Florida Gator

[walshjp17]

I made this pen with a alligator jaw blank from one of Tom Barron's great Gator Alley blanks via Classic Nib. It is in the U of Florida colors (I don't know anyone who went there, just liked the colors) and built on an Optimus Desire RB from Laserlinez.

Had some issues, but was able to resolve them with help from BURLMAN and mikespenturningz. Thanks so much John & Mike.

Apologies for the poor pix. The bulbs on my tent setup lights blew and I have not been able to replace them yet.

 

[Jim Burr]

Dead solid perfect John!! I have four of those and would be interested about what issues you ran into.

 

[walshjp17]

Honestly, I ran into very few issues. Near the end of turning the barrel, two small 'nicks' appeared but I was able to fill them with gator dust and a modicum of thin CA.

I used a Sorby mini spindle gouge and a mini spindle master to turn with and they worked really well as long as they remained sharp.

The real problem came with assembly but I was able to get it fixed with the help noted above.

 

[OZturner]

Great Pen John.
Sounds like the Gator fought to the end.
Great Fit and Finish,
Congratulations,
Brian.

 

[jcm71]

Great pen, John. Glad I could help.

 

[Fishinbo]

Awesome pen! Gorgeous and interesting blank which is perfect for the kit, like the cool color combo and the great finish. Excellent job!

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

You lined it up perfect, Go Gators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mapster]

As a current Florida Gator, I approve! Good looking pen, and the alignment is spot on

 

[johncrane]

Great looking Gator pen! the color is very impressive.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Nice looking pen you made. Great fit and finish too.

 

[Mondo]

Even looks better in person! Lord I wanted to win that pen Thursday John!

 

[Band Saw Box]

That is a really cool pen. Great fit and finish