Chthulhu
Member
Hello, everyone,
I've already posted elsewhere here, and thought I should take a moment to introduce myself. I've been lurking here for a week or so, admiring some of the work you folks have done, especially in the advanced turning and casting forums. I'd like to see more people graduate out of kits and create things new and unique, though.
I have not yet begun to make pens, though I have been collecting and using them, particularly fountain pens, for some time. I'm currently awaiting the money to purchase a lathe and accessories, plus materials, to let me prototype a pen I've been designing in AutoCAD. If all goes well, it will be something of a "universal" design, allowing use of a variety of existing fountain pen nib units, as well as stylographic points and ballpoint/gel/rollerball refills, and possibly a mechanical pencil mechanism.
I'll mainly be using acrylics, polycarbonate, and "ebonite" of various colors and transparencies, and perhaps aluminum if I can find a local anodizing shop that isn't too costly.
Most of my turning (and milling, grinding, etc.) experience has been in making or repairing parts and tools for machine shop equipment. I was employed by Snap-on Tools for just short of twenty years until they closed their manufacturing plant here in March of 2009. This project, and many others that the lathe will allow, will hopefully keep me from going any further batty than my forced semi-retirement has sent me, and possibly make me a little money in the bargain.
Oh, and if anyone here knows of a kit for a clutch pencil that will accept a 1/2" diameter lead, please tell me! <G>
I've already posted elsewhere here, and thought I should take a moment to introduce myself. I've been lurking here for a week or so, admiring some of the work you folks have done, especially in the advanced turning and casting forums. I'd like to see more people graduate out of kits and create things new and unique, though.
I have not yet begun to make pens, though I have been collecting and using them, particularly fountain pens, for some time. I'm currently awaiting the money to purchase a lathe and accessories, plus materials, to let me prototype a pen I've been designing in AutoCAD. If all goes well, it will be something of a "universal" design, allowing use of a variety of existing fountain pen nib units, as well as stylographic points and ballpoint/gel/rollerball refills, and possibly a mechanical pencil mechanism.
I'll mainly be using acrylics, polycarbonate, and "ebonite" of various colors and transparencies, and perhaps aluminum if I can find a local anodizing shop that isn't too costly.
Most of my turning (and milling, grinding, etc.) experience has been in making or repairing parts and tools for machine shop equipment. I was employed by Snap-on Tools for just short of twenty years until they closed their manufacturing plant here in March of 2009. This project, and many others that the lathe will allow, will hopefully keep me from going any further batty than my forced semi-retirement has sent me, and possibly make me a little money in the bargain.
Oh, and if anyone here knows of a kit for a clutch pencil that will accept a 1/2" diameter lead, please tell me! <G>
