<Snip> I sometimes use a larger centerband - like the ones from a comfort kit or make my own so I can make a little larger pen with nice proportions. The slimline gives you a lot of flexibility for creativity & variation - don't be afraid to experiment.
With what do you make your center bands? Do you turn them on a metal lathe? Do you use brass, aluminum, plastic?
The afore mentioned pens do look very nice. I should do so well. I need to make about 30 slim line pens for Christmas gifts so the variations are very nice.