Bob,
Thanks for the compliments and I'm happy that the diamond hone worked out for you.
Chuck,
I have assembly instructions for slimline and cigar cartridge pens on my website in pdf format. Just navigate to the "Supplies" url in my signature to find them. The instructions assume you use a cartridge from me, but I hope may still prove useful to you.
To all,
Just to be clear, Bob did not use one of my cartridges in this pen. He drilled and seated the case and bullet himself - and it looks like he did an excellent job.
I do use some specialized reloading equipment to make my cartridges, but as Rick points out, that is not absolutely necessary. You can also use new (or resized) cases and seat bullets with a drill press, arbor press, pen press, vice, or even with the lathe tailstock. Alternatively, you could use fired cases and simply glue (or solder) the bullet in place.
In my process, probably the most important tool (besides the lathe) is a set of center-bits (about $5.00 from Harbor Freight). Next up would be the collet chuck (I use a Beall chuck). Together, these enable me to drill the components with a minumum of runout. The reloading press probably comes third on my list. I use a RCBS Rockchucker, but an inexpensive Lee Reloader press (which can be purchased with a set of dies for around $50.00) would be just as effective.
So, if you want to try making cartridges for yourself, the up-front costs are not really very high.
Regards,
Eric