Not so good of a day

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Cherie

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Joined
Feb 22, 2010
Messages
206
Location
Pomona, Missouri
Made 3 pens today, none of which I am real happy with. The final one which I thought I finally got the nib part to come out right, ended up having a chip or an "air bubble" in the acrylic giving it a white spot that I tried to sand out. To top all this off, the first thing this morning my bench sander went out. So I figure if my glasses come in like they should and I can get out 2morrow, I will sit at the saw instead.
 

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OOPS

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Feb 6, 2010
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674
Location
Spokane, WA
You stated that you're not too happy with any of them? Pen number two looks outstanding to me! You've got some beautiful wood there, and put a terrific shine on it. As for the acrylic, did you try to fill the hole with some CA? Sometimes that can "hide" problems in a blank.

I see from your last few posts that you have an affinity for the Euro style pen. Many a pen turner has stumbled on this kit, mostly due to problems making the tenon. I will admit to making a few defective tenons myself. Mastering the Euro makes the rest of the kits seem all the easier in comparison. Perhaps you're being too critical of your own work. I am glad you posted them.
 

Manny

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Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
849
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
Cherie,
Next time try cleaning the hole out no dust. Use canned air or something. Fill it with ca glue. Let it dry al
The way. Sand it down and finish. Usually can hid bubbles doing that.

Good luck
Manny
 

gingerwood

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Joined
Jun 10, 2009
Messages
198
Location
Bloomington, MN
One thing you can try is to fill the little bubble hole with CA, spritz with accelerator and then verrrrrry gently turn it flat and finish normally.

Sometimes it work, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes the CA pops out of the hole.
 

Cherie

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2010
Messages
206
Location
Pomona, Missouri
You stated that you're not too happy with any of them? Pen number two looks outstanding to me! You've got some beautiful wood there, and put a terrific shine on it. As for the acrylic, did you try to fill the hole with some CA? Sometimes that can "hide" problems in a blank.

I see from your last few posts that you have an affinity for the Euro style pen. Many a pen turner has stumbled on this kit, mostly due to problems making the tenon. I will admit to making a few defective tenons myself. Mastering the Euro makes the rest of the kits seem all the easier in comparison. Perhaps you're being too critical of your own work. I am glad you posted them.

Number 2 is an acrylic. LOL
 

Ambidex

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Joined
Nov 2, 2011
Messages
1,108
Location
Bristol NH 03222
I like the third one too!

Don't worry about the mistakes, that's how we all learn. If you don't make mistakes, that means you're not pushing yourself!

I'm sure most of us have a box of mistakes, I know I sure do! :biggrin:

I know the mistakes I've made in 4 months would fill a box, and I don't mean a SFRB!
 

Robert111

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Joined
Apr 12, 2011
Messages
1,127
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Hi Cherie. Really like the middle pen. The color, finish, style work well for me. Here's my thoughts on your trio:

Strong Points:

  • You created excellent lines for this style by shaping the upper and lower barrels so that their curves flow together and blend with each other.
  • Excellent looking finish.

Possible areas to work on:

  • The tip-lower barrel mating seems off on the middle pen. Is your bushing at the tip end worn down? Do you have digital calipers to check bushing size and final diameter of the turned barrels. Only takes a few seconds and makes a big difference in fit. Check eBay for dig. calipers. I think I've seen them for as low as $10.
  • That hole in the third pen is probably a flaw in the blank. Stop turning from time to time to check your turnings for flaws: bubble holes like this and cracks (frequently develop in woods). When you find a flaw, make that tough decision to scrap the piece. While most of these flaws can be filled or otherwise diguised, you (and the buyer) probably will still see it.

Hope this helps.
 

Jgrden

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Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Messages
6,287
Location
hOUSTON, Texas
I think you did fine. I would hate to show you what catastrophe came my way when trying to finish two pine cones.
 
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