Ever had one of those...pens?

[martyb]

Ever had a pen that no matter how you tried, you just couldn't seem to get the finish right? 7 tries and lots of swearing to get this one done!
Gentlemens Rollerball wrapped in some great Manzanita I got from Fanger a while back. The wood turned and sanded BEAUTIFULLY, but for some reason, I kept horking up the finish. Finally got a finish I was happy with.

This one went easily, platinum Baron in some Figured Mango from BigRob!

And playing around with new photo lighting. Upgraded to 4 18w CF 6500k color temp bulbs. 2 on swing-arm lamps at the sides, 2 in clamp on reflectors from the top. MUCH better.

 

[NavyDiver]

The finish on the Manzanita may have been a lot of work, but it turned out really nice! Though I think I like the grain on the Mango better [].

 

[Skye]

Manzanita for the win. The changing color in the grain is great. Looks slightly overturned near the nib end. Probably a result of removing the finish over and over.... not that I know from experience or anything...

 

[BigRob777]

Marty,
Yowza!! I've wanted to see a pen in the mango, but this is the first. It looks great, as does the manzanita pen. Thanks for mentioning me. That mango does have an interesting look (in a really good way, not like "oh, this eyeball soup is interesting".[] Keep 'em comin'.
Rob

 

[bnoles]

"7 tries and lots of swearing "

Perhaps I need to add`this to my recipe [8D]

Those are AWESOME Marty!

 

[martyb]

Never happens does it Skye! But you're right, it is slightly overturned at the nib. In the picture, the slight dip just up from the NIB end accentuates the look, but in the hand, that dip actually helps cover it up. On... several of the attempts, the CA peeled off in sheets. I have NO idea what caused that. In the end, I didn't sand the Manzanita as fine. Must have given the finish more to bite onto this time.

Rob, that Mango is fantastic. It's great looking with just it's standard grain.

 

[Skye]

CA peeling off in sheets sounds really bad. How old was the stuff?

 

[bob393]

Oh Yah!

 

[toolcrazy]

Very nice pens. May I suggest a lighter backgound for your pics?

 

[Ausdan]

Both are very nice pens! Your patience paid off - great work!

 

[JDPens]

Wow! I agree, both pens look fantastic.

 

[johncrane]

Both pens look good Marty! with the finish l dont no why most off us are trying to make wood look like glass lam guilty off this my self' there are customers that like wood to fell and look like wood.plastic's is a different story.[]