Hex Fountain Pen

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Valleyboy

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Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
341
Location
Wales
I finally bought a (very small) milling machine last week and had some time to play with it on the weekend.
I've got a few ideas about what I'd like to use it for but the first was to make a faceted pen. The first attempt was a little off as I had mis-calculated the blank diameter I needed, but the second effort came out as well as I could have hoped.

This is a 6 sided pen and I used a hex collet block in a vice to achieve the effect. The hardest bit was getting things lined up on the mill with my limited tools. I plan to acquire a dial indicator and a couple of other bits to make this easier in future. I will also tweak my finishing technique so the edges are a little more defined next time.

Anyway here is the pen. The diameters are (flat to flat) are:
barrel - 14.2mm
cap - 15.6mm.

The threads are triple lead 13mm and has a Bock no 6 nib. I use 10x0.75 threads for the section.

This pen is prepared for a pocket clip but I am certain whether I'm going to add it yet or not.

Cheers
Ash

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Mortalis

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Aug 19, 2013
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658
Location
Bardstown, Ky
For a premiere attempt this is great. I like the whole package of the pen even the edges of the hex.
I especially appreciate that you were able to match the hex cap and body when assembled.
Definitely should install the pocket clip.

Great first (even though it is the second one) effort.
 

Valleyboy

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Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
341
Location
Wales
Very nice, Ash!

ps ... I vote for adding the clip 👍
Thanks Duncan. I think I will add the clip - I realised I am going to have to eyeball it so it lines up centrally on one of the flat sides. Sounds easy enough but I'm sure I will find a way to screw it up 😊
 

Valleyboy

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
341
Location
Wales
For a premiere attempt this is great. I like the whole package of the pen even the edges of the hex.
I especially appreciate that you were able to match the hex cap and body when assembled.
Definitely should install the pocket clip.

Great first (even though it is the second one) effort.
Thank you. I did spend a little time lining up the facets. It's a case of trial and error 😊.
 

JamesC

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2022
Messages
94
Location
Dallas Texas
I finally bought a (very small) milling machine last week and had some time to play with it on the weekend.
I've got a few ideas about what I'd like to use it for but the first was to make a faceted pen. The first attempt was a little off as I had mis-calculated the blank diameter I needed, but the second effort came out as well as I could have hoped.

This is a 6 sided pen and I used a hex collet block in a vice to achieve the effect. The hardest bit was getting things lined up on the mill with my limited tools. I plan to acquire a dial indicator and a couple of other bits to make this easier in future. I will also tweak my finishing technique so the edges are a little more defined next time.

Anyway here is the pen. The diameters are (flat to flat) are:
barrel - 14.2mm
cap - 15.6mm.

The threads are triple lead 13mm and has a Bock no 6 nib. I use 10x0.75 threads for the section.

This pen is prepared for a pocket clip but I am certain whether I'm going to add it yet or not.

Cheers
Ash

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My vote is no clip. The shape is going to be easy to roll around in you fingers and the clip would interfere ? With the triple thread do the flats line up from all positions? Very very cool.
Jim
 

Valleyboy

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Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
341
Location
Wales
My vote is no clip. The shape is going to be easy to roll around in you fingers and the clip would interfere ? With the triple thread do the flats line up from all positions? Very very cool.
Jim
Thanks James. Yes you're correct, the reason for using a hex (or any multiple of 3) is it always lines up. It's very satisfying.
I was then thinking about if you had to line up a shape AND a pattern like a stripe or something. That will take a little bit of thinking about.
 
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