How much do you leave in thickness?
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jttheclockman
Member
epigolucky
Member
Depends on the tool. I almost exclusively use a skew, so I start my sanding at 400 grit and go finer from there. For acrylics and wood (finish with pens plus), I pretty much take it down to the measurements of the components with just some light sanding and then finishing.
For CA, i'll take down slightly past the measurements and build up the CA and sand to take down to measurements.
For CA, i'll take down slightly past the measurements and build up the CA and sand to take down to measurements.
SteveG
Member
I use bushings in TBC mode, but only to get fairly close to finished diameter. Lathe tools: either carbide insert and/or skew (depends on the material).
For wood with CA finish I will typically take the blank right to the size of the hardware using tool, then start sanding with 400 grit taking blank to slightly undersize. Once the CA is applied and then fully buffed out and "Done", it will be slightly proud of the hardware, about .001"~.002" oversize.
For solid material w/no finish, I turn it to a diameter about .002" oversize (based on measurement of pen hardware), then sand starting at 400 (or 600) grit. When done, blank will be equal to, or minimally larger than pen hardware.
Note this final step: Since I target ending up slightly proud of the hardware. I will "break" the edge of the blank. Lay 400 grit flat on bench. Drag blank across the abrasive while holding it at an angle 10* off vertical. Turn blank while dragging which will yield a relieved edge all around blank end. This will feel good to the touch when inspecting the finished pen at the point where blank meets hardware. (Alternatively, for no-finish solid material, I might instead use the buffing wheel to accomplish the relieved edge on the blank end.)
For wood with CA finish I will typically take the blank right to the size of the hardware using tool, then start sanding with 400 grit taking blank to slightly undersize. Once the CA is applied and then fully buffed out and "Done", it will be slightly proud of the hardware, about .001"~.002" oversize.
For solid material w/no finish, I turn it to a diameter about .002" oversize (based on measurement of pen hardware), then sand starting at 400 (or 600) grit. When done, blank will be equal to, or minimally larger than pen hardware.
Note this final step: Since I target ending up slightly proud of the hardware. I will "break" the edge of the blank. Lay 400 grit flat on bench. Drag blank across the abrasive while holding it at an angle 10* off vertical. Turn blank while dragging which will yield a relieved edge all around blank end. This will feel good to the touch when inspecting the finished pen at the point where blank meets hardware. (Alternatively, for no-finish solid material, I might instead use the buffing wheel to accomplish the relieved edge on the blank end.)
Last edited:
SteveG
Member
Quote Mal: Steve .... don't you mean off horizontal here ?
Mal, if you stand a blank up on end on the bench, it is vertical. If you tip it slightly, it will be a few degrees "OFF THE VERTICAL", which is what I do. It is a light touch, fine abrasive action, and takes the sharp edge away without showing on the finished surface of the barrel. Try it, you will see what I mean. This does not show up as a gap between the barrel and the hardware.
Mal, if you stand a blank up on end on the bench, it is vertical. If you tip it slightly, it will be a few degrees "OFF THE VERTICAL", which is what I do. It is a light touch, fine abrasive action, and takes the sharp edge away without showing on the finished surface of the barrel. Try it, you will see what I mean. This does not show up as a gap between the barrel and the hardware.