250 pen order

[jrc]

A past customer, from a College called me to place a 250 pen order. 5 years ago I would jumped on it but now it's more than I can handle right now. Sierra kits and they need them in just over a month and made from there wood and engraved. I don't think there is much chance that they can find anyone that can fill there order in this short of time.
In the near future I may be looking for someone to help with orders like this.
Anyone interested?

 

[Dehn0045]

Glad this is just a hobby for me, after the first 50 I'd be a zombie. At least they're Sierras and not 2-piece slimlines.

 

[vtgaryw]

Hi, Jim,

I'm in Milton, just sent you a PM.

Gary

 

[Yablonsky]

wow...kind of short notice...a month is barely enough time to get kits and their wood shipped.

Should find some way to divvy the order up.

Ken

 

[keithlong]

I would be available in the future if needed.

 

[WriteON]

Maybe you should have several sources. Split up the order x one or 2 or 3 people.....you won't have to depend on one person.

 

[TonyL]

I would turn 25 for free - I just like to turn. I don't want to turn any more than that though.

 

[Gregory Hardy]

One possibility...

I had a similar situation arise not too long ago. It was far fewer than 250, but the timeline pressure didn't feel any different. Sadly, I wasn't smart enough to walk away from it. ("Hey, boys - I can do it. Hold my beer and watch this." That philosophy gets me into trouble sometimes, but I digress.)

Because the pens were going to have my name on them, I was very particular about the finished product. I ended up getting a fellow turner to do the prep work for me - cutting, boring, gluing and squaring blanks. He did so in lots of ten at a time for me so I could spend my time turning, finishing and assembling. I paid him a flat (generous) rate per unit for the work and was able to stay ahead of the project. Work was much faster than normal - turn ten identical units at a time. Then finish them, ten at a time.

It was a bit boring (forgive the pun) and a little anxious from time to time. Same pressure of "getting ready for a show" without the creative differences of various pen styles and types.

I wouldn't walk away from the opportunity again...but it took a lot of the fun out of something I I do with the intention of having fun. Another life lesson.

 

[KBs Pensnmore]

I was the same, got an order for 120 slimlines in September, delivery for the 1st December, not wood but a recycled plastic from printer cartridges, as the company who it was for, is heavily into recycling. I did it, but became allergic to CA, as the blanks are quite porous when cut, only the first 1/4" or so is solid.
Probably turned a dozen pens since then, as the fun and enjoyment has gone out of it.
I was running 6 mandrels and bushes, turning blanks on them, coats of CA approx 15 - 20 on each, then polishing with micromesh.
Kryn

 

[Ambidex]

I'd be interested in helping Jim..Bristol NH here

 

[WriteON]

I would turn 25 for free - I just like to turn. I don't want to turn any more than that though.

Very cool.

I had a similar situation arise not too long ago. It was far fewer than 250, but the timeline pressure didn't feel any different.
I wouldn't walk away from the opportunity again...but it took a lot of the fun out of something I do with the intention of having fun. Another life lesson.

I turned down a Need ASAP order for 100 at a real good price. My pocket said Do It. My mind said run.

 

[Aces-High]

Turned and engraved? Will you get all those pens done and then sent to an engraver? Why am I confused on this...

 

[TonyL]

I don't know who you are asking, but I would be happy to turn 25. I don't want to engrave them. PM me if you want some help from me and congratulations on the order.