custom lignum vitae and ebonite

[duncsuss]

A friend asked me to make him a totally custom fountain pen from lignum vitae.

Because wood doesn't hold screwthreads well, I chose to inset a piece of ebonite (hard rubber) into the end of the wooden barrel, which I then threaded internally (to receive the nib section) and externally (so the cap could screw onto it.)

The section is the same ebonite -- drilled and threaded internally to receive the MeisterNib #6 nib, feed and housing in the front, threaded to screw into the barrel at the back.

The cap has an ebonite plug, threaded internally to screw onto the barrel, and up at the top I parted off a finial and turned a tenon so the clip ring has something to seat around, then used epoxy to fix the finial in place again.

It was a real challenge for me, and I didn't do everything in the best sequence which made it a little trickier. Still, I'm happy with the result, and hope my friend will be too when it's delivered.

Thanks to everyone here for all the help, hints and guidance

 

[walshjp17]

Nicely done, Duncan.

 

[glycerine]

That's fantastic!

 

[John Den]

Very well solved!
Excellent effect.
Regards,
John

 

[duncsuss]

That's fantastic!

Nicely done, Duncan.

Very well solved!
Excellent effect.
Regards,
John

Thank you

I know that I'm a rank beginner at this, and there's plenty of room for improvement in my skills and the way I go about doing things.

That said -- I'm very happy the way this pen came out, because I can see the progress I've made: this was my 3rd section, 2nd time using ebonite, and first time gluing ebonite to wood.

 

[dankc908]

If your friend isn't thrilled I'd be happy to take it off your hands! :biggrin: Great Looking pen!