Emperor Ballpoint Pen from Woodcraft

[Dan Masshardt]

First one of these. Nice kit. Very expensive. Did a brief video review to accompany. https://youtu.be/4hkQ7EKkDPY

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[jttheclockman]

Nice photo Dan and as always nice video. Not a fan of the kit at all but that is just me. Has no character or shape that is desirable. As for price it is quite pricey as you say and to me does not warrant it. Some of these companies are just exploiting us pen turners in my view. I would love to know what the actual cost of making some of these kits are. I know Dave from Timberbits had some kits just made for him and did massive research from different companies and he is one person that could probably shed alot of light on that topic. I would love for him to see this and maybe comment but do not think he visits much any more. I am sure there are other vendors that have had dealings with kits being made but may not reveal secrets for it gives away their price points. Just something that gets thought about as I see all these new kits come to market. But bottom line is your selling the pen so make any necessary adjustments and create your own price points.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I hear you JT... a lot of it is curiosity about these kits. And wanting to provide more info to others so they could have a better idea whether they want to try one or not. I don't fully understand the high price point either...the kits they resell from Berea are more reasonable mostly.


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[OZturner]

Thank you Dan for your Post and Video,
I am a bit ambivalent, with the pen, I don't dislike it, and I don't Love it.
In particular with that price point.
I enjoyed your Presentation, and your Pen Making Craftsmanship.
Many thanks,
Brian.

 

[magpens]

Price of the pen kit is too high ... but did you see the price of the bushings ?

 

[oldtoolsniper]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into explaining that pen.

Compared to the Sierras, is the barrel material after turning the same thickness? Looking for a thicker finished product to embed and item into for casting.

Thanks again!


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[Dan Masshardt]

Price of the pen kit is too high ... but did you see the price of the bushings ?

$6.99 I think?


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[Dan Masshardt]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into explaining that pen.

Compared to the Sierras, is the barrel material after turning the same thickness? Looking for a thicker finished product to embed and item into for casting.

Thanks again!


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I'll take a look later if I can.


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[qquake]

I like the design of the Emperor kit, but can't justify the high cost. Even the sale price is too much.

 

[oldtoolsniper]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into explaining that pen.

Compared to the Sierras, is the barrel material after turning the same thickness? Looking for a thicker finished product to embed and item into for casting.

Thanks again!


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I'll take a look later if I can.


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Thanks.
I'm turnings some Mesa pens right now and they are to thin for what I have in mind. I know I can leave the blanks larger but I don't care for the "sausage" look.


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[qquake]

Thanks.
I'm turnings some Mesa pens right now and they are to thin for what I have in mind. I know I can leave the blanks larger but I don't care for the "sausage" look.

According to the Emperor instructions, one bushing is 0.453" and the other is 0.482". With an 11/32" hole in the blank, that will leave wall thicknesses of 0.55" and 0.69". Have you looked at the Gatsby Grande from PSI? The bushings are 0.525". With a 3/8" hole, that leaves wall thicknesses of 0.75" at both ends. I've made several of the Grandes and like the thicker barrels.

https://www.pennstateind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SEARCH&q=gatsby+grande

 

[oldtoolsniper]

Thanks.

I'm turnings some Mesa pens right now and they are to thin for what I have in mind. I know I can leave the blanks larger but I don't care for the "sausage" look.

According to the Emperor instructions, one bushing is 0.453" and the other is 0.482". With an 11/32" hole in the blank, that will leave wall thicknesses of 0.55" and 0.69". Have you looked at the Gatsby Grande from PSI? The bushings are 0.525". With a 3/8" hole, that leaves wall thicknesses of 0.75" at both ends. I've made several of the Grandes and like the thicker barrels.



https://www.pennstateind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SEARCH&q=gatsby+grande

Thanks for that information! I just placed an order for five to see if I can make them work!




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[thewishman]

Thanks.
I'm turnings some Mesa pens right now and they are to thin for what I have in mind. I know I can leave the blanks larger but I don't care for the "sausage" look.

According to the Emperor instructions, one bushing is 0.453" and the other is 0.482". With an 11/32" hole in the blank, that will leave wall thicknesses of 0.55" and 0.69". Have you looked at the Gatsby Grande from PSI? The bushings are 0.525". With a 3/8" hole, that leaves wall thicknesses of 0.75" at both ends. I've made several of the Grandes and like the thicker barrels.

https://www.pennstateind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SEARCH&q=gatsby+grande

.525" is the outside diameter of the bushing, subtract the .345" (the tube diameter leaves .18" divide that by 2 = .09" of material on the tube of the Gatsby Grande.

 

[qquake]

Actually, you subtract the diameter of the hole, not the tube, to get the wall thickness of the body. But I did make a mistake with the number on the Gatsby Grande. It should be .075".