Finally got some shop time in

[alamocdc]

and turned some new ones for me. I just want to prepare those of you that know me. These are B2B.[:0] Yes, I know, I never turn B2B... okay, I rarely turn B2B, but I often do on my first version of any pen and such was the case with these two. I also used a new finish for the first time (Minwax Polycrylic spray can... I think I'll stick to dipping lacquer). First is a gold El Grande RB in Macassar Ebony.

And a gold Churchill RB in some of Darrick's (Chitswood) Letterwood (figureless Snakewood) that I plan to carry to test the finish. I don't know if his guarantee appplies to the Letterwood (and I'm not real worried about it), but both halves of this blank blew into 4 or 5 pieces while drilling. The strange part is that I drilled these both very slowly. I drilled about 1/4" at a time and let the blank rest for 10 minutes. I was about 3/4 through each when it blew. Luckily I found all the pieces and was able to glue them back together (almost seamlessly I might add).

For some reason the finish on the lower barrel almost looks blotchy up by the CB, but it is just as smoot as the rest. I have no explanation as to the cause. I'm still on the fence about these two kits. I'm not at all happy with the amount of plastic (even though there's less in the Churchill) in these pens, especially for what they cost. As always, thanks for looking and feel free to hammer away.

 

[EdwinSSIV]

very very nice Billy

 

[Tea Clipper]

Um, you really screwed those two up Billy! [:0][B)] You have 1/2 the parts of a Churchill on the El Grande and vice-versa. Attention to detail, sir![}]

Unless you planned it that way, lol. [][]

 

[PenWorks]

The ebony looks like cumberland ebonite it is so pretty.
Good glue up on the sankewood, can't see a thing except for the "blotch" []
Never noticed the parts change either, till Ron mentioned it.

 

[alamocdc]

Thanks, guys. I switched the parts on purpose. I saw a Churchill done like that some time back and I liked it, so I thought, "What the heck?"

 

[johncrane]

G'day Billy lovely job mate!I am yet to try that kit. you say it has alot of plastic do you think there could be problems with this kit [?]

 

[alamocdc]

Thanks, John! I don't really think the plastic will pose problems, but it just feels cheap to me. I don't know if it's the type of plastic used, or maybe the thickness of it. It just doesn't "feel" the same as that used in some of my high end production pens. Equally disappointing is the cheap feel of the quite thin, stamped clip used on these.

 

[Dario]

Billy,

Both look wonderful.

I envy you...I haven't turned any for weeks now. [B)][V]