My last two Americanas

[alamocdc]

I truly dislike this kit! I've done 5 and not one of the tenons came out the right size for the CB. The first three were turned to the bushing as directed. These last two I left a bit proud because of the sloppy fit from my previous three attempts, but they were still too small. Not by much, but enough for thick CA to have trouble getting a good bind. [V] Of all the pens I've done that require a tenon, this is the only one that has given me trouble. Both are TN and acrylic from the special that Martin put out a few weeks ago. White fleck...

And green... something

As always, please feel to say what you please and thanks for your time!

 

[wayneis]

You did such a nice job on them it would be a shame to quit making them. It sounds like the bushing is to small so I would advise just measuring the inside diameter of the centerband with a caliper and using that. Thats what I do with all of my pens that require a tenon. Just take a tiny bit at a time untill you get you get there.

Wayne

 

[gerryr]

I've only done two of this type, but didn't have any trouble with the tenon being too small. The ones I did were from CSUSA.

These both look very nice.

 

[alamocdc]

Thanks, guys! Gerry, these are CSUSA as well.

 

[vick]

These are also one of my favorite kits. I think they turned out nice, I especially like the blue.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

It would be a shame to see you quit making them when you do such a fine job on them. I've done quite a few Flat Top Americans (from the 'B' co.) and the first few I did tended to be a bit sloppy but I have had a good fit since I started using calipers to measure the inside of the CB. I think the bushing must be a touch too small. BTW is there any noticeable difference between the Flat Top American and the Americana from CSUSA [?]

 

[rtjw]

Did a great job. I can understand about the tenons. I have always had a problem with them also.

 

[jvsank]

Nice job on both pens

 

[GregD]

Quit making them if you must. You did a great job making these two.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

There is only one way to solve your problem of kits that you hate to turn.
Send all the left over kits to someone you dislike.
What a way to get even!

 

[alamocdc]

Thanks, again, all. Ron, there are two problems with your solution. 1) I don't have any more of either and 2) I haven't found a turner I dislike. []