Questions on first pen ??

[lago]

I am in the process of turning my first pen, a PSI Designer pen
http://http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMONT.html

I have the tenon cut for the center band and all looks good.

I will be doing my first shot at a CA finish but don't have accelerator on hand. How long do I need to wait between coats?

Also, should the center band be glued to the tenon? If so, what glue should I use.

Thanks

lago

 

[Russianwolf]

the time for CA to harden will vary depending on your humidity, temp etc. so you'll have to play with it to see whats working. Usually 5-10 minutes is all that's needed.

Haven't made a Euro in ages, so I'll let others comment on that.

 

[wright_714]

Wolf is spot on about the wait time. I have noticed my CA finishes are going much quicker with the humidity and temp up. As for the center band on the euros, I use a small drop of CA on the inside of the band and make sure to quickly wipe off any that squeezes out. I have ruined a few bands on my first few euros. Good luck.

 

[Mack C.]

Wolf is spot on about the wait time. I have noticed my CA finishes are going much quicker with the humidity and temp up. As for the center band on the euros, I use a small drop of CA on the inside of the band and make sure to quickly wipe off any that squeezes out. I have ruined a few bands on my first few euros. Good luck.

My choice would be a little (very little) 5 min. 2 part epoxy. If any squeezes out it is very easy to peel off after the 5 min. setting period, or some paint thinner, varsol etc. will wipe it off.

 

[LeeR]

Dittos on using epoxy on the band. Easy to clean up with a rag, and will not mar the band like an errant dribble of CA might do when the band is pressed home.

 

[ldb2000]

+1 for the 5 minute epoxy on the centerband , as the CA cures it out gasses and can ruin the plating on the CB . I usually wait about 5 to 10 minutes between coats if CA and overnight to assemble to give the CA time to FULLY cure . Even though the CA is dry and seems hard , it takes several hours to fully cure .

 

[medemt]

Lago,

The last time I did some designers from PSI, they were the new type that did not require you to cut the tenon. I know they had both so just as a note, and not to insult your intelligence, check that.

 

[Drstrangefart]

You could go a safer route on the finish and do a lot of coats of thin. 45 secomds between coats for me. Had bad luck with medium CA taking an hour to dry with no accelerator.

 

[lago]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I have already applied one coat of med. CA and will wait a bit longer before doing the rest.

medemt - The pen kits I picked out did require a tenon and I got the bushing to make it easier. I feel pretty good that I got it right the first time.

Thanks everyone.
Lago