be round." Frank: "It looks like a 2x4." Wood worker: (sniffs) "Thank you."

23 February 2007, 11:29 PM	#16
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Hot damn, Allen, it's great seeing the transformation of the raw materials into the finished product! I couldn't help but notice the SERE patch on the wall near the drill press. I take it you are/were in the service? __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

23 February 2007, 11:37 PM	#17
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Unbelievable, Allen!!! Thanks so much for sharing the process of making these beautiful pens and pencils. I remember that Hallmark made (or may still make) pens and pencils made of wood. I have some of them, in fact. But NONE of them look as good as what you create. I'll bet a lot of folks right here on TRF would LOVE to purchase one of these from you sometime. Just superb work!!! Congratulations!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

23 February 2007, 11:52 PM	#18
Earl "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Who Me? Location: Northern Virginia Watch: out Posts: 4,616	great looking pens and sets for sure. :o)

24 February 2007, 02:58 AM	#20
President Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: M.Thatcher MP Location: Le Locle Watch: Bear Grylls Posts: 2,913	Make one that'll fit a Mont Blanc refill and I'll have one!

24 February 2007, 03:06 AM	#22
Earl "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Who Me? Location: Northern Virginia Watch: out Posts: 4,616	awwww, man Pres thats going to cost you more now that you said Mont Blanc !!!! LoL J/K Earl

24 February 2007, 03:08 AM	#23
President Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: M.Thatcher MP Location: Le Locle Watch: Bear Grylls Posts: 2,913	I own a Mont Blanc and 3 Crosses, and I can say without a doubt that Mont Blancs are better than Crosses.

24 February 2007, 06:08 AM	#27
jaxflats Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 33	That really is very cool. I'd imagine it always keeps you looking for different woods/metals to use as pen parts. I can just imagine how some look with exotic woods, etc. Do you have your own personal stamp that you use to mark the pens (i.e. initials, etc.)? That would also be rewarding.

24 February 2007, 06:18 AM	#29
gmt 16750 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Neil Location: Borders, Scotland Watch: what your doing. Posts: 970	WOW Allen, that really quite impressive mate. The pens look so good when finished I guess you must be doing something write! PS - have you ever used zebra wood?

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