Closed end source?

[pshrynk]

I'm starting to get into closed end turning and wondered if there is a source other than PSI to get some kits. Exotics has a nifty looking ball point that I'm going to try, but i also wanted to get some fountain pen types. Any thoughts?

 

[hokie]

You don't have to buy exclusively closed end pen kits to turn closed end pens. I used to regularly turn Jr. Gent kits to have closed ends on both the cap and body with PSI's closed end mandrel (and its additional accessories). Only difference is you just don't use the butt end or postable end of the body and cap finial (if that's what it's called). Admittedly, you are limited to whatever tube sizes can accommodate the PSI closed end mandrel.

 

[ed4copies]

Nearly any pen can be made closed end.

Here is a video on how to do it with minimal tools:

 

[greenacres2]

Thanks Ed, that was a great video!!
earl

 

[John Eldeen]

Excellent video Ed thanks for the sharing

 

[pshrynk]

Thanks, Ed! I sorta suspected things like that could be done and now I know. Does the filler piece you turned replace the grabber mandrel and vice versa?

 

[walshjp17]

Check out Rick Herrell (in the Vendor's Forum). He sells relatively inexpensive pin chicks to make closed end pens. I have several and they are top notch.

 

[gtriever]

Plus 1 for Rick's pin chucks. Very high quality at a good price.

 

[budnder]

FYI - Baron and Sedona are two kits that I really like to do closed end on. I even did a Presimo Fountain Pen a while back.

 

[ed4copies]

Thanks, Ed! I sorta suspected things like that could be done and now I know. Does the filler piece you turned replace the grabber mandrel and vice versa?

I used a short mandrel with rubber on it that expanded with a nut on the mandrel, years ago. I was not impressed. That is why this method appeals to me. I'm sure somebody else showed it and I just added my take on it, but it has served me well whenever I want to do closed end.
YMMV