Components by any other name.....

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ed4copies

ed4copies

Local Chapter Manager
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....is still components!!!

When you look for a specific pen that you would like to make, would it help if the vendor description includes the actual dimensions of the brass tube?

Would it help at all if the diameter of the components was shown? (OD of bushings, we would hope)

We are trying to figure out how to describe pen components so you know what you are getting, when you purchase---all comments will be helpful!!

Thanks!

One other hint, I do not believe that Berea makes a kit in "gunmetal" FYI.
 
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Ed

Isn't all that info contained within the reference chart in the library?

I think it probably needs updating as a good few new models have hit the shelves in the last 6 months but nevertheless its a hell of a database as it is!!
 
Being somewhat new at this dimensions make no difference at all. I need to know what bushings, drill bit size/sizes and if there is any difficulty working with a particular kit. My opinion.
 
Terry, yes the information is in the library, but from the calls and emails I get, very few read it.

Scott, Thanks for your comment!!
Actually, I am most interested in the newer guys. Crossing between vendors, you MAY be able to use bushings, drill bits, etc that you have already purchased. So how do you research to see what bushings will work, if you order from Vendor B, instead of Vendor A (where you bought the stuff you have)??
 
Ed, being a relative newbie, I know that I have bought the same size drill bits and bushings for different styles of pens, only to find out that they were exactly the same as another version. I have finally come to the conclusion that no matter how many times I try to verify them, I may still miss something in the dimensions that causes me to buy too much (not a big deal) or too little (not having the right bushings on a rush job - huge deal).

I just have gotten into the habit of buying a complete set or drill bits and bushings for a specific type of pen, even if it is exactly the same as another style I already have. I keep each style in a separate container holding all the kits and components, so I can quickly start on a pen instead of checking the charts for which set goes with this kit...

Having the chart helps if a customer likes a style of pen, but wants a different finish. I can then show them one pen and say "this is not the one you are looking for, but the size and weight will be very similar", then I go out and get the full kit for that specific style. The chart also helps me to see what alternative suppliers may be out there when a question comes up.

Hope this helps from a relative newbie perspective who isn't afraid to buy a little extra for convenience on the back end...
 
John,

You are a LOT smarter than I am!! I almost always figured I HAD the bushings!

Poor guess!!

I like your thinking, but I wonder how many share this concept?
 
Having the tube length would be handy for determining if one blank will work for two pens (IE Sierra, razor, etc.).

Diameter of the finished pen would be handy if you're trying to find smaller or larger pens to suit soneones needs.

AK
 
I like to read and see the tube sizes and drill sizes and bushing sizes. I should print out the library chart, but even then does it have brand new kits, and non pen stuff like razors and stoppers and grinders or game calls or spoons....
 
Ed,

I usually can tell about brass numbers by the drill bit required. However OD sizes of bushing would be a great thing and I wish everyone would do that so I could tell if I have the right ones or not.

Val
 
I was looking at the chart in the library and I noticed even with my limited knowledge of newer kits that it would be great if it was updated. I would offer to undertake that job if I knew where to get the information that everyone would like to see in one chart. I cannot afford to turn some kits like the Imperials, or else I would have fought for one of Ed's stash. I am positively sure that the original poster of the chart worked very hard to achieve that great chart information. I hope no on will have any ill feelings towards my comments. As I am not experienced in this type of matter I just want to try to help improve the information to help others if I could.
 
when i have a pen gone wrong and would like to cut a new tube i have found the exact length is not always available. had to purchase a new kit and measure it.
 
Sometimes the instructions will give some of the dimensions. Not always the case, but if I am looking at a new pen, I look at the instructions, the drill bit size posted and will buy the bushings if there is any question. Seems to work for me even though I have doubled up a few times.
An update on the chart in the library would be nice if someone has the time.
 
