Not a WOW pen but...

[Kragax]

I know it's a crappy photo but it is what it is. This is my first Big Ben. Made of Texas Mesquite that was a gift from a member here. I like the Big Ben but I wouldn't like to carry it in a shirt pocket. Anyway I just wanted to let you folks know that I do indeed make pens......Craig

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[Charlie_W]

Looking good there Craig!
Don't sell yourself short. You are doing well!
Just a little linear sanding to remove the radial sanding marks and you are good to go! Save this one and look back in a couple of years to see has far you have progressed in pen turning.
Post some more pics when you can.

 

[tomtedesco]

Looks like a WOW to me. Anything you make and like is good to go.

 

[Edgar]

Nice job there, Craig!

I really like the looks of the Cigar/Big Ben pens. They're a bit bulky for me though, so I don't actually use them very often. I do like to make one every once in a while for the pen displays I have here in my office. I haven't made one in mesquite yet, but it looks good on that kit - guess I'll have to give that a try soon.

 

[magpens]

VERY NICE !!! .... I like the profile you have turned on the cap ... going to do that on one of mine soon ! Thanks for posting and congratulations on your successes !

 

[Kragax]

Thank You folks. It's a lotta fun.

 

[mark james]

Hi Craig: I'm going to give a few observations... But as a preface, I will say in all honesty, your pen is MUCH better than I turned early on.

Not sure, but the upper barrel may be a bit recessed in the middle??? May be the photo angle. If not, then consider a more straight or very slight bulge outwards (obtuse??? never could remember those terms )

And as Charlie W suggested, sanding with the lathe off (L-R) will take out a lot of sanding blemishes. You don't have too many, but your current audience is very particular :tongue::tongue::tongue:! But in a nice way!

The Mesquite is awesome!!! And the choice of kits is great. (A bold blank with a bold kit). You may be surprised, this kit is a bit heavy, but may grow on you at work. I usually am a "pants carry" vs a "shirt carry", so I am not opposed to a nice Cigar/Big Ben. Soon I will be trying these kits without the center band...

And... other the reflection in the clip, the picture is actually very nice!!!

Nice pen Craig!!!

 

[wyone]

Love this group.. constructive criticism in the nicest way... you guys are really awesome.. and I like the pen.. I am mixed on if I like the center turned more than the ends... I did not think I would like it.. but I sort of do..

 

[79spitfire]

This is definitely better than my first tries. I kinda like the reverse curve look to the upper half.