First Mech. Pencil as a gift

[jfernsler]

Hey everyone, this is my second turning, the first being a slimline pen and now this slimline pencil. Nothing too exciting, red oak blank and a CA finish. The bands in the top barrel are my dad's initials in morse code. DDF. That's it, just wanted to show it here and say hello!

-jf

 

[Dan26]

Nice job on the pen and neat idea with the morse code.

 

[scrollsawwoodart]

That is awesome! I too think the morse code is pretty cool

Jesse

 

[boxerman]

Cool pen.

 

[Craftdiggity]

Morse Code, huh? That's a very cool thought. I think I might have to steal that one.

 

[PaulDoug]

Yes, a very unique one, using the Morse Code. He will strike up a lot of conversation with that. Nice work.

 

[jfernsler]

Thanks for the nice comments. Glad you like the morse code, I was looking for a way to personalize it for him - and I'm making a second for my uncle, so initials seemed like the way to go. My dad was in radio operations in korea, so it's a little nod to him in more ways than one.

-jf

 

[Crashmph]

The Morse Code is a really cool idea. I may have to use that one... I was once a radio operator for the Navy for a while, so I can really appreciate the Morse Code details.

Nice job on the pencil as well.

 

[Lenny]

A very nice job and the morse code bands makes it very creative as well!

One thing to be aware of though, it has been my experience (and if you search the forum, that of many others) that the slimline pencil mechanisms can be problematic. :frown:

I think if you get a good one (I have my own personal one that has been in use for 5 years) they will last .... problem is just as many develop problems. Of the handful I made at least half ended up getting replaced.

I now use a Flat Top twist pencil as well as a Sierra type. Each one took a little 'fine tuning" to get to work properly .... but I think they will end up being better options.
Just my $.02

 

[jfernsler]

Ah, thanks - I admit I was a little concerned w/ the mechanism. I'd love to find a great .7mm mechanism as an art pencil or any recommend you can come up with for that. Is there a site the generally offers higher quality kits I can rely on?

And thanks for the kind words. I'm glad the idea didn't fall flat.

-jf

 

[Lenny]

Ah, thanks - I admit I was a little concerned w/ the mechanism. I'd love to find a great .7mm mechanism as an art pencil or any recommend you can come up with for that. Is there a site the generally offers higher quality kits I can rely on?

And thanks for the kind words. I'm glad the idea didn't fall flat.

-jf

Well, I hope others chime in here as that is something I would like more info on myself. I can tell you I just recently used one of these
http://www.bereahardwoods.com/pen-kit/supplies/pk-flat-top-twist-pencil.html
and I had some difficulty getting it to work properly at first. Had to do some filling to allow the twist mechanism to work freely. Once I figured that out it seemed to work nicely. I only had it a few days and it sold, so ...
I'll make some more soon.
I have also made one of these Sierra style pencils (bottom right corner)

http://thevillageworkshop.net/PENCILKITS.aspx

It seems to works very well too!

Hope that helps some.... and WELCOME to IAP! :biggrin:

 

[wizard]

Very unique pen and idea! Looks great!

 

[Pioneerpens]

very nice! love the morse code! that is so cool!

 

[keithlong]

Very nice pencil.I have made some of the slimline pencils and have not had any problems with any of them. I like turning red oak myself

 

[LizardSpit]

Morse Code!!! Very clever!!!

 

[jfernsler]

finished the second one for my uncle - initials REC. Also kicked out some pretty lo-fi boxes to present them in, nothing special - just milled some slots in some scrap: