"Same Pen"
First I'd like thank everyone who made comments ,suggestions and to Grizz especially for doing the Photo work that is beyond me.I had already modified the pen based on some of the suggestions that were made in the previous thread/post.
Rather than reply in the original thread I decided to start a new one as the intention of this post is to focus on the concept of modification rather than appearance.( woods, shape,finish,clip and in a small way CB.)
Comments/criticisms are still welcomed and appreciated.(sometimes adopted or adapted depending which key I hit)
)
Simple pens or is it Dr.Phil?-In other words, What were you thinking?My immediate reaction when I finished turning the original pen was "look at the grain!"I wanted to show as much as possible and since the design was mine I did.That is the reason for the smaller clip and the "barrel shaped top".In retrospect, like a magician I erroniously diverted your attention away from what I wanted you to see.
Tom-I would have rather used the Perfect fit for the modification but there were issues I was uncomfortable with.They are not insurrmountable but I worked with what I had on hand. The Perfect fit tops' transmission engages in the bottom of the "cap holder finial" much like the American classic but more forgiving.The tube in the P.F. is shorter than the one in the components I used and does not support the lower section of the top barrel. If you look at the instructions on the SL longwood the tube on the top extends over the transmission which is the same as the PK MON PAR.This gives the pen rigidity that you won't have with the PF.I could have used the clip only but that would have meant scavenging a clip, finial and stud from $7.00 "kit" to make a pen that I was using to keep economical in the first place.(I don't know why custom clips are not available for pens te size of a PF, American Classic but they are not.In lots of 10 the PKMONPAR is $3.30. from Woodturningz.I think that is a great price for a pen that utilizes a Parker refill and can accept a gel refill.
I used the gold CB for reasons of strutural integrity also.The other reason for the gold band is I wanted to make the pen with all supplied components changing only one piece and to show how easily the over all look of the pen can be transformed.
My choice of woods is inconsequential as it is a matter of personal choice.Since I was confident in my idea I just "went for it" and used one of the nicest blanks I had rather than experiment with a lesser quality wood, or manmade material.I chose the Wenge for the same reason. I used an exotic hardwood for the top and I thought the same quality should be on the bottom.The alfthzilya(whatever!)x-y lay was given to me by Lou months ago and it is not in my "general stash".
I could have used "blackwood" or ebony but I believe I have a tendency to use it too often and want to try something dark but not necessarily a solid wood.I can always make a new lower section as this modification is repeatble.
Chuck- the dimensions of the lower piece are not important as to the length.The tube is 2&3/8ths for the Parker refill on this pen(I think)The one thing you need to keep in mind is whatever you take off the bottom needs to be replaced at the top.Until you reach the point that the transmission hits the finial holder.There you can take up the slack by adding a CB but it will not have a tube in it unless you waste a PF tube. They are perfect to fit over an 8mm tube but I believe they are proprietary to the "B" company.If I run across a tube that will have the same fit at a hobby store I will use it.
One more word about the CB.The top tube does not extend all the way to the bottom of the top blank.There needs to be clearance so the transmission holder and transmission can make contact with the 8mm tube in the top of the pen to extend the refill.
There is a clearance issue that needs to be dealt with also.When gluing in the top tube it is inserted from the top down.There was glue reside that needed to be removed so the transmission worked smoothly.
There you have it, with changes made as suggested pertaining to the shape of the upper section.
(My point in doing this is if I can make a "longwood" pen with a Parker refill why can't the manufacterers supply one to give us another style to offer customers? On second thought I'll just use my $3.30 "kit" for now)
Also why is there not a "Parker Style Kit" that is as easily modifyable and customizeable as a slimline?Why Can't I get custom clips for an 8mm pen barrel other than Euro style?(bigger dia)
For comparison,
A "longantler from a $2.00 slimline using a Cross refill along side an"Eaglaized"eurostyle longwood from a $3.30 "kit" that takes Parker refill.( interesting what a $1.30 will do) plus the cost of the smaller clip.
