Michael, what I meant was that the hardware, (nib, center band, clip and finale) do not always come out the same size as the bushings. All our kits are mass produced and are made within tolerances. That means some will be a bit larger while others will be a bit smaller than a new set of bushings. Also as the bushings are used, they will wear down where they are smaller than they were when new. Therefore it is always best to turn the blank to the size that matches the hardware on hand less the thickness of your finish, whatever that is. Perfect is where your finger can not detect where the blank ends and the hardware begins. That is perfect. We live in an imperfect world so I find it feels better for the blank to be just a bit proud of the hardware rather than the other way around. Naturally, I try to keep that ledge as small as possible. I was in no way picking on you work. For that pen, you did one bang up job. I truly wish my first pen or even my tenth one for that matter looked that good. Burl is notorious for blowing up in your face. You 'done good' Michael, and you have the right to be proud of it. Do not allow some old grouchy guy, such as myself, to put you down. That was the furtherest thing from my mind when I made the post. I did look at the photo and wondered about the lighting. It is very difficult to feel a photo on my screen. If I may be of any help, let me know. I am still learning, too.
Charles