Well after reading what the pipe maker that was kind enough to post how to finish ebonite, i tried my second ebonite pen tonite. Did a Jr. Gent single closed end. I don't have any photo's of it, it is still out in the garage.
The finish went great. I followed the instructions from the forums and got a very nice shiny finish. It was beautiful. (was is the operative word).
I press fit my pens on the lathe using some delrin fittings in the tail and head stock. The cap end assembled perfectly and I was excited.
When I was assembling the other end, the closed end collapsed on its' self. I guess without a tube in the last 3/8 inch was too weak for the pressure of assembly and it kinda reversed mushroomed. Too bad it wasn't perfectly symetrical, might have made an interesting pen.
So be careful when you assemble closed end ebonite pens. I have done a lot in acrylic in wood and never had that problem before and basicallly use the same technique for them all.
Tomorrow I am going to try and cut the bad end off and make it into a regular pen.
I just wanted to let peeps know and I would be curious if anyone else has had that problem and if they have what you do.
As always thanks.
The finish went great. I followed the instructions from the forums and got a very nice shiny finish. It was beautiful. (was is the operative word).
I press fit my pens on the lathe using some delrin fittings in the tail and head stock. The cap end assembled perfectly and I was excited.
When I was assembling the other end, the closed end collapsed on its' self. I guess without a tube in the last 3/8 inch was too weak for the pressure of assembly and it kinda reversed mushroomed. Too bad it wasn't perfectly symetrical, might have made an interesting pen.
So be careful when you assemble closed end ebonite pens. I have done a lot in acrylic in wood and never had that problem before and basicallly use the same technique for them all.
Tomorrow I am going to try and cut the bad end off and make it into a regular pen.
I just wanted to let peeps know and I would be curious if anyone else has had that problem and if they have what you do.
As always thanks.