Hello,
Really glad I found this site as it's a huge resource. I just started turning pens about a week ago, and for the most part everything is going pretty well except a few parts I'm struggling with a bit. Hope somebody has some tips on what I can do to get more consistent results and not rely on "luck."
1. After I apply the CA finish (I use GluBoost) and it's time to remove the pen from the mandrel I often get a little chip on 1-2 edges of the pen when separating the pen from the bushings. I've tried regular metal bushings and those white cone ones made for CA finishes. I started taking an exacto knife and scoring it before separating the bushing, but results are hit or miss. Is there anything I should be doing different? I try to not get the glue on the bushing to avoid this problem, easier said than done though!
2. I often struggle with getting the blanks the perfect size to match the hardware and once assembled for example where the blank meets the tip there is a little ridge and it's not seamless. I've tried all sorts of techniques, and I just can't seem to consistently get the results I want. I know that the CA finish adds some thickness to it. Any tips on getting consistent results for this? In the end it usually ends up either just under or over the pen tip and cap and I'm left with a little hairline ridge you can feel.
3. How many pens do you typically turn from one set of bearings?
Thank you for any help!
Really glad I found this site as it's a huge resource. I just started turning pens about a week ago, and for the most part everything is going pretty well except a few parts I'm struggling with a bit. Hope somebody has some tips on what I can do to get more consistent results and not rely on "luck."
1. After I apply the CA finish (I use GluBoost) and it's time to remove the pen from the mandrel I often get a little chip on 1-2 edges of the pen when separating the pen from the bushings. I've tried regular metal bushings and those white cone ones made for CA finishes. I started taking an exacto knife and scoring it before separating the bushing, but results are hit or miss. Is there anything I should be doing different? I try to not get the glue on the bushing to avoid this problem, easier said than done though!
2. I often struggle with getting the blanks the perfect size to match the hardware and once assembled for example where the blank meets the tip there is a little ridge and it's not seamless. I've tried all sorts of techniques, and I just can't seem to consistently get the results I want. I know that the CA finish adds some thickness to it. Any tips on getting consistent results for this? In the end it usually ends up either just under or over the pen tip and cap and I'm left with a little hairline ridge you can feel.
3. How many pens do you typically turn from one set of bearings?
Thank you for any help!