First Perfect Fit and Desert Ironwood

[Lenny]

Two firsts for me .... I have always admired Desert Ironwood but only recently obtained a couple pieces. Decided to use it on my first Perfect Fit. Ever since seeing one Mack C posted I've wanted to give one a try. When PenMan1 said it was his Mont Blanc slayer that sealed it ... I had to get some!

Initially I had some questions which were discussed here ...
http://www.penturners.org/forum/f14/b-mandrel-perfect-fit-106099/

Had difficulty with the CA finish clouding up in a spot by the centerband that I didn't notice until after pressing it on. I was able to "grab" the centerband with the collet chuck, protecting it with a little masking tape, and pull it free so i could refinish it .... not once but TWICE!!!

Comments and criticism welcome!

 

[polarbear]

Very nice. I've got to try some one day.

 

[Bob Wemm]

Lenny, That is some beautiful timber and a nice pen. Glad you were able to rectify the clouding problem.

Bob.

 

[Mack C.]

Two firsts for me .... I have always admired Desert Ironwood but only recently obtained a couple pieces. Decided to use it on my first Perfect Fit. Ever since seeing one Mack C posted I've wanted to give one a try. When PenMan1 said it was his Mont Blanc slayer that sealed it ... I had to get some!

Initially I had some questions which were discussed here ...
http://www.penturners.org/forum/f14/b-mandrel-perfect-fit-106099/

Had difficulty with the CA finish clouding up

View attachment 87708

Hi Lenny; DI is one of many pen woods that doesn't require a finish. All I ever do is buff the wood using FORMAX's buffing compounds (sold by Caswell). Then I buff on a coat of Liberon or Carnuba wax.

I instruct my customer to wipe the pen off (if it gets cruddy from use) with a small amount of liquid dish detergent on a damp dish rag. That will take off the crud. It can then be polished with a clean flannel cloth to look like new again.

The buffed wood pen has a very warm feeling to the fingers and hand!

Your pen looks quite awesome. The Perfect Fit and Cigar pens are my most popular pens purchased by my customers.

 

[hotwire55]

Nice pen Lenny! Like the wood too!

 

[Lenny]

Thanks to everyone for the likes and comments.
Mack, I can see where the DI would be a good candidate for the "natural" finish. I may have to try that!

 

[John Den]

Perfect Fit, Perfect turning, Perfect pen.
Really beautiful
Regards,
John