As always, trying to think "outside the box" whether I "hit the mark" or not, I will always fall short if I don't try. Eagle
First I'd like thank everyone who made comments ,suggestions and to Grizz especially for doing the Photo work that is beyond me.I had already modified the pen based on some of the suggestions that were made in the previous thread/post.
Rather than reply in the original thread I decided to start a new one as the intention of this post is to focus on the concept of modification rather than appearance.( woods, shape,finish,clip and in a small way CB.)
)Simple pens or is it Dr.Phil?-In other words, What were you thinking?My immediate reaction when I finished turning the original pen was "look at the grain!"I wanted to show as much as possible and since the design was mine I did.That is the reason for the smaller clip and the "barrel shaped top".In retrospect, like a magician I erroniously diverted your attention away from what I wanted you to see.
Tom-I would have rather used the Perfect fit for the modification but there were issues I was uncomfortable with.They are not insurrmountable but I worked with what I had on hand. The Perfect fit tops' transmission engages in the bottom of the "cap holder finial" much like the American classic but more forgiving.The tube in the P.F. is shorter than the one in the components I used and does not support the lower section of the top barrel. If you look at the instructions on the SL longwood the tube on the top extends over the transmission which is the same as the PK MON PAR.This gives the pen rigidity that you won't have with the PF.I could have used the clip only but that would have meant scavenging a clip, finial and stud from $7.00 "kit" to make a pen that I was using to keep economical in the first place.(I don't know why custom clips are not available for pens te size of a PF, American Classic but they are not.In lots of 10 the PKMONPAR is $3.30. from Woodturningz.I think that is a great price for a pen that utilizes a Parker refill and can accept a gel refill.
I used the gold CB for reasons of strutural integrity also.The other reason for the gold band is I wanted to make the pen with all supplied components changing only one piece and to show how easily the over all look of the pen can be transformed.
My choice of woods is inconsequential as it is a matter of personal choice.Since I was confident in my idea I just "went for it" and used one of the nicest blanks I had rather than experiment with a lesser quality wood, or manmade material.I chose the Wenge for the same reason. I used an exotic hardwood for the top and I thought the same quality should be on the bottom.The alfthzilya(whatever!)x-y lay was given to me by Lou months ago and it is not in my "general stash".
I could have used "blackwood" or ebony but I believe I have a tendency to use it too often and want to try something dark but not necessarily a solid wood.I can always make a new lower section as this modification is repeatble.
Chuck- the dimensions of the lower piece are not important as to the length.The tube is 2&3/8ths for the Parker refill on this pen(I think)The one thing you need to keep in mind is whatever you take off the bottom needs to be replaced at the top.Until you reach the point that the transmission hits the finial holder.There you can take up the slack by adding a CB but it will not have a tube in it unless you waste a PF tube. They are perfect to fit over an 8mm tube but I believe they are proprietary to the "B" company.If I run across a tube that will have the same fit at a hobby store I will use it.
One more word about the CB.The top tube does not extend all the way to the bottom of the top blank.There needs to be clearance so the transmission holder and transmission can make contact with the 8mm tube in the top of the pen to extend the refill.
There is a clearance issue that needs to be dealt with also.When gluing in the top tube it is inserted from the top down.There was glue reside that needed to be removed so the transmission worked smoothly.
There you have it, with changes made as suggested pertaining to the shape of the upper section.
(My point in doing this is if I can make a "longwood" pen with a Parker refill why can't the manufacterers supply one to give us another style to offer customers? On second thought I'll just use my $3.30 "kit" for now)
Also why is there not a "Parker Style Kit" that is as easily modifyable and customizeable as a slimline?Why Can't I get custom clips for an 8mm pen barrel other than Euro style?(bigger dia)
For comparison,
A "longantler from a $2.00 slimline using a Cross refill along side an"Eaglaized"eurostyle longwood from a $3.30 "kit" that takes Parker refill.( interesting what a $1.30 will do) plus the cost of the smaller clip.
As always, trying to think "outside the box" whether I "hit the mark" or not, I will always fall short if I don't try. Eagle
