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This page
is made up of Hand turned pens made from various
sustainable woods from around the world. The pens are turned
on a lathe and then sanded to a fine high level grade to
produce a glossy finish.
Each pen is completely hand made on a lathe. There is no automation used in the pen making process. Each
piece is its own unique form of art and a limited edition collectible item.
There are no duplicating machines used and each pen and/or pencil is hand-cut
and hand finished to a 12,000 Grade Level to create a high lustre. After the
sanding process is complete a Shellac Wax finish is then applied.
Each block of wood starts out
as a one inch by one inch by 5 3/4 inch piece of wood. That block is cut into
two pieces, with the excess being removed. The two new pen halves are then
marked on each end to find its centre point. Once the centre point is determined
on each halve, it is then drilled vertically down the centre. A brass tube is
then inserted and glued into each half with a strong two part epoxy adhesive.
The brass insertion prevents the wood from collapsing when it is later turned on
the lathe.
Once the glue has had time to
cure, it is then placed again onto the drill press under a squaring bit. Each
halve is then squared until a flush surface with the brass fittings is achieved.
Both halves are then place onto a mandrel which is connected to the lathe. Each
halve is then "cut" with a gouge (type of wood chisel) until it has reached its
desired shape. Each halve is then sanded to a high gloss (12,000 grade) finish.
A light Shellac and Carnauba Wax mixture is then applied. The Pen/Pencil is then
removed from the mandrel for assembly with either Gold or Silver coloured parts.
Final quality checks are made on the pen and then it is ready for use.
Pen Mandrels
Pen mandrels are a very helpful piece of equipment when turning pens as they ensure
the pen runs accurately in the lathe. A pen mandrel is a steel bar machined accurately
and is held in the lathe using a chuck or more commonly using a Drill driver
(see Drill drivers) although many mandrels already have a drill driver as an integral
part. It is recommended you purchase a double pen mandrel, which is long enough to
accommodate both parts of the pen.
This allows for more accurate turning and
consistency in wall thickness, eliminating any problems that may occur when
finally building the pen. Due to the different tubes sizes of the many various
pens available, there are matching bushing sets to slide over the mandrel and
fit accurately into the ends of both tubes to ensure they turn concentrically.
When the tubes and bushes are in place the tailstock is brought up into place and holds everything securely in
place ready to be turned. Note: You can view a
bigger version of the wood turned items by placing your mouse curser on the
image and click. A new window will open with the larger image. When finished
viewing, just close the window and come back here to view the others.
Colour and markings may differ in
appearance slightly in your finished turning from the one's shown in the photo's
depending on wood used at the time they are turned. Each item is handcrafted
individually, so slight variances should be expected especially if ordering more
than one item. The sizes listed are approximate. They may be a couple of
millimetres taller, longer, wider or little shorter, etc.
Commissioned works - Why not have that special one off piece crafted by a
professional turner. I am available to make commissioned pieces for any special occasion, to your requirements . To discuss your requirements contact
me
Here
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