Not sure if this has ever been brought up,but I make mostly Slimlines,and I'm the worst for measuring with my digital caliper.I'm more of a "Go By Feel" type of guy.
In wanting to get that perfect transition when I ride my finger over the nib onto the barrel, ( that to me defines a nicely done pen) I made an easy to use tool by carefully filing the thin plating off of a spare Slimline nib so it JUST slips into a brass tube.I made a nice handle out of a dowel that is countersunk drilled on one end,then glued the nib in,pointy end fitting in the countersunk hole,so just the fitting end is exposed with enough of the nib there so I can feel for that perfect transition.
So before I call it done,I can test feel it to see if I'm too high,or low.
Anyway,I used it today and it worked perfectly.I learned how to TBC today,using Johnny's slick bushings,carbide-tipped dead center,and sweet toolrest,so I think I finally turned my best-fitted,concentric pen today!
In case there is any other caliper-challenged guys here,I gthought I'd pass this on.
Take care,
Steve
In wanting to get that perfect transition when I ride my finger over the nib onto the barrel, ( that to me defines a nicely done pen) I made an easy to use tool by carefully filing the thin plating off of a spare Slimline nib so it JUST slips into a brass tube.I made a nice handle out of a dowel that is countersunk drilled on one end,then glued the nib in,pointy end fitting in the countersunk hole,so just the fitting end is exposed with enough of the nib there so I can feel for that perfect transition.
So before I call it done,I can test feel it to see if I'm too high,or low.
Anyway,I used it today and it worked perfectly.I learned how to TBC today,using Johnny's slick bushings,carbide-tipped dead center,and sweet toolrest,so I think I finally turned my best-fitted,concentric pen today!
In case there is any other caliper-challenged guys here,I gthought I'd pass this on.
Take care,
Steve