Not sure about this one

[qquake]

My goal was to make a Christmas pen. Not sure if I like the pen kit or the blank. The kit is the Phoenix from Woodturningz in gold and gun metal. The blank is an acrylic acetate called Candy Apple. Plus the transmission is very stiff. It's like the spring is too strong, or it has heavy grease in it, or both. I'll do some experimenting with different springs and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Jack Parker]

Try a half a drop of light machine oil in the transmission and work it a few times. If it's the grease that should free it up.

 

[qquake]

It's the spring. I switched springs with a Sierra style pen's spring, and the Phoenix operates much smoother. In the photo you can see that the Phoenix spring (bottom) is a little bit heavier. Oddly, though, the Sierra works just fine with the Phoenix spring.

 

[Jack Parker]

Looks like it might have been in crooked, looks a little bent. Doesn't matter, as long as you solved your problem Cheers!