MorganGrafixx
Member
So I found a 5 pack of PSI chrome "Funline" kits that I had completely forgotten about. I ordered them in early Jan. along with several other things I needed. Being brand new to pen turning, PSI was my only source for kits, blanks, equipment, etc. Since then, I moved away from the Slimline style (and PSI all-together) and onto cigars, Euros, Class. American, Gent., Wall St., etc.
Well, I was digging through my shop and came across these Chrome Funline kits and with the craft fair coming up quickly I decided I'd turn them just to boost my inventory a little. I get to looking at the kit, and figured out that these were any other store's Euro kit. Sweet! 5 Euros that I didn't have before. I cut, drilled and mounted 5 sets of blanks in various acrylics and woods that I though might look good with the chrome.
All blanks turned and finished, it's on to assembly. Whenever I have multiple pens going at once I tend to do one single step to ALL the pens. So I press on all the finials/clips and move to glue on the centerbands and let them set up while I assemble the lower barrels. Nibs on....check! Transmissions in to propper depth...check! Screw in refils.....ch......eck...DAMNIT!
Out of the 5 kits only 3 work. For some reason about 20% of all Euros/Funlines I make don't work right. I do absolutely NOTHING different from pen to pen. The upper barrel (clip end) twists but does not turn the transmission. Even without the upper barrel on, just trying to twist the transmission with my fingers it just doesn't want to turn. I can squeeze and turn with enough pressure that I'm afraid the thin metal tube of the trans. will bend/warp and after several tries the refill tip will just barely extend out (only about 1/2 rotation). I am certain that it turns more than what it is now because every now and then I can get it to twist all the way out. Then its the same pain in the a$$ to get it retracted back iin all the way.
What gives? Is anyone else experiencing this problem. Is there anything I can do to fix the ones that don't work or am I just SOL?
What makes it worse is that the Euro is probably my top cost/price ratio seller. They cost about $13 on average to make and I sell them for $50. I have 3 requests for them as of right now, but I'm afraid to take pre-payment (they offered) because I have a 20% chance that it won't work and I'll have to buy more kits and blanks. At this rate, I won't be able to afford to keep making them. Please, ANY input on this would be much appreciated.
Well, I was digging through my shop and came across these Chrome Funline kits and with the craft fair coming up quickly I decided I'd turn them just to boost my inventory a little. I get to looking at the kit, and figured out that these were any other store's Euro kit. Sweet! 5 Euros that I didn't have before. I cut, drilled and mounted 5 sets of blanks in various acrylics and woods that I though might look good with the chrome.
All blanks turned and finished, it's on to assembly. Whenever I have multiple pens going at once I tend to do one single step to ALL the pens. So I press on all the finials/clips and move to glue on the centerbands and let them set up while I assemble the lower barrels. Nibs on....check! Transmissions in to propper depth...check! Screw in refils.....ch......eck...DAMNIT!
Out of the 5 kits only 3 work. For some reason about 20% of all Euros/Funlines I make don't work right. I do absolutely NOTHING different from pen to pen. The upper barrel (clip end) twists but does not turn the transmission. Even without the upper barrel on, just trying to twist the transmission with my fingers it just doesn't want to turn. I can squeeze and turn with enough pressure that I'm afraid the thin metal tube of the trans. will bend/warp and after several tries the refill tip will just barely extend out (only about 1/2 rotation). I am certain that it turns more than what it is now because every now and then I can get it to twist all the way out. Then its the same pain in the a$$ to get it retracted back iin all the way.
What gives? Is anyone else experiencing this problem. Is there anything I can do to fix the ones that don't work or am I just SOL?
What makes it worse is that the Euro is probably my top cost/price ratio seller. They cost about $13 on average to make and I sell them for $50. I have 3 requests for them as of right now, but I'm afraid to take pre-payment (they offered) because I have a 20% chance that it won't work and I'll have to buy more kits and blanks. At this rate, I won't be able to afford to keep making them. Please, ANY input on this would be much appreciated.