Need help Churchill assembly

[kirkfranks]

I am about making my first churchill today and want to ask about using a press block for the threaded coupler.
I have seen a lot of folks here say that they use a press block to avoid stress on the coupler. The instructions that came with the pen do not mention using a press block.
Can someone post a picture of the press block so I can make sure I understand what it is and what it does.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wdcav1952]

Kirk, what you want is a piece of wood with a hole in it large enough for the threaded coupler to fit into. The shoulder of the threaded coupler should not fit into the hole. This way when you press the threaded coupler to place all of the force will be on the shoulder rather than the plastic threads.

BTW, a picture of a press block would simply be a piece of wood with a hole in it.

 

[kirkfranks]

Thanks Cav,

After looking at all of the parts I figured that was it.
I did make a piece of wood with a hole in it (I am actually pretty good at that now) so I think I got it.

 

[jtate]

That plastic threaded part breaks easily - I just broke one. [V] Anyone got a spare they'd like to sell me?

 

[kirkfranks]

Julia,
Call Berea Toll Free: 1-877-736-5487 and ask them to replace it.

On another thread we heard that they didn't get many back from customers.
Also some good discussion on sending parts back so they realize the scope of the problem (if there is one)
http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32118

OH By the way since this was my post... I did get the pen put together and I will try to get a picture up later.

 

[hughbie]

i guess i've been pretty darn lucky, but then again, i've only made about 5 fountain pens and i haven't used a press block and haven't broken anything.....of course, now i've jinxed myself...thank you very much![:I]

 

[jtate]

Kirk,

Thanks for the info. Didn't mean to highjack the thread - happy you got the pen assembled and I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.

Julia

 

[Firefyter-emt]

Julia, when you call, PLEASE let us know how you made out. I have three of these pens with broken couplers sitting in a box. Maybe ask them if they have thought about a change in design too??

 

[Ligget]

I have 3 broken too, and I refuse to buy any more kits until there is a design upgrade!

 

[kirkfranks]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
Mine has lasted through the first day [8D]
I did talk to Joe at Berea when I visited in November and it sounded like the were saying that they had already made a design improvement, but that old kits were still out there with some of the distributors.

My pen is posted here.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33470