Pen assembly
- Thread starter Rotor13
- Start date
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Dieseldoc
Member
What are you using to assemble, also are you cleaning out tube before assembly.
I switched to using gorilla (urethane) glue for gluing in tubes. I believe that the "sponginess" (for lack of a better word) allows for the brass to expand slightly without causing the blank crack. Also I ream and sand the brass prior to assembly - residual glue can cause cracking. You can take this a step further and get to a slip fit with the components (either by sanding or expanding the brass slightly with a steel rod) then use blue thread lock when assembling. Lastly, I assemble on the lathe, which gives me good control. Make sure the ends of the barrel are sanded flush and square before assembly. Also, you can insert one bushing when assembling so that the force is evenly distributed on the end that is not receiving the first component. Just my 2 cents.
@Rotor13
What kit are you working with ?
It always helps to "ream out" the brass tube ends into which you are pressing the components. ie. slightly enlarge the ends into which you press things.
You can do this with sandpaper wrapped around a wood dowel.
If you overdo that operation, you may have to glue in your components or use Loctite, but that is no harm.
Measures like these are a bit more work but well worth it to avoid cracking the pen barrels.
This cracking problem is most common for small diameter pens such as the slimlines.
What kit are you working with ?
It always helps to "ream out" the brass tube ends into which you are pressing the components. ie. slightly enlarge the ends into which you press things.
You can do this with sandpaper wrapped around a wood dowel.
If you overdo that operation, you may have to glue in your components or use Loctite, but that is no harm.
Measures like these are a bit more work but well worth it to avoid cracking the pen barrels.
This cracking problem is most common for small diameter pens such as the slimlines.
Thanks for the advice. Really have enjoyed this so far.
C clamp and lathe. Never thought of cleaning the tube. I will try that.
All of the above + sometimes the blank material can't withstand the slight expansion of the brass tube as the components are being fitted (especially at the ends where the material is thinnest).
I have/had many of the assembly tools. I like these the best as far as control: https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/16/2798/artisan-Pen-Ultimate-Assembly-Tool
I have/had many of the assembly tools. I like these the best as far as control: https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/16/2798/artisan-Pen-Ultimate-Assembly-Tool
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
In addition to all the suggestions above, if you don't want to go to a dedicated pen assembly press, but have a drill press, consider a few easy to make attachments. These will aide to keep things aligned, and cost pennies. I've used them for 8 years now.
Attachments
walshjp17
Member
I use a rat-tail file to clean out the tubes before turning and inserting the bushings. I then use a reamer to slightly soften the ends (add an interier chamfer, so to speak) prior to assembly.