I'm pretty sure that several folks here do this the same or similar way, but I thought that someone who hasn't may benefit from it before going out and buying a closed ended mandrel.
The pics should be pretty self explainitory, but there are a couple of things that may need comment.
First, I used a spare Panache tube for the body because I wanted / prefer the tube to support the material as far as possible.
I also wanted to make sure that if the recipient ever wanted to change it to a rollerball, then my hole was deep enough. So the pic with the gold nib is just for checking. I also showed a couple of methods of doing the same thing.
As can be seen from the pics, the green Malachite was borderline long enough, hence the glued on scrap bit.
Hope this helps someone:wink: and I hope you also like the finished item:biggrin:
The pics should be pretty self explainitory, but there are a couple of things that may need comment.
First, I used a spare Panache tube for the body because I wanted / prefer the tube to support the material as far as possible.
I also wanted to make sure that if the recipient ever wanted to change it to a rollerball, then my hole was deep enough. So the pic with the gold nib is just for checking. I also showed a couple of methods of doing the same thing.
As can be seen from the pics, the green Malachite was borderline long enough, hence the glued on scrap bit.
Hope this helps someone:wink: and I hope you also like the finished item:biggrin:
With your talent, we could set up demos for local chapters for the next 20 years!!:wink:
The blank was drilled only deep enough to accomodate the tube / refill. I did turn them round between centres prior to drilling though.
