Pen Mechanisms

[kenlholley]

I've been getting most of my pen kits from Wood Turningz and Penn State Ind. I mainly get the slimline and cigar kits. These seem to be the easiest for a beginner like me. I have noticed that many of the cigar kits have "rough" turning twist mechanisms. They don't turn smoothly. I think it takes a lot away from a pen when it opens and closes roughly. Has any else had this happen and is there a fix for these kits?

Thanks

 

[mredburn]

Have you narrowed it down to the mechanism? sometimes the plating where the refill nib goes through is built up enough to catch or drag.

 

[nativewooder]

Over time you will learn to twist the transmissions back and forth to maybe work out the "kinks" in the mechanism before you ever put the pen together.

 

[kenlholley]

When I remove the mechanisms they do seem to be much smoother. If it is a build up on the nibs like you suggest, what would be the most cosmetic way to fix that?

 

[mredburn]

Run a drill bit through the hole to make sure its clear. A number 37 or 5/32 I believe. You will have to find one thats close.

 

[nanosec12]

Run a drill bit through the hole to make sure its clear. A number 37 or 5/32 I believe. You will have to find one thats close.

I have run into this problem, and now I run the refill through the nib before assembly to make sure it's nice and smooth (and drill it out if necessary)

 

[edstreet]

Some penetrating oil on the transmission will also help greatly. Many of those, and the refill for that matter, are very old and can dry out over time.