Bruce, Thanks for jumping in with the details on the tap and die set, I really didn't want to get into the details since it was your efforts and your buy.
Jskeen, I got the box at Rockler for under $5. What I like about it is that it will hold a nice size pen like the Jr Statesman and some of the custom pens which I have planned and it does raise the pen as the lid is opened.
All, Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I realize the pen may seem plain to many, an Emperor it aint! But in my eyes it is exactly what I hoped of doing and that is to make a pen without using any kit parts whatsoever and the threading was ahuge obstacle to overcome.
I do plan on adding some embelleshments now and then to some pens but nothing like the large metal parts we are used to with the kit pens. I am looking into making some clips from sterling silver sheets so if anyone has experience with working with these sheets PLEASE PM me, I would love to talk with you.