Cut shell in red celluloid.

[stevers]

Hi All,
Here is a cut shell case pen done in a red marble celluloid. It has a custom CB made from the shell. The clip is from a fancy slim line kit. I'm not sure what the shell is. My FIL sends me bags of goodies from time to time. This is number three and the best so far. The LOML already claimed this one. I made one earlier today to send the FIL and have one I am going to keep.
What do you all think? Is the balance good?

 

[greenmtnguy]

Nicely done. I like it. Nice color balance and classy look.

 

[jttheclockman]

That one get the thumbs up without a doubt. Nice work. The color of the blank adds the right touch.

Steve, I forgot did you say you powdercoat your cartridges or do you lacquer them???

 

[MobilMan]

Ditto on what I said about the last one. The balance on this one seems better, I like the wider center band. That red is made for that one. Great choice. Do you have any trouble drilling the bullet out 'dead' center? I can see why she would grab that one up in a hurry.

 

[stevers]

Thanks Alton.

I don't coat my cases John. I leave them to turn naturally. That and I'm too cheap to invest in a PCing set up.

Thanks Richard. Hey, when are you coming through again?

 

[MobilMan]

Never know. Just when LOML says 'let's go'

 

[toolcrazy]

Another nice one, good work.

 

[jttheclockman]

Steve thanks for the reply. Hope you don't mind if I borrow that design and tweak it abit.

 

[stevers]

Steve thanks for the reply. Hope you don't mind if I borrow that design and tweak it abit.

Not at all, heck, I borrowed it myself. At least the cut shell part.

 

[ldb2000]

Classy looking pen Steve . I'm not a fan of cartridge pens , but that one has Class !!!

 

[desertyellow]

Looks like you have it down to a science.

 

[nava1uni]

I like this pen. The wide band sets off the red barrel, really nice.

 

[stevers]

Ditto on what I said about the last one. The balance on this one seems better, I like the wider center band. That red is made for that one. Great choice. Do you have any trouble drilling the bullet out 'dead' center? I can see why she would grab that one up in a hurry.

Richard, I forgot to answer this part. The way I do it is backwards from some. I drill it on the lathe for one. I mount the bullet in the Bealle chuck with the tip facing in, towards the head stock. With the butt end of the bullet facing the bit, I drill it out with the larger bit first, then I drill out the tip with the smaller bit. I use oil to keep the bit from getting hot and melting the lead in the bullet. (learned from experience) The Bealle chuck and a good Jacobs chuck seem to do the trick fine. Everything seems to line up well.
To clarify what I'm talking about, you should read Don Ward's tutorial in the library. It explains the two diff bits.

 

[MobilMan]

Thanks Steve. Yea, I've read it [and a BUNCH of others] was wondering just how easy it is. If/when I make another cart. pen, I'll have to re-read it anyway. My memory is about the length of a slimline bushing. Can't wait to get to see your new items in person again.

 

[Blind_Squirrel]

Steve,

I think you homed in on a great looking pen!

 

[stevers]

Thanks Steve. Yea, I've read it [and a BUNCH of others] was wondering just how easy it is. If/when I make another cart. pen, I'll have to re-read it anyway. My memory is about the length of a slimline bushing. Can't wait to get to see your new items in person again.

You can see them as soon as you come by. Your always welcome here. Any of you are welcome here. I enjoy meeting fellow pen crafters.

And I know what you mean about the memory. I almost forgot what I was replying to. :biggrin::biggrin:

Thanks Scott, I'm pretty happy with this latest one.