Hello, I'm new to the forum and am looking into the world of kitless fountain pens. I want to make sure I have the bases covered before I take the plunge. I have decent experience with turning. Lots of kit pens, bowls, random spindle work, and I've even made pipes as gifts for my dad and brothers so I also have experience drilling ebonite and acrylic. Anyway, as far as basic tools, I think I'll need a digital caliper and some more taps/dies. Anything else come to mind? (I plan on making a die holder to mount in the tailstock myself).
As far as I understand, a fountain pen has three main parts that have to be made- the cap, body, and section. So here's my plan for turning and tooling, please let me know if there's something missing.
For the cap-
-On the inside, I'll need threads to match the body- it seems many people use metric threads but is it a huge issue if I use a close imperial approximation?
For the body-
-Threads on the outside to match the cap
-threads on the inside to fit the section threads (thinking a 9mm x .75mm tap/die?)
For the section- (where I am most confused)
-threads on outside to meet body (9mm x .75mm)
Now my confusion- as I understand it, the section requires 3 holes- one that will fit the nib housing, (larger) one at the back of that hole to be threaded to match the nib (smaller), and one at the other end to provide a snug fit for the converter. Is that all correct?
Also, in regards to sizing holes and tenons to be threaded, I assume there will be charts or similar things that will say what size to make them? If not, how would I determine hole and tenon size? I know I've bookmarked a rule for sizing holes to be tapped, just have to find it, but tenons I'm unsure of.
And finally, what nibs would you recommend and where would you buy them? Preferably a spot online that sells the nibs along with converters to fit them. Also, how do I find the proper tap size to fit the nibs? Beaufort ink seems like a good spot with okay pricing, (and they sell special taps to fit their Bock nibs) however they are based in the UK so im not sure if shipping would be worth it. Does anyone have experience with them? If so, would you recommend them?
I apologize for the novel and greatly appreciate any help. Thanks!
As far as I understand, a fountain pen has three main parts that have to be made- the cap, body, and section. So here's my plan for turning and tooling, please let me know if there's something missing.
For the cap-
-On the inside, I'll need threads to match the body- it seems many people use metric threads but is it a huge issue if I use a close imperial approximation?
For the body-
-Threads on the outside to match the cap
-threads on the inside to fit the section threads (thinking a 9mm x .75mm tap/die?)
For the section- (where I am most confused)
-threads on outside to meet body (9mm x .75mm)
Now my confusion- as I understand it, the section requires 3 holes- one that will fit the nib housing, (larger) one at the back of that hole to be threaded to match the nib (smaller), and one at the other end to provide a snug fit for the converter. Is that all correct?
Also, in regards to sizing holes and tenons to be threaded, I assume there will be charts or similar things that will say what size to make them? If not, how would I determine hole and tenon size? I know I've bookmarked a rule for sizing holes to be tapped, just have to find it, but tenons I'm unsure of.
And finally, what nibs would you recommend and where would you buy them? Preferably a spot online that sells the nibs along with converters to fit them. Also, how do I find the proper tap size to fit the nibs? Beaufort ink seems like a good spot with okay pricing, (and they sell special taps to fit their Bock nibs) however they are based in the UK so im not sure if shipping would be worth it. Does anyone have experience with them? If so, would you recommend them?
I apologize for the novel and greatly appreciate any help. Thanks!