Woodlvr said:
I was looking at the chart in the library and I noticed even with my limited knowledge of newer kits that it would be great if it was updated. I would offer to undertake that job if I knew where to get the information that everyone would like to see in one chart. I cannot afford to turn some kits like the Imperials, or else I would have fought for one of Ed's stash. I am positively sure that the original poster of the chart worked very hard to achieve that great chart information. I hope no on will have any ill feelings towards my comments. As I am not experienced in this type of matter I just want to try to help improve the information to help others if I could.
Click to expand...

Actually that "award-winning" chart was produced by a Milwaukee guy--Wayne!!!
At the last wood show, Wayne ASKED me to help him update it and I said I would and have NOT, up to now. So, I will start putting together the info and forward it to him.

Wayne is VERY conscientious about the chart--I'm sure we can get it up to date.
 
Ed, As usual you make more sense than me. Knowing what bushing will do different pens would be a life saver. Who knows how many times I have duped my bushing when I already had some that would have worked. I change my mind. Tube lengths, diameters etc no for me but if bushing "A" will work on pens " X Y Z" that would be great.
 
I didn't read through all the replies.

Looking at new kits, I like to know the overall dimensions. I know they can't be exact, but some suppliers sometimes indicate the overall finished length, and that's always something I like to know up front if possible.

If I want to know tube and busing dimensions, I usually check the library, but not all are in there.

So yes, I sometimes to check for reference materials giving tube deminsions, and will compare them to outside busing diameter to check the thickness of a potential purchase.
 
Ed,
I would be more interested in the dimensions of a completed pen. Info such as cap diameter, barrel diameter, total length, length of barrel without cap (fountain and rollerballs). I do suppose some of the info I mentioned could be determined from the diameter of the bushings.

Size matters:biggrin:especially when trying to impart information about a pen to a prospective customer. They always want to know about size...and weight. I know material will factor into the final weight but a nominal weight could be given using some species of wood.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
.
 
Don,
I am somewhat afraid of "information overload".

We are looking at the "component" side. Don't you think most pen makers have arrived at a few styles and know what the pen will look like?

Will pen makers make anything the customer orders? When I was selling lots of pens, I made a half dozen "bodies". But, I bought Cigar pens from a number of sources---they were all the same. Until I got "cigar Rollerballs" and nothing matched (shouldn't have been a surprise, knowing what I know now--but then, it was a revelation!!)

Not arguing with you, Don. Just trying to figure out WHAT information is most sought after.

I certainly COULD include finished diameter (which the bushing size would also tell you).
 
As a new guy the dimensions would help a lot. Having things labeled as A and B bushings/mandril did nothing but cause much confusion and delay. Any and all help is appreciated.
 
Wouldn't help me any, as I still get "Error 403" every time I try to go to your site. Three or four days ago, Dawn said she'd look into it over the next couple days,after You had told me if I were an "unintentional victim" she could take care of it.


quote=ed4copies;1262342]....is still components!!!

When you look for a specific pen that you would like to make, would it help if the vendor description includes the actual dimensions of the brass tube?

Would it help at all if the diameter of the components was shown? (OD of bushings, we would hope)

We are trying to figure out how to describe pen components so you know what you are getting, when you purchase---all comments will be helpful!!

Thanks!

One other hint, I do not believe that Berea makes a kit in "gunmetal" FYI.[/quote]
 
Whenever I get a new set of components I try to measure all the parts and record the info to a chart/spreadsheet. This includes drill bits used, bushings (measured when new with digital calipers), tube lengths (very handy to insure you haven't trimmed the blank too far).
This chart is kept on my bench, along with a drill chart and collet chart.
 
MAYBE.....

That information is available for some kits but not for others ... hence it is some instructions and not others. Tube lengths seem to be left out of many if not most - even those where tube length is quite critical. I'd like it to be there personally but I'm not sure the suppliers will cooperate. I did find a case where id differs with the same od...PSI sells spare 7mm tubes for both pens and pencils...since the od is the same and the length is the same the only difference left is wall thickness (or id as it were).
 
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