Paper Inlay Experiment

[nilsatcraft]

I thought about doing another inlay on a darker wood with something pretty white so I decided to try paper. It's free and readily available so I inlaid this pen with the backing from a package of drill bits- it's a thick, heavier than cardstock type paper and had print on it and everything. I inlaid all the pieces using the bandsaw and some glue and then I saturated the paper with thin glue. It was a fun experiment but I think I'll use my pen to write on paper instead of using paper in my pens. The lines aren't as crisp as I'd hoped and there are some dark spots that were there before I started sanding. This pen is the Platinum Jr. Gent Version 1 with African Blackwood and American Paper. It was sanded to 3600, finished with spray lacquer and then buffed with Pen Polish. The pics don't show it real well but there's quite a glassy shine on this one. Comments/Criticisms/Sarcasm/Tips welcome.

 

[gerryr]

Neat idea, and of course beautiful work, even if it didn't work as well as expected. I bet it would work just fine with some of that plastic stuff that's used for thin 3-ring binders. Poker chips will also work, used in fishing rod grips quite often.

 

[LanceD]

I really like the design. Now you know what not to use on your next one [].

 

[Gary Max]

My vote is -----back to the ivory----hehehehe

 

[tipusnr]

Now THAT's thinking outside the BOX! Good looking pen and an able experiment.

 

[alamocdc]

Interesting concept, Nils. White or cream pick guard (the single layer stuff) would have given you the clean lines you were looking for. Great job on the pen BTW.

 

[fuzzydog]

Nils; I agree with most of the above comments. However, I looked at the images prior to reading your explaination. My first thought was he's figured out how to obtain a muted design rather than the ones that screem "I'm different" The only image that I had to a second look at was the bottom one showing the dark spots. Think like Tom Edison and figure out how to make it work and don't worry about what didn't.
David

 

[laserturner]

Hi Nils,
Great idea. Although it's not as clean as you'd like, looking at the closeup pics it reminds me of something that could be used in a moonscape or constellation. I can see really crisp white stars using your paper effect trailing behind for a shooting star look.
Nice work.

 

[wayneis]

Nils you might be on to something here. After reading your explanation and the others responces it got me thinking about a new pen. How about making pens using an importantr document like you did there. Say a couple finely pays off their mortgage and you make a pen or two using a piece of paper from their documents like you did here. I can think of many instances where someone could make a special pen for someone like this.

Wayne

 

[punkinn]

I think its an inventive and wonderful idea. A pen made with paper (even to some extent) is too cool. I love the design, and even if you didn't get the results you wanted I think its a beautiful pen!!

Great job thinking outside that darn box! []

Nancy

 

[nilsatcraft]

Thanks, everyone. I'll have to give some of these ideas a try. I'm always up for something new and there are a lot of directions you can go with this. I've got a couple other ideas that I'm toying with so I'll have to make some time to get back out to the shop again soon. More than anything, it was a fun experiment.

 

[pete00]

may not have worked out totally, but neat idea ( i wondered about using stuff like that)however its still nice looking pen and design...

 

[low_48]

I once tried red construction paper on a laminated Christmas ornament. It gave me the effect I wanted, but the construction paper wanted to seperate into layers. The ornament popped open once but I was able to save it. I switched to dyed veneer after that.

 

[ilikewood]

What is paper? Isn't it mostly just wood? I don't see why it isn't used more often.

Good Job Nils!!

 

[Ravenbsp]

Way to inovate! Excellent workmanship. You might consider using a bleached white veneer, I've had some success with this material in laminated pens. Keep up the good work!