Thanks. Actually, the shiny spot isn't the finish. I've sanded and sanded it and then sanded it some more. No matter what I did, that spot would not lay down and dull out so I could make it uniform, so I'm going to leave it. I think it's something that's actually in the wood.
G'day mate,
Welcome to the IAP family...!
I was also going to mention that shiny spot on the barrel, it does look like it was an issue from the sanding after the CA application, and I was wondering if you actually wanted it shiny or matt finish but, from your answer above, I tend to believe you wanted with the matt natural wood look and I also read about your explanation about the shiny spot, if you were aware of it and try sanding that area more and didn't change the results, there was nothing else you could do unless you have compromised and change the finish to gloss making that spot to disappear/invisible and more uniform type finish.
You asked for opinions and I would like also to say something about the shape/fit particularly on the bottom part of the pen and while I never remember to have seen that kit before, I agree with you on your video about the great intricate details of it and looking closely to the diameters of both top and bottom parts of the pen, it seems to me that, it could do with a lot more meat at the bottom, not so obvious on the top part but and if you turned the barrel to the kit provided bushings, that bottom part doesn't seem correct in my view, also a slight barrel shape of the pen barrel body would look a little better.
Again, these are my observations and as always I call it as I see it and mean no harm or any attempt to put your work down, you will find with time here that, some of us are direct type people and are honest with our opinions, the intent is to possibly identify issues that have been overlooked or not seen at all and assist new turners to be open to constructive criticism and be positive about it.
Don't be too disappointed though, overall you have done a much better job to many other folks that are just starting and that has to be said, also...!
Cheers
George