So I was getting ready to start finishing the cap portion of this pen last night and accidentally dropped it. Not a big drop, but i guess it landed just right. Being a novice, this is a challenge I haven't really figured out yet (other than being more careful). If had a couple pens where I've cracked the finish trying to clear CA off the end - i cut it back down to the wood, and sand everything smooth before re-applying CA - much more painful than just being careful to begin with.
Dropped, Chipped.
- Thread starter Skewer
- Start date
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Brian G
Member
That's too bad. I swear, a person could purposefully drop a finished barrel with the intention of cracking or chipping it, and it won't crack or chip. How many bounces when it hit the floor? They seem to behave like torpedos. I've had those slow-motion moments where I've fumbled the barrel, and that slooooow voice "Nooooooo" and sloth-like reaction time couldn't catch it in time.
Suggestions:
1.) Line your shop floor with bubble wrap. Fun for a while, but then it's just plastic. Rubber floor mats would be a better idea.
2.) Make a carrier, which can be as simple as a board with some finish nails pounded in. Get in the habit of standing the barrels on the carrier between steps. It also helps for keeping barrel orientations for two piece pens. Sort of like this:
3.) Slow down. I rush myself sometimes, and that's when I fumble.
4.) The damage doesn't look too bad. You might have to apply a thicker finish, but it doesn't look like you'll have to remove much material.
5.) Use a SHARP utility knife to score the CA before trying to pull the bushings from the ends after finishing. I use CA finishing bushings available from multiple vendors. They help and generally pop off easily. I still score the CA.
Suggestions:
1.) Line your shop floor with bubble wrap. Fun for a while, but then it's just plastic. Rubber floor mats would be a better idea.
2.) Make a carrier, which can be as simple as a board with some finish nails pounded in. Get in the habit of standing the barrels on the carrier between steps. It also helps for keeping barrel orientations for two piece pens. Sort of like this:
3.) Slow down. I rush myself sometimes, and that's when I fumble.
4.) The damage doesn't look too bad. You might have to apply a thicker finish, but it doesn't look like you'll have to remove much material.
5.) Use a SHARP utility knife to score the CA before trying to pull the bushings from the ends after finishing. I use CA finishing bushings available from multiple vendors. They help and generally pop off easily. I still score the CA.
butchf18a
Member
What Brian said...ditto. My organizer utilizes small dowels instead of nails, same idea, works well.
stonepecker
Member
Try JoAnn's Fabric for a thread stand. All kinds of different styles and sizes.
It works great when you are just making blanks (in mass) for the future.
It works great when you are just making blanks (in mass) for the future.
wyone
Member
I guess I never needed such a thing as I have never made in mass. I keep trying different pen kits, so never know for sure which tubes I might need. I guess I need to pick one or two styles and make some extra blanks.
Seer
Member
My wife and I were at a thrift shop on half off day and found 40 pieces of the interlocking matts and I lined the floor of my shop with them. Cost me all of $3.00