Magnetic Vertex Wonder Windows

[qquake]

A friend of mine commissioned me to make a Chicago Cubs pen for him. He chose a Magnetic Vertex rollerball kit in gunmetal, and a blank I had never turned before, called Wonder Windows. It was a pain in the arse, but I finally got it, and am happy with how it turned out. I reverse painted the blank with black, painted the tube, and colored the epoxy.

 

[qquake]

Like I said, this blank was a pain. The pattern wasn't centered in the blank. So I had to figure out how to center it, turn it round, and drill it near perfectly centered. I used a center drill to mark the centers of the pattern, a steb center to turn it round, and pen drilling jaws in my Nova chuck to drill it. Quite the process.

 

[qquake]

This one is actually my second try. The first one I painted the tube silver, which was a mistake. It made the colors look cloudy and washed out. Fortunately, the $20 blank was long enough for two pens, and I didn't screw anything up on the second one. Believe me, I was worried!

 

[magpens]

Patience and perseverance ..... !!!! . Thanks for posting full details. . I won't buy any of the Wonder Windows blanks !

 

[qquake]

Now that I have the process dialed in, I think another one would be easier. But I wouldn't choose a Wonder Windows blank for myself.

 

[OZturner]

Thank you Jim, for your Perseverance, and Sharing with us the Pain, and Frustration, as well as the Numerous Photographs, that made it possible for us, to Appreciate, just what you were faced with, using this Blank.

Most of the Time all we are Faced with, is Deciding what Blank will suit what Hardware, or does it need Painting, and if so What Colour.

I doubt that I would have the Ability and Tenacity to Conquer That Blank, as you have.

Again, Thank you for Sharing Your Dilemma, Photographs, and Solutions.
Regards,
Brian.

 

[qquake]

I have to admit, I did feel good about overcoming the challenges.