Smallest baron pen blank

[cowchaser]

Anyone know what the smallest baron pen blank would be? I know they recommend a 3/4", but I have a 5/8" DW and BEB I would love to use on a couple. Just don't want to waste them if they will be to small.

 

[Dave_M]

The largest bushing diameter for the Baron roller ball is 9/16". You could do it but you need to drill your blank dead center straight through. With 1/16" to spare, I don't think I would try that one.

 

[turned_for_good]

I did one a long time ago with a 5/8" blank. There is a minute amount of wiggle room but it is feasable.

 

[mick]

I've made Barons from the 5/8" celluloid blanks from CSUSA but you gotta be dead on when drilling!

 

[cowchaser]

I appreciate the help. Didn't even come to mind to look at the size of the bushing. Being how I have to line up my blanks visually to drill, I won't attempt it. Now when I get my PH vise that's another story. []

 

[turned_for_good]

Found the pic of when I did this w/ a 5/8" blank. Not much wiggle room but it is feasable.

 

[hunter-27]

Dang square and level drilling and no cheap bits involved and you got a chance otherwise forget it.

 

[rherrell]

Turn it round and drill it on the lathe.

 

[Dan_F]

One problem would be the fact that most blanks aren't perfectly square and are warped, either of which would rob some of your wiggle room.

Dan

 

[mrcook4570]

I prefer 5/8" blanks for barons and 3/4" blanks for full sized gents. They create less waste.