ToddMR
Member
Well I was ready to never buy another pine cone PR blank again. Twice I destroyed blanks that were being made into a pen. The only thing I was able to make out of the first two was a Jr Gent II cap, and a Key Chain on the second after the top cap blew apart on me. So when I placed a recent order with Exotics, I decided, one last try. If I couldn't make it work this time, I was done for good with that blank as it must just be too advanced for me. I decided on a cigar pen. I also decided I would make the heavier pine cone areas of the blank my CB ends and not the thinner ends. I kept my tools as sharp as I could. I had ribbons flying every where. I only had one little pit on the tip end up by the transmission coupler, I quickly fixed it with shavings and CA. I finished the WHOLE pen! I was so proud/happy at the same time. Going slow and working calmly, helped me to produce this nice pen. It is on a chrome cigar. I did 1 coat thin ca, and 4-5 coats Monty's thick CA and then did my wet MM. I am so very happy to have tamed the pine cone! Thanks goes out to Jeff for making some very cool blanks. I am very happy I was able to complete this one finally!