Anyone up for a bit of a challenge?

[Sambo]

Harry,

I don't think you ever posted that one. It helps me understand what you wrote.

Do you have a picture looking at the end (the storage end) and how the cap attaches?

Thanks.

[Harry]

Here you go...





The fittings are all modified pen parts. What isn't shown is the brass pen tube inside the handle. The screwdriver shaft is epoxied into the pen tube. When I removed the end cap for the pictures, I realized that if the cap was recessed, I wouldn't be able to unscrew it. This would be a case where function would have to dictate form. I think a better solution to the problem of being uncomfortable would be to inset the cap into a turned end piece so there would be something bigger to grip. Perhaps I'll give that a trial after school is out for the summer. Of course, there's a lot of time and tinkering that's gone into this, and you can certainly buy one a lot cheaper. In fact, I had to buy one to get the screwdriver shaft.

[Sambo]

Thanks! Now I understand. When you guys start talking pen parts, I get lost pretty quick since I have not delved into that part of the addiction.

I know what you mean about costs, I was thinking about those when buying the brass plumbing parts for mine. But since it was in the educational side of things (how would I do this?), I figured costs were secondary considerations.

[Harry]

I find I'm actually more interested in how to modify or design something that's different from either the norm or its recommended use, than I am in building regular projects. I build prototypes, but rarely anything useful.

[Gregory Of Sherwood Forest]

Let's face it, turning pens gets a bit monotonous if you are just following the 'paint by numbers' kits. Other than getting well versed in turning all the myriad plastics, woods, tru-stones, antler, bone, partially fossilized bone and soft metals, there really isn't too much to learn other than pouring or modifying or custom making pens. Modifying will keep you interested for a little while longer, but the real learning and artistic appeal is in creating custom pens from scratch. That would include metal fabrication.

[Harry]

This is true. I don't plan on ever getting into metal fabrication, though.

[Gregory Of Sherwood Forest]

Same here. I may get interested once the kids are out, bu that is many years away still.

With the kids getting active in sports, my shop time is very limited right now. Aaron (7) is playing machine pitch baseball and basketball. Gabby (4) is playing t-ball and will start gymnastics. My 18 year old boy is graduating HS this year and I think I talked him into college instead of the military.

Since Christmas, I've probably only made 30-40 pens and 15 of them were for Valentines. The website is still bringing in customers, though. I just shipped off a couple more deer antler 30-06 pens and 3 fountains.

I am debating whether to renew the website, let it drop, or sell it. I've had a couple modest offers.

.

[stwoodie]

Originally Posted by Sambo

Well, I finally think I have fingered it out. Took several tries. Had to retrain myself to think further down the road than just the next 3 steps.

Walnut with a hedge stripe, BLO, Lacquer

Cool. Good job