Getting started making bespoke

[dozuki]

Well I am finally jumping into the deep end of the pool. I have been gathering tools and nibs and odds and ends. My first attempt at tapping went great. The threads seemed nice and crisp and the pen feed screwed in nicely. I don't think my placement was spot on. I will do a little more measuring and drilling and try again.

 

[RichAldrich]

Looks good so far!

 

[dozuki]

Just needs a little refinement

 

[Bats]

Just needs a little refinement

Just a little trim around the ears.

 

[Dalecamino]

You did a good job tapping it looks like. I'll wait to see the next one.

 

[dozuki]

I plan on giving it another try with my practice piece this weekend

 

[PreacherJon]

Where did this word pop up... and when? bespoke???
Just means custom-made... made to order. Is it some kind of marketing ploy that I don't know about?

 

[its_virgil]

Where did this word pop up... and when? bespoke???
Just means custom-made... made to order. Is it some kind of marketing ploy that I don't know about?

From Wikipedia
The word bespoke (/bəˈspoʊk/) has evolved from a verb meaning 'to speak for something', to its contemporary usage as an adjective. Originally, the adjective bespoke described tailor-made suits and shoes. Later, it described anything commissioned to a particular specification (altered or tailored to the customs, tastes, or usage of an individual purchaser). In contemporary usage, bespoke has become a general marketing and branding concept implying exclusivity and limited runs.

I'm not a fan of the word. Even the kit pens I make are bespoke since I only make pens that someone has requested. But, kitless isn't any better. Only those of us who make kit pens really k ow what kitless really means. Here is my latest kitless bespoke pen.​
Do a good turn daily!​
Don​
​

 

[PatrickR]

I agree. To me bespoke is reserved for made to order tailored clothing. Kitless doesn't have a definition, is only used by those that make them and there isn't even agreement as to what qualifies. So, what do the people that buy said "kitless" call them? Custom?

 

[Pierre---]

So, what do the people that buy said "kitless" call them? Custom?

From my experience, they just call them "pens". They may spend between 250 and 10 000 bucks for a pen, so a kit is absolutely not attractive, they prefer either a reputable brand or a totally handcrafted pen. Like Don, I think "custom" or "bespoke" refers to an order, like for a pair of shoes.

 

[dozuki]

Where did this word pop up... and when? bespoke???
Just means custom-made... made to order. Is it some kind of marketing ploy that I don't know about?

That's exactly what it is. I like hand crafted just as well.

 

[dozuki]

Well anyway. Here is my tapping. It's a triple start and made shavings very nicely. And the threads look good. Going to do the male part later.

 

[dozuki]

Here is a little update for those that are interested. I have been working on getting the threads cut in the cap and body portions of my learning pen. The threads cut well once I got the dimensions right for the tenon and opening. I used a 13x.8 triple start I got on a group purchase and they did a great job. The problem is that there is a gap when I try to screw the two parts together. Is this where I have to cut a shoulder behind the threads? Or take a little of the threads off the cap so it will ride over the threads just a bit before engaging?

 

[duncsuss]

take a little of the threads off the cap so it will ride over the threads just a bit before engaging?

This is what I do - IMO a gap behind the threads looks ugly.

 

[jalbert]

Agree with Duncan. Remove threads from inside the cap- you'll likely need to do that anyway to ensure the cap screws and unscrews with a reasonable amount of turns. The thread relief or "gutter" on the barrel
is supremely ugly, and needs to stop being a trend in penmaking.

 

[magpens]

Paul asked : "Or take a little of the threads off the cap so it will ride over the threads just a bit before engaging?"

Duncan said : "This is what I do - IMO a gap behind the threads looks ugly."

John said : "The thread relief or "gutter" on the barrel is supremely ugly, and needs to stop being a trend in penmaking."

I agree with Duncan and John.

 

[dozuki]

Ok. Sounds like a good plan. I will remove some threads from the cap section. And see how it closes. Thanks

 

[dozuki]

That did the trick. It will screw all the way closed now and has a very snug fit. Now to move on to the section. I think it is time to visit the library.