Variations on a Theme

[Ed McDonnell]

After making the MIMO pen (laying down in foreground) that I had showed a couple of days ago, I decided to explore what I could do with black lines and red dots on a white background. I had dozens of ideas. These are the ones I decided to make before I decided it was time to move on to something else. Triple casts. White, black and red.



Ed

 

[PaulDoug]

I have no clue how you do that. looks like a lot of work. Very neat.

 

[SDB777]

I have no clue how you do that. looks like a lot of work. Very neat.

I'm in the same boat....triple casting. Sounds like something you'd do during fly-fishing:biggrin:



All beautifully done!!!







Scott (still don't understand MiMo) B

 

[BRobbins629]

Nice stuff Ed, but we've come to expect that from you.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

Thanks for the compliments.

As to the how, it's conceptually pretty simple.

1) Cast a solid color blank.

2) Turn the blank to size and shape.

3) Carve a design in the blank.

4) Cast the blank in another color.

5) Turn the blank to size and shape again.

6) repeat steps 3 to 5 as many times as you want.

While the concept is simple, the doing requires a fair bit of skill. While these days I use some fancy tools I've made for myself (see my previous posts on my DOL (Digital Ornamental Lathe)), a lot can be done using hand tools (and some patience). All you need is a lathe with indexing and some very simple jigs. Of course good turning skills and luck come in handy as well.


Ed

 

[azamiryou]

I have no clue how you do that. looks like a lot of work. Very neat.

Those are great pens!

My guess as to how it's done:
1. Cast white cylinder/tube
2. Cut lines, cast in black.

2.5? Turn off extra black so you can see where the lines are for alignment in step 3.
​

3. Drill holes, cast in red.
4. Turn and finish.

Am I close?

(Edit: yes, I was. The actual answer was posted while I was writing this.)

 

[Ed McDonnell]

Good guess Matthew!

For anyone really interested in creating these types of designs by hand I would recommend finding a copy of "Turning Lace Bobbins" by David Springett. He did both a book and DVD. Your local turning club may have a copy in their library (or you might convince them to get one).

He has some clever ways of creating designs on small diameter cylinders by hand. Easily transfers to pens.

Bobbin Book

Ed

 

[SteveJ]

Wow. I doubt that I have the patience to do such work. I also doubt I have the precision to do such work. Well done.

 

[creativewriting]

Those are great! Perfect for the holidays.

 

[Hendu3270]

I have no clue how you do that. looks like a lot of work. Very neat.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Looks cool but I have no clue how that can even be done. Very nice work.

 

[Hendu3270]

Thanks for the compliments.

As to the how, it's conceptually pretty simple.

1) Cast a solid color blank.

2) Turn the blank to size and shape.

3) Carve a design in the blank.

4) Cast the blank in another color.

5) Turn the blank to size and shape again.

6) repeat steps 3 to 5 as many times as you want.

While the concept is simple, the doing requires a fair bit of skill. While these days I use some fancy tools I've made for myself (see my previous posts on my DOL (Digital Ornamental Lathe)), a lot can be done using hand tools (and some patience). All you need is a lathe with indexing and some very simple jigs. Of course good turning skills and luck come in handy as well.


Ed

Wow! Now that's a process.

 

[AKPenTurner]

Very eye-catching! Nice pens!

 

[plantman]

Ed; Fantastic craftsmanship !!! A real eye opener !! Jim S