Thanks for all the nice comments. I'm really enjoying turning stuff, and I've got so much info and so many ideas from the folks here.
On the shape I tend to turn all of my slimlines with a bulge at the bottom. I like to have something to squeeze when I'm writing. I'm still working on consistency though, this bulge is bigger than it should be. If I had had another kit around I would have put it on a bigger frame. I could have waited to get a new kit, but I was anxious to get the blank turned and see what it looked like.
I agree that the maple grain makes the thinner segment look a little off especially in the photo. When your holding the pen you can tell that its grain and not segments. I would have been better to cut those segments cross grain instead. I would have like to have something with a little tighter grain, but I'm limited on what wood I have around.
Thanks for the idea of sanding the can. I though about that after I turned the pen, but I was worried sanding might thin the aluminum out too much. Glad to see it won't.
I'll have more to show soon. I've already glued up one with a vertical segment. I'm a bit worried about that one. It's a little tough to get that drill to run perfectly parallel to the vertical lines. I'm worried about the lines being off center once it is turned. I'm going to build a vacum fence this weekend, so I can hold the little pieces without losing little pieces of my fingers.
Thanks Again
Ben
