On Using A chatter Tool

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Randy_

Randy_

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I just finished looking over a projects book by Bonnie Klein and was interested in her use of a chatter tool. Looked them up in the CSUSA catalog where it said the tools were for use on end grain wood. Since there is little or no end grain visible on most of the pens we make, I guess that is why there is not much discussion about the tool here at IAP. Interesting thing, however, is one of her projects had chatter work on the circumference of a round project...... definitely not end grain!! It was not nearly so well defined as was the end grain chatter; but it was definitely noticeable as a pattern.

So my question is whether anyone has ever used a chatter tool on a pen and if so with what result. I don't recall ever seeing a pen posted here with chatter work on it?

I have been thinking about making a chatter tool since seeing the effect in the Klein book; but don't want waste my time if it is not an effective technique for pens.
 
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Randy, I've looked into a chatter tool for pens, but the problem is the diameter. Chatter tools work best on end grain, and also on larger diameter pieces. I'm not a chatter pro, but a lot of guys at my AAW club use them for platters and such. I've talked to them extensively about it and they said it doesn't work well for anything less than 4-5" diameter. Not that you can't do it, but it doesn't look "intentional", it just looks like you don't know how to sand your pieces! They have a small Wagner texturing tool at CSUSA that *might* work for pens, but I'm not willing to drop the $40 to try it b/c I don't think it will have the intended effect. I could be wrong, but that would be the first:biggrin:

 
I've seen a lot of spinning tops that incorporated chatter finish, and they weren't even close to "4 or 5"", so size is not such a determining factor. Of course, on a top, you would certainly be using the tool on end grain.
 
GouletPens said:
.....b/c I don't think it will have the intended effect. I could be wrong, but that would be the first:biggrin:
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Thanks for that information, Brian.

I agree with your opinion above. I don't think $40 is probably too much for that kind of tool; but it won't give me the kind of texture I am looking for.
 
Because pens are so small, any texturing you do has to be incredibly defined. I would say if you're REALLY going for a textured look, then Beall's Pen Wizard is worth a look. It's not cheap but it'll give you a nice look if that's what you want. If you try much of anything else, I would guess, it will just look like you don't know how to sand your pens. Someone please post a picture to prove me wrong though!:foot-in-mouth:
 
I have heard chatter tools mentioned several years ago but it faded away for good. not exactly an encouraging sign I know. But I would hate to see you spend you money to learn what others have already found out. I have also seen several times home made chatter tools. you might want to spend some time searching for that and maybe come up with a version for only a few dollars. that way you can at least experiment before you go all out.
 
I have seen a drawing somewhere that shows how to make one. As I recall you use a sabre saw blade with the teeth ground off. cut a slot in a hunk of 3/8" cold rolled, drill oan tap for a set screw to hold the blade and "chatter away. The blade will have to be shaped on the business end and try different lengths of blade and different spindle speeds as well as tool post heights. If you do make one, let us know how it works.
you could turn a decorative handle as well.
 
Daniel said:
I have heard chatter tools mentioned several years ago but it faded away for good. not exactly an encouraging sign I know. But I would hate to see you spend you money to learn what others have already found out. I have also seen several times home made chatter tools. you might want to spend some time searching for that and maybe come up with a version for only a few dollars. that way you can at least experiment before you go all out.
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I did find a web site showing how to make a chatter tool. That is what caused me to start this thread. From the response to this thread, Daniel, it looks like no one has had any luck using the tool on pens.......no end grain available. I agree that there seems to be no point in investing a lot of money in a commercial tool..........probably no point in wasting the time to make one at home, either.​
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I may save this project for a time when I don't have anything else to do and the temptation to drink beer and chase women starts to overwhelm me!!:wink:​
 
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