Pen Shaping: Wood/Nib Connection

[Wmcullen]

I'm not sure if these ideas are valuable or not; unique or common. But they work for me and I want to share in case it's interesting.​

23: Pen Shaping: Wood/Nib Connection
last post: 22- Coffee and Paprika Inlay

It's worth spending a moment to consider how you shape wood just above the pen's nib.
Every design decision we make is an opportunity for experimentation and, when we're really lucky, discovery.​

Characteristics to consider:
Does it look good?
Does it feel good?

Constants:

The nib's cone slopes at an angle that you should probably factor into your design decisions.
And the slimline pen kits I use all have a slight lip near the top.

Avoid Misaligned Wood Personally, I think the wood on these slimline kits should connect with the nib seamlessly. Otherwise, it may look like sloppy workmanship.

True Slim

Wood extrudes back from nib without curve.
- focuses viewer on exquisite wood and finish
- a fine test to ensure you can shape straight lines
- may help pen's usefulness if user needs it to fit into small spaces

Angle extension

Meets nib organically and increases the pen thickness gradually by mimicking and extending the nib slope.

Pronounced bevel

Adds a lip to break up predictable lines/shapes.
Q. How can you be sure not to hit the brass tubing while carving?
A. Shrug... feel it out. Use calipers if you're nervous. But don't be nervous. Accepting the idea that 5 or 10% of your pens won't work is creatively liberating.

Grip

I make this element with a skew or parting tool.

Cove

Adds visual interest.

Hard Angle

Creates an interesting feel and look

S-curve

Maximum thickness quickly.

Diamond headed

Interesting feel.

Groove

Cut with a skew or parting tool, this element can be repeated elsewhere on pen.

Summary
These are just some ideas from my sketchbook. The possibilities are endless.
Thanks for looking
- Cullen

 

[mark james]

Hi Cullen. For the six you posted, I really like from left to right, the first and third. The first is an easy mod, but really looks appealing to me. Thanks for the 'library of shapes,' a nice collection.