Closed end slimline (how to add a clip?) and long clicker

[RetiredJake]

Just had to make another closed end slimline, but without a clip, they have limited usability. Anyone with ideas on how to add a clip, please comment.

The slimline is walnut and maple, laminated horizontally.

The long clicker is walnut and cherry, with aluminum inlay.

Both pens received a coating of BLO that was allowed to cure for a week. Then 15 coats of thin CA and a topcoat of Mylands Friction Polish.

C&C's welcome.

Jake

 

[SteveJ]

I am pretty sure there is an article in the library on how to add a clip to a closed end pen. I haven't tried it yet, but it looked pretty doable. Of course it may be a bit more difficult as an after thought.

 

[BSea]

I'm a fan of the long clicker, and you've hit a home run with that one. Just 1 question. Why wait a week after applying BLO?

 

[RetiredJake]

I'm a fan of the long clicker, and you've hit a home run with that one. Just 1 question. Why wait a week after applying BLO?

I usually give it 2 or 3 days, but had to teach a motorcycle class this weekend, so they sat a little long than usual.

 

[BSea]

I'm a fan of the long clicker, and you've hit a home run with that one. Just 1 question. Why wait a week after applying BLO?

I usually give it 2 or 3 days, but had to teach a motorcycle class this weekend, so they sat a little long than usual.

I should have been clearer. Is there a reason to wait at all? I've used BLO & applied CA within 10 minutes with no problems. But maybe I'm missing something. I started using BLO because I heard it made the grain "POP" a little more. But I really don't notice much difference (If any). So I really don't use it much anymore. But if waiting a few days enhances the look, I'm fine with giving it a try.

 

[RetiredJake]

I should have been clearer. Is there a reason to wait at all? I've used BLO & applied CA within 10 minutes with no problems. But maybe I'm missing something. I started using BLO because I heard it made the grain "POP" a little more. But I really don't notice much difference (If any). So I really don't use it much anymore. But if waiting a few days enhances the look, I'm fine with giving it a try.

I wait to allow the BLO to oxidize/cure, then buff it on the lathe with a cloth. I have tried it both ways, still not sure which is actually better. I agree with you, I don't see a lot of difference in the grain 'pop' using the BLO. Will probably quit using it, just haven't made up my mind yet.

Jake

 

[Alzey]

I will have to try waiting a couple days on the BLO before I go to CA. The main reason I use BLO is the seal the wood prior to the CA. For me, this has prevented that foggy look you get with some oily woods under CA.

 

[Andrew_K99]

There are these articles in the library for the hidden clips.

http://content.penturners.org/library/techniques/recessedpf.pdf
http://content.penturners.org/library/techniques/invisibleclip.pdf

AK

 

[boxerman]

2 very nice pens. I really like the long clicker.

 

[CSue]

Those are both very nice pens. I love the design you used on the Clicker!

 

[srf1114]

FYI BLO can take as long as 2 weeks to fully cure, unless the process is "sped" up with an accelerant.