Warren White
Member
I recently purchased some Roadster kits from Craft Supplies USA, and some wood at McBeath Hardwood.
I like the hefty feel of the Roadster pens, as well as the look of the finished pen. They go together like a Slimline, but the profile is different. The only concern I had is one that I have had with the CSUSA's Slimlines I have purchased in the past; the twist mechanism is sometimes damaged BEFORE it is used. Out of four pens I assembled, one had serious issues with the twist mechanism. It was dented at the screw end, and I didn't notice it until it had been inserted into the blank. As a result, the twist to make the refill advance and retract was much stiffer than I would have liked.
The woods I used were Padauk and Australian Burl. It was interesting working with Padauk; it is really RED and it gets everywhere when you sand. After sanding, it took several pieces of paper towel and DNA to remove the red dust from the pen. The Australian Burl was very blah after turning and sanding, but when I cleaned it with DNA, the grain really popped. It 'liked' the CA finish that enhanced the grain.
I hope you enjoy looking at the pens and I apologize in advance for my photography; just an iPad picture. Your comments are always appreciated.
I like the hefty feel of the Roadster pens, as well as the look of the finished pen. They go together like a Slimline, but the profile is different. The only concern I had is one that I have had with the CSUSA's Slimlines I have purchased in the past; the twist mechanism is sometimes damaged BEFORE it is used. Out of four pens I assembled, one had serious issues with the twist mechanism. It was dented at the screw end, and I didn't notice it until it had been inserted into the blank. As a result, the twist to make the refill advance and retract was much stiffer than I would have liked.
The woods I used were Padauk and Australian Burl. It was interesting working with Padauk; it is really RED and it gets everywhere when you sand. After sanding, it took several pieces of paper towel and DNA to remove the red dust from the pen. The Australian Burl was very blah after turning and sanding, but when I cleaned it with DNA, the grain really popped. It 'liked' the CA finish that enhanced the grain.
I hope you enjoy looking at the pens and I apologize in advance for my photography; just an iPad picture. Your comments are always appreciated.