Phoenix Electric Green
- Thread starter qquake
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qquake
Member
I have been using dry coarse sandpaper on my last few pens, for final shaping. It makes it easier to get the blank to the bushing diameter on the ends, which pleases the OCD side of me. It's also easier to form the final shape of the body. It does work better on more brittle blanks, like Woodshed and Rhino. I am a little worried, though, that this will make the bushings smaller. I don't turn all that many pens, and haven't noticed any problems yet. I will keep an eye on the bushings, and measure them periodically with a digital caliper. The first photo is after 120 grit, the second is after 240, and the third is after wet sanding with 320, 400, and 500. The last photo is after final polishing.
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Sappheiros
Member
Nice looking pen!
I understand the worry about bushings, but I think it would take many pens before the bushings go down noticeably. Like you said, keep measuring them. Maybe keep a pen turners log! That might be a good idea actually...
I understand the worry about bushings, but I think it would take many pens before the bushings go down noticeably. Like you said, keep measuring them. Maybe keep a pen turners log! That might be a good idea actually...
qquake
Member
A log really is a good idea. Unfortunately, in the past I've had a hard time keeping logs. One of my other hobbies is rocketry, and I know people who keep detailed logs of all their launches. Motor size, altitude, weather conditions, etc. I've tried keeping my own log, but utterly failed. I'm certain laziness is one of the reasons.
Sappheiros
Member
A verbal log could work out better for you maybe. A dictaphone might be what you need. If you think a new tool might be useful but are already thinking about how you won't use it, probably not the best idea to get it! A good rule of mine that seems to help me cut down on that unnecessary spending!
stuckinohio
Member
Looks nice, although you did make me chuckle when you said "I don't tall that many pens..."
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
I rarely do this, but I'll poke you and disagree (politely :tongue
. I have used the same technique also when necessary, and it will rapidly wear down the bushings (mine, maybe not yours). Quite possibly I abuse my bushings. 
BUT, using calipers very consistently to check the dimensions, and all is fine. Truth be told; most of my bushings are well under specs! I still use them with a mandrel saver, one blank at a time.
And I ignore the bushing dimensions for final cuts and measure the components and the blank repeatedly for the final dimensions.
I think we are actually in agreement - Use your calipers to measure the components and your blank for final cuts and sanding.
Have FUN!
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
Wow, model rocketry! In 1973-1976 I and and my brother and several friends would build rockets from Estes and Centuri all summer. Then launch them one week before school started in August in a 20 acre field. We would dig out the few we could track and find and rebuild.
In 1975 our family took a road trip to Colorado, Yellowstone and back home to Ohio. The first "event" was a stop at the Estes Factory in Colorado.
To this day my Mom (86) cannot understand why we stopped in Estes, CO... But when we got to the Teton Mts she was all good!
Ah, memories. Thanks for the memories!
qquake
Member
I would have loved to visit Estes back then! I started model rockets in 1972, when I saw an Estes ad in Boys Life magazine. I've launched them on and off ever since. As I get older, they keep getting bigger and more expensive. LOL
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OZturner
Member
Beautiful, Pen, Jim.
Glorious Blank.
I like the photographs you have taken to show the noticeable difference between the progressive grits, and techniques.
I support Mark, with his comments of the bushes.
I use my bushes Firstly, as a means of fitting the blank to the mandrel.
Secondly as an proximity indicator of the desired finished dimension,
Thirdly, to provide the necessary clamping pressure to rotate the blank.
Fourthly , so that I know initially, and progressively, how much material I have to remove.
When I am close to the Bush dimension I then use the calipers, and then sand to obtain the required finishing dimension, based on the kit's components, which may not necessarily be the dimension of the bush.
Regards,
Brian.
Glorious Blank.
I like the photographs you have taken to show the noticeable difference between the progressive grits, and techniques.
I support Mark, with his comments of the bushes.
I use my bushes Firstly, as a means of fitting the blank to the mandrel.
Secondly as an proximity indicator of the desired finished dimension,
Thirdly, to provide the necessary clamping pressure to rotate the blank.
Fourthly , so that I know initially, and progressively, how much material I have to remove.
When I am close to the Bush dimension I then use the calipers, and then sand to obtain the required finishing dimension, based on the kit's components, which may not necessarily be the dimension of the bush.
Regards,
Brian.
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Sappheiros
Member
I rarely do this, but I'll poke you and disagree (politely :tongue
BUT, using calipers very consistently to check the dimensions, and all is fine. Truth be told; most of my bushings are well under specs! I still use them with a mandrel saver, one blank at a time.
And I ignore the bushing dimensions for final cuts and measure the components and the blank repeatedly for the final dimensions.
I think we are actually in agreement - Use your calipers to measure the components and your blank for final cuts and sanding.
Have FUN!
Don't worry Mark, I quite enjoy polite disagreements! You're definitely right there, though. We really are in agreement: use calipers frequently to prevent disaster!
When sanding down the blanks, I've been much more cautious ever since my first pen when I ended up with minimal metal dust in the woodgrain!