Slimline with custom centerband

[jking]

I am trying a slimline with a wood centerband. I am using Russ' fatline as an example, but, I have encountered a minor dilemma. I did a thicker centerband, around 1/4", because that was the size of my parting tool. With a 1/4" centerband, it is easy to see the band is off-center. I am trying to figure out whether the pen would look better with the CB on the top or bottom tube. The only reason it matters is I might make the slightly different on each end.

If I was starting over, I'd go buy a narrow parting tool. The thick centerband isn't as pleasing to my eye.

 

[THarvey]

With Slimlines, I make the centerband to sit between the tubes.

The centerband can be as wide as 3/4" without loosing contact with the transmission.

Drill a 1/4" hole in your centerband blank and turn on the mandrel. I use my pen mill to square the CB before turning.

 

[Russianwolf]

Like Tim, My centerbands are loose fitting so they are easy to change out.

Since I turn with John's custom bushings, I have a more limited size, as the center must be able to fit on the bushing with the upper blank still able to get purchase too. But since I tunr the upper and center as a unit, I'm able to get the diameters dead on.

you can see a couple examples on the Gallery and Pen pages of my site.

 

[jking]

Thanks for your responses. Good information for the future, but, I've already done the centerband glued to one of the tubes. I used Russ Fairfield's fatline pen as an example. As a result, the CB will not be exactly centered on the wood.

My original question remains whether the CB will look better on the top or bottom tube.

 

[Russianwolf]

I see says the blind man.

In that case, I'd go top. The extra length on the bottom of the pen is similar to a Euro and looks a bit more elegant to my taste.

 

[Larry Gottlieb]

I put the added center band on top. I sand (or mill) the blank and then as I glue the blank to the tube, I glue the band to the blank and tube. I have added bands to the top or middle (or both).
No rules.

Larry

 

[Scott]

Hi John,

I think I would also opt for the top. When you get it done, we'd love to see pictures!

Scott.