Part Timer
Member
Being new to the world of pen turning, and thinking about making dip pens for a while intil i develop proper skills and techniques. Is there any size requirements, or are they just builder preference?
Do you believe it is always necessary to make the dip pens so much longer than fountain pens? If so, why? I have only turned a half dozen, one of which is 7 1/2" long, but three are less than 6" and one is only 5". All are comfortable in the hand.@Part Timer
There is no specific size that is the best, it's more of a personal feel. The man I would consider my mentor in the calligraphy holders, is Christopher Yoke. He has a number of YouTube videos that are very educational. Here is a link to his reference page. There is a ton of information on it. https://www.yokepencompany.com/pages/links
You mention that your new to pen turning, but not if you are new to turning. If you are, be aware that your jumping in the deep end of spindle turning.Tturning a calligraphy holder is not as easy as it looks. The holders are anywhere from 7-12 inches long, and the tail is usually very thin. On average I make mine down to about 1/8". It can be very tricky turning that thin, be very careful.
There are different ways to hold the blank. Christopher holds the blank in 4-jaw chuck, makes the holder, applies the finish, cuts it off then drills the hole on his drillpress. I predrill my blank, insert a 1" piece of 7mm tube then I use a homemade pin chuck to hold it.
There are multiple ways to skin a cat, and wait until you make your first oblique flange.
Shoot me a message if you have any questions.
Edit: Here is a link to some comparative measurements of oblique holders. Straight holders have very similar dimensions.
Do you believe it is always necessary to make the dip pens so much longer than fountain pens? If so, why? I have only turned a half dozen, one of which is 7 1/2" long, but three are less than 6" and one is only 5". All are comfortable in the hand.
ETA: All are straight pens, not oblique.
Good morning, Darrin.Good morning Robert.
No I don't believe they have to be that long. I have one that is only 5" and I like it.
I think, a lot of it is tradition. Remember, that theses have developed from feather quills.
But I am by no means a calligrapher, and there could be nuances that I don't know, which are affected by length. The little copperplate I have learned, is self taught from books. Perhaps an actual Calligrapher instructor might know.
If your selling them, you will need to find what sells. I find that 7-9" are popular, especially for people that are carrying them around. If they are very fancy, then about 10-11 inches, with long thin tails. Longer sells, but I usually only do them on request. It's the same for the shorter ones, only on request.
I know that makes it clear as mud, but there is no straight answer. One of the most popular makers I know is Christopher Yoke. Check out his gallery at Yoke Pen Company. He also has some great instructional videos and information on his links page.
Take care.