My First Apollo - Great Learning Experience

• I have never turned a pen where it is supported mostly on one end (with a live center point lightly supporting the other end).
• I also got better using my parting tool, and shaping the end of the blanks.
• I messed up the opening of the cap, even though Kate's instructions were pretty clear to not do that - So I ended up adding a thin segment and "accent ring" to recover from my mistake.
• Lastly, my brain was not thinking things through. My brain said to me "You didn't use brass tubes, so there's no need to paint the inside of your blanks. WRONG. The resin I used was one that I cast in March, and it is mostly translucent. The result is that you can see the section/nib fitting, as well as the cap liner.

KateHarrow said:

Just seeing this and I love it! The trim piece looks great - I've made that mistake plenty and honestly I love the look of the extent in the center

I have Rick's step bits and highly recommend them. I use them on every one of these I make now

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rixstix said:

Kevin,

If your drilling method has no runout, there is enough dimensional difference between rev 1 & rev 2 Apollo kits where the cap insert may not fit when using the step drill unless you waller out the hole a bit, or chase the stepped hole which will defeat the purpose of the stepped drill.

I just realized that today with my first Rev2 Apollo. Rev 1 fits. Rev2 will not. Haven't gotten to the body yet.

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