First time making a fountain pen

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Alchemist

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Aug 13, 2020
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I like to post far and few between, but lurk in the background and drool over the lovely things I see in these forums, I am constantly making pens and other items…

I wanted to try making a fountain pen. @mmayo sent me a package (almost a year now, buddy?!) and in it was some Amboyna Burl. He said it was to be used for a good pen. I held onto it!!

I had come across some social media with these Apollo 710 kits from Bullseye Woodturning. It's a simple kit with a step process of drilling and the look of a kitless pen. A kit for those who haven't jumped to bespoke pens.

Sanded with 400 and 600 grit, pre-finished with boiled linseed oil, sanding sealer and then Ack's paste and polish. Then boiled linseed oil again followed with multiple layers of CA glue. Sanded lightly with 400 grit and then buffing wheels.

It was quite a blast to make… I do look forward to next year. I plan on beginning kitless pens.

So, lots of careful drilling, more fit tests and I finally finished with this:
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jrista

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Aug 12, 2021
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Colorado
Very interesting! Definitely looks like many of the bespoke pens I see shared on these forums. When I first looked at the photos, that's what I thought this was, then I read your post! :D

Great work!
 

crokett

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Dec 4, 2012
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Mebane, North Carolina
Thats gorgeous. I just ordered a kit and the mandrel set to try one. I have been thinking of trying to machine something similar. However if I like this one I'll likely order more.
 

CjG78

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Feb 2, 2020
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Australia
Beautiful! Start off at the very top!! That amboyna is beautiful.
Rub a touch of linseed oil on the end of your bushings when applying ca will stop it sticking and tidy up the ends more! Trust me you will notice the difference.
Lovely pen, I'd use that all day!
 

Alchemist

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Aug 13, 2020
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Central Valley, California
Beautiful! Start off at the very top!! That amboyna is beautiful.
Rub a touch of linseed oil on the end of your bushings when applying ca will stop it sticking and tidy up the ends more! Trust me you will notice the difference.
Lovely pen, I'd use that all day!
Thanks for the tip! I'll give that a try. I didn't even realize that was there, even after the photos! I'd use it but a click pen is better suited for hospitals. 😂😂 I carry a Blade and a Bolt Action with the JohnU wavy flag. (I think I posted it a while back 🤷)
 

Alchemist

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Joined
Aug 13, 2020
Messages
548
Location
Central Valley, California
Thats gorgeous. I just ordered a kit and the mandrel set to try one. I have been thinking of trying to machine something similar. However if I like this one I'll likely order more.
They are easy kits to work with. The fact that they aren't plated is a good selling point for me. I may buy some brass ones pretty soon.
 
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