Installing slim transmissions

[Rick_G]

When I first started installing the transmissions for the slims there was always press it in, test for length, press a little farther, "Oh d...n I went to far". Watching utube video's I'm not the only one. Trying to figure a way around this I came up with this simple fix. I put my pens together with the lathe but it should work with any method you use. Get a transmission installed to the length you want and then cut a piece of scrap wood as shown in pic. 2 to the length of the section of pen. ie end of transmission to tip of nib.
Pic. 1 install the nib and start the transmission as normal.
Pic. 2 Place the block of wood against the pen section and press the transmission in the rest of the way. It will stop when you hit the wood with your press.
Pic. 3 Showing the tip extended the length I like.
Pic. 4 completed pen.
Saves me time and no more trial and error to get the transmission seated just right. Works for slim lines, 7mm euro and cartridge pens, basically anything using this transmission with the Cross refill.

 

[Edgar]

Thanks for posting this, Rick. I'm going to make one of those!

I'd like to see this as a tutorial for our library. Even though it would likely only be a short 1-page tutorial, that's a great place to put things like this so they can easily be found. (hint, hint) :biggrin:

 

[mg_dreyer]

Here is an alternative that I have been using dfor years from the library ...

http://content.penturners.org/library/techniques/penassembly1.pdf

Just an alternative.

 

[KenV]

I have a couple blocks of wood marked 1.95 inches that fit next to the pen in the pen press. Think that came from Don Ward once upon a time.

Rick -- how long is your block?

 

[larryc]

Here is an alternative that I have been using dfor years from the library ...

http://content.penturners.org/library/techniques/penassembly1.pdf

Just an alternative.

I've got a couple of those around (one for slimline and 1 for Creekline). Now if I can just remember where I put them.

 

[chartle]

Some people have posted that they can't rely on this method since not all transmissions are no the same. I guess if you get all your kits from one supplier it should work.

 

[Sylvanite]

I see variation between transmissions even from the same manufacturer and manufacturing batch, so I don't rely on a single seating jig. I use multiple stop blocks in steps of 0.010", checking refill extension between each one. That way, I sneak up on a good fit without overshooting.

I hope that helps,
Eric

 

[larryc]

Another thing frustrating about the transmissions is installing one and then finding there is an obstruction so the refill won't pass through. I've gotten where I test all before installing them.

 

[Rick_G]

I have a couple blocks of wood marked 1.95 inches that fit next to the pen in the pen press. Think that came from Don Ward once upon a time.

Rick -- how long is your block?

I just measured it with calipers 3.995"

Some people have posted that they can't rely on this method since not all transmissions are no the same. I guess if you get all your kits from one supplier it should work.

Maybe I've been lucky, I've been using this for several years now with no problems. At least not enough variation that it mattered. I think all my slim kits came from William Woodwrite. I'll keep using it and if I run into a problem on the odd pen it can be fixed.

 

[Mr Vic]

I use a piece of Angle Aluminum cut to length. Latest issue I've had is the differences in the threaded portion of the refills.

 

[MTViper]

When I bought my first pen kit, my Woodcraft lathe instructor said to assemble the nib then press the transmission in until the top of the transmission is 10.1 cm from the tip of the nib. Works every time, but I think a V-block like this would mean I didn't have to measure any more and the pen would be supported so the transmission goes in straight. I like it.

 

[randyrls]

I too have had differences in overall length when pressing in transmissions. I worked out a method of watching the point as the transmission is pressed in.

Works slick! I will post a photo or document after Easter...

 

[dogcatcher]

I use a piece of Angle Aluminum cut to length. Latest issue I've had is the differences in the threaded portion of the refills.

I solved that problem by using Cross refills. So far so good, but now my next batch of Cross will likely be a mess.

My system is a hole in a block of aluminum, drop the finished barrel in the hole, set the transmission in place and whack it with a mallet. The hole is just the right depth so that when the transmission is installed it is level with the top of the block of aluminum. At the bottom of the hole is an adjustment screw that I can shorten or lengthen the hole.

I also use an "eyeball system" that I lay the transmission with refill screwed in, barrel with nib together and then eyeball the depth comparing this to the depth of the hole in my aluminum block. This way I can adjust the hole deeper or shorter to fit irregular sized parts.