Those that make metal pens of different metals, how do you trim the blank to the barrels??? What tools are you using??? I hate to ruin a barrel trimmer on them and not sure about the sanding thing. Thanks for the replys.
John,
I cut the Aluminum slighly proud of the tube. Chuck the barrel up with whatever chuck you have and use a facing cut to give you the desired length. While you have everything where you want it to be , you can also cut in a recess to eliminate the "space" between the two barrels (Slimeline modification-see Jay Pickens Article http://www.penmakersguild.com/articles/finialoptions.pdf) either with a end mill or a home made boring tool.
I have made a metal pen or two and I just put it on the lathe and use a skew , same as I do for all my blanks . Heck of allot easier then playing with trimmers and sleeves to fit the tubes .