First try at inlay

[Jim Haslett]

So, this is my first attempt at inlay. I'm happy with the way the inlay turned out. It was quite a bit of work getting all fitting correctly.

This is a copper "Classic American" kit from Woodcraft, with cocobolo and padauk inlay. It has a BLO/CA finish.

I ended up losing the lower pen tube, and it cracked as I re-glued it together. I also ended up with a defective transmission. It is a double twist mechanism, but it won't stay extended. No matter how hard you twist in either direction, it just retracts automatically.

This is my second try with this kit, and I'm haven't been happy with either of them. The first one I had issues getting the transmission to "lock" into the upper part of the pen. I also like a pretty hefty taper on the lower pen body, and this kit doesn't really allow for that because of the way the middle band overlaps the lower body.

I'm more or less happy with the finish. I'm starting to get the hang of it.

So the pen itself is not a good finished product, but it was more about testing the inlay process and practicing my technique. I am happy with the inlay and I'll definitely do it again. I also practiced measuring the pen components and turning to dimensions, instead of relying on bushings.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

Is that a true inlay or is it segmented? That kit is not the easiest to work with and angled grain can also be a challenge. Fit and finish look great.

 

[Jim Haslett]

Is that a true inlay or is it segmented?

That's an interesting question. I suppose you could call it segmented. I considered it inlay the way I made it. I made a cut in the blank, but never completely severed it. Then I cut another piece of wood to fit in the kerf, and glued it in. Though if you were to separate it now, it would be in segments.

I certainly didn't mean to misrepresent the piece.

 

[airrat]

I guess you would still call it segmented. But it looks good. That kit is hard if you are adding any shape like you have experienced.

 

[IPD_Mrs]

Your centering looks pretty darn good. My suggestion would be to use a thinner blade on your next attempt. This will give the knot more definition and better spaced lines. You can also try a larger angel to help with that. All in all you did a rather fine job on your first attempt, and I suspect we will see great things from you in the future.

 

[Ruby pen turning]

I personally think it looks dang good I really like the red knot.Do you know what type of wood it is?
The pen reminds me of pirates for some reason.

 

[Jim Haslett]

It is cocobolo and padauk.

Thanks for all the feedback. You are all too kind. I'll post more work as I make improvements.

I appreciate the encouragement.

 

[workinforwood]

I am not crazy about the color combo, but the execution looks excellent! Good idea..not cutting it completely through.

 

[Lone Wolf]

I think the pen doesn't look too bad at all,
although I'd prefer the lines of the knot to be
a bit narrower.
It's not difficult to get a taper on the lower
barrel of this type of pen. Just do the taper
as you want it and then cut a little rebate
that goes into the upper part.