I was recently asked to make a couple Faith Hope Love pens by a client. I never made this pen before but didn't foresee any problems so I ordered the kits and blanks to fill the order. After turning and polishing the blanks I started assembling the pens. I pressed the nib into the end of the first pen with no problems. The nib matched up with the end of the blank exactly as expected. 1st photo. Next I pressed the Center band and finial into place. 2nd and 3rd photos. Finally I pressed the two halves together and was disappointed to see the gaps around the center band. 4th and 5th photos. This IS NOT a common problem I have. The nib end and the top cap fit fine but the center band ??? What's going on there? Before assembling the second pen, I examined the center band and found what appeared to be an irregular surface on both sides. Using a digital caliper I measured the thickness of the center band in 7 different places. To insure accurate measurements I zeroed the caliper before each measurement. The band varied in thickness from 7.59mm to 7.68mm. A difference of .9mm! The problem get worse because the casting varies on both sides of the center band leaving the gaps between the turned blanks and the center band as shown in the photos. I have a third kit that I have not used yet that exhibits the same problem.
I my opinion, this is nothing more than poor quality. The center band should be flat and parallel all the way around to insure a good fit and finish on the final product. It's not that hard to get it right from the manufacturing end.
I am curious to hear from others that may have seen similar issues with this kit.
I my opinion, this is nothing more than poor quality. The center band should be flat and parallel all the way around to insure a good fit and finish on the final product. It's not that hard to get it right from the manufacturing end.
I am curious to hear from others that may have seen similar issues with this kit.
