This is a cigar pen in bright black, from Woodcraft. The blank is a Rhino called Antique Silver. It's subtle, but I like it, especially with the black pen components. Very happy with it overall.
I did have a chipping problem. I was being too aggressive as usual. It took me two tries, but I covered it with epoxy and re-turned it. I can still see one spot, but if you didn't know it was there, I don't know that you'd notice.
I had one other issue, due exclusively to my stupidity. At first I thought I had severely underturned it, but I had pressed the wrong component into the top of the pen. But it was a simple matter to disassemble and reassemble it correctly.
That is a very beautiful pen !!! . I also like that blank very much.
Thanks for your comprehensive picture-taking and your account of details along the way to completion ... very interesting and helpful.
Especially helpful to know about the epoxy method of recovery from the chipping ... hope I never need to use it but good to know about it.
I don't usually have a chipping problem with Rhino blanks ... largely because I use a metal-working lathe, I would think. . This gives somewhat better control, perhaps, and prevents being "aggressive" (as you put it) ... up to a point, anyway.
I find your threads very interesting .... keep up the good work !!!
Rhino blanks are definitely "chippy", but not as bad as inlace acrylester. They're worth the extra effort, though, there are some spectacular ones. They're also good for pens that need 10.5mm and 12.5mm drills, as the blanks are 7/8" square. Plus, they're cheap!
RhinoPlastic is also made in USA, by a small company. I like buying from them and yes their products will continue to be one of my favorite "weekly specials". Fun to sell for people you like!!!
Nice looking pen.
I have also had a few chipping problems and some blowout when drilling holes in these blanks in the past but I have learned to treat them with a bit more patience and care. Lighter cuts switching to carbide makes a world of difference. Clearing chips frequently when drilling also is a big help.
They do yield great results are are very reasonable as far as price goes.
Hi Jim, I turn a lot of Rhino blanks myself as I find they have interesting colors / designs and are very reasonably priced. You are not alone in that one can think you are doing a good job turning them and all of a sudden you hear that dreaded sound that you have been a little too aggressive in your turning. Its almost like it lures you into a false sense of security sometimes I think lol...