Do I have to be even with the bushings?

[Harris]

First pen. My problem I had with the breaking apart while turning was a glue problem. The Ci type tool which I made with a carbide tip is the less aggressive one and works great. I just don't push it too hard.

So on with this question. How close to the bushing do I have to be after sanding and before finishing? Dead on or not quite down to the bushing?

Harris

 

[NewLondon88]

If you are even with the bushings, you will be even with the pen parts.
That's what the bushings are for.

You don't HAVE to be even with the bushings .. but your pen doesn't have
to feel good in your hand, either.:tongue:

 

[DozerMite]

Don't trust the bushings, use calipers to match the hardware.

 

[David M]

as close as possable , sometimes if to small you can build it back up to correct size with alot of ca. but dead on most of the time ..... cheep caliper and check

 

[skiprat]

I guess it also depends on what and how thick your finish is going to be as well as how worn and accurate you bushes are.
Of course the end result should be that the blank is perfectly flush with the pen parts.

However....
There are some kits like the Sierra ( clip end) that have a round edge on the hardware where it meets the blank. Some folks leave the blank with the sharp edge but I think it looks much better if the blank is rounded on this edge.

 

[mbroberg]

+1 on that. Once you start getting close measure your hardware with calipers and then sand your pen down to size.

Don't trust the bushings, use calipers to match the hardware.

 

[Bobalu]

There are some kits like the Sierra ( clip end) that have a round edge on the hardware where it meets the blank. Some folks leave the blank with the sharp edge but I think it looks much better if the blank is rounded on this edge.

Great tip. I never paid attention to that. Checked my Sierras and see that a slight radius on the top end of the clip end would make it a better looking pen. Thanks.

Bob in GA

 

[NewLondon88]

Bah.. you people with eyesight drive me crazy.. :tongue:

 

[mickr]

PSI has a FREE DVD on penmaking..get it and many newbie questions will be answered

 

[leehljp]

Another for "use calipers". Think of it like this - bump the chisel against the bushings when turning the blank to size. Bump it lightly over 20 pens and the bushing shoulder will become substantially smaller than it originally was. Sand the blank the final size and touch the bushing with the sandpaper. Do this over 20 pens or so, and the bushing shoulder will be substantially smaller than originally.

The chisel and sandpaper reduce the size of the bushing shoulder noticeably after 5 or 6 pens. So either continue to buy bushings, or use calipers. Bushings should be considered as consumables when using this technique. However, Turning between Centers (Mandrel-less) reduces that problem considerably by removing the bushings for final sizing with sandpaper. Even if the bushings are reduced in size, they still work if the measurements are determined by the calipers.

 

[Rifleman1776]

The response by Lee is right on.
Bushings should be considered disposable items. How many pens you get from a set will vary with the turner and his style of turning.
But, to answer your question: try making some pens without the blank matching the bushings and you will get your answer. The pens will be lousy. The bushings exist for a reason. After making one pen, you will see this for yourself.