To the list:
Thanks for all the nice comments. First though, let me say that it's NOT an original design of mine. It dates back to the year 1565. For a history of the design, take a look at
http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/2007/02/cleo-skribent-der-gessner-pencil-review.html
I saw pictures of the Der Gessner pencil on the net, and thought it was strinking in its simplicity. Made my first one this morning, and already have an order for one.
The lead is 5.6 mm, the hole in the collet is 6 mm. The collet is about an inch and a half long. It's .34" diameter along the narrow part, and .38" diameter at the front end. The hole in the body is around .35", don't remember for sure, and flared just slightly at the open end to somewhat match the taper on the collet. I think the collet and body of the Der Gessner pencil are larger than mine. I turned both the collet and the body holding the wood in a scroll chuck.
They're easy to make. How 'bout some of you guys make one and post some pictures? I'm sure you can do better than my first try.
Thanks for looking,
txbob