Beginner's Luck

[plano_harry]

Well I finally bit the bait that you guys have been throwing out there, and bought the appropriate taps and dies to go kitless! I am very pleased with the results (maybe relieved is the feeling) of making my first kitless pen. I really like the style, size and lite weight of the pen. I was going to honor my new pen with a Bock nib, but after a little tuning on the factory nib, the writing is very smooth and it will probably become my favorite carry. Appropriately filled with Private Reserve "Midnight Blues".

Strangely, the feeling I got on viewing the finished result was sort of a father/mother thing as to kit vs kitless: yep I made that vs I birthed that baby! :biggrin: Thanks to Fred Brunings and Mike Redburn for their great tutorials that convinced me I could do it.

It is 0.58" dia. in the center, and 5.4" in length. Since I didn't have the tap/die set for a section yet, I went with the Harvest section from Timberbits. M10x1.0 thread section and M12x.75 single start for the cap/body, with M9x.75 for the finial. The smaller diameter caused me to choose the Jr Gent 1 clip. The blank is Twilight Pearl Mosaic from Exotic. Guess it never occurred to me that the blank was built up in layers! Duh, maybe I should have noted the "reinforce with CA" on the website. Anyway, no problems since it didn't come apart in all the drilling and threading. I love the color but it was a bear to photograph! Comments and suggestions welcome.

 

[plantman]

I had that same feeling with my first born (pen that is). When can we expect the cigars?? Looks like a pro made it. Hay Harry, that's you !!!! Jim S

 

[plano_harry]

I had that same feeling with my first born (pen that is). When can we expect the cigars?? Looks like a pro made it. Hay Harry, that's you !!!! Jim S

Ok Jim, have a cigar!

 

[MikeL]

Very nice. Kitless is a fun and rewarding challenge when it works out. It is also frustrating to spend endless hours and not work out. Yours looks great!

 

[William Menard]

very nice Harry

 

[Ted iin Michigan]

Wow!!!! A first "attempt" and it's awesome! What do you plan for an encore?

 

[Dale Lynch]

That's a good lookin pen Harry.

 

[mark james]

Congrats Harry! That's a nice Baby :bananen_smilies051:. You done well going over to the dark side!

Yes, the pictures are a bit blurry, but it is clear that you did a great job for the first time.

Nice to see!

 

[mikespenturningz]

Wow Harry that is simply beautiful. Great job..

 

[Jim15]

Beautiful work.

 

[OZturner]

What an Outstanding Pen, Harry.
Your Delight and Joy, is felt through your emotional posting, Beautiful.
Love your chosen Blank, it is Fantastic.
Your Lines and Proportions have created a Superb Profile for your First Kitless Pen.
Your Expert Fit and Finish, is Indicative of your obvious Craftsmanship.
And an inspiration to many.
Congratulations,
Brian.

 

[solobiker]

That looks awesome! I am far away from being able to do that. Dare to dream right? Keep posting your pens. I love to see the beautiful work.

 

[Karl_99]

Congratulations Harry...That is an awesome looking pen!!!

 

[plano_harry]

Ok, Mark prompted me to take another shot at the pictures. I don't think I improved, but at least I'm consistent! :wink: I am convinced the pen is blurry!

 

[firewhatfire]

It'll do when you need to take a note.

Congrats

 

[mark james]

Ok, Mark prompted me to take another shot at the pictures. I don't think I improved, but at least I'm consistent! :wink: I am convinced the pen is blurry!

Yup, Blame the Pen!

One problem, that's still a mighty nice pen!

I've been reading a ton of the library tutorials (hear that Jim!!!) on pen photography/photography in general. Not getting much better though. I may contact a friend who is a professional photographer for a "lesson for a pen!"

Still like the pen Harry!

 

[plano_harry]

Thanks Mark! Normally I can nail my pen photos first shot. I have taken probably 20 of this pen and can't get what I want! Maybe my wife messed up my camera with ebay photos!

 

[mark james]

Thanks Mark! Normally I can nail my pen photos first shot. I have taken probably 20 of this pen and can't get what I want! Maybe my wife messed up my camera with ebay photos!

First the Pen... Now the wife... Next it will be the Cat!!!

Talk to U tomorrow,I'm up at 4!!

 

[stonepecker]

Great looking pen Harry and CONGRATS on the kitless work.

Personally, I am a very long way from even attempting such a pen. For you to nail it on the first try said lots for your skills. I am jealous but you are an inspriation to me.

Keep going forward and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.

 

[plantman]

I had that same feeling with my first born (pen that is). When can we expect the cigars?? Looks like a pro made it. Hay Harry, that's you !!!! Jim S

Ok Jim, have a cigar!

Thank you Harry!! I love smokeless. Jim S

 

[BW Design Works]

Great job Harry! I still l haven't worked up to the challenge yet. I went and bought everything but just haven't gotten any further. I just need to jump in I guess and give it a try.

 

[Sandsini]

Harry, what a beautiful pen! You have a great aesthetic. I am determined to do this as well, but I am probably a half a year away from my first attempt. Your work is an inspiration.

Cheers,

 

[Brooks803]

Great job Harry! Love the shape and proportions. I really like how it looks when capped. How the cap dia is just a hair larger than the body. Everything looks clean and tight. Congrats!

 

[plano_harry]

Thanks for all the comments and to those who "plan to do it when I get good" I would say -- don't wait, you are probably good enough if you can turn a pen to match the hardware.

Besides the taps/dies/drill bits, the key pieces of special hardware are:

• the tail stock die holder (Little Machine Shop, or make one)
• you probably already have a thin parting tool and calipers
• lastly, a closed end mandrel that fits your chosen pen size is very helpful.

If you have these and follow the tutorials I mentioned, you shouldn't have any problem cutting threads that will work fine and making a pen that you will feel a special attachment to. Steve4948 has some helpful videos on youtube about kitless pens as well. A little planning and you are ready to start cutting.

 

[Donovan]

I just love those blanks

Donovan

 

[thewishman]

That's a beauty, Harry! It is exciting to make the first one - then a whole new world of possibilities opens up. You did well - nice pen.

 

[Si90]

Very nice and a superb result for your first kitless.

 

[jyreene]

Great pen Harry. Nice lines and amazing first kitless.

On to front sections!!!

Which I don't think I've successfully done without a ton of guidance from Jonathon Brooks and someone who no longer makes pens.