Quick Bolt Action Question

[mecompco]

Getting ready to have a go at a my first bolt action. My question is how touchy are these as to tube length? Would a 16th more or less on the short side be a problem? Thanks!

Regards,
Michael

 

[KenV]

How sensitive are you to the appearance of an additional protrusion of the refill tip?

 

[csr67]

How sensitive are you to the appearance of an additional protrusion of the refill tip?

Exactly right... I've made/sold over 100 bolt actions, by far my best seller. You need to get good at making the tube length exact or you'll deal with the pen tip protruding too much or too little. It's probably the easiest of any pen to (next to a Sierra ) make, just take your time.

 

[Edgar]

If the blank is only 1/32" or so too short, the extra protrusion of the refill might not be a problem. As noted by others though, 1/16" or more would definitely be noticeable & might not be desirable by the user. If you do run into that problem, you can shorten the refill slightly by trimming off a little bit of the plastic top. That's not a problem if you are making the pen for yourself, but might not be a good idea if you are planning to sell it.

 

[mecompco]

Thanks, guys. I cut a nice piece of antler and got it round, ended up being just a tad short. Probably closer to the 32nd than the 16th. I know some pens have a little lee way, but some don't. Will find something else to do with that piece of antler.

Regards,
Michael

 

[2 Saw]

Use it to make a mini bolt action.

 

[WriteON]

After you find the appropriate length make note of that measurement. That'll be your standard. Buy a micrometer. Bolts are the coolest pens. Have fun.

.....be sure the refill retracts enough. If it's close to the end ink can get on the surface of what is close to.(shirt pocket)

 

[magpens]

Can you glue a thin accent washer on each end of the antler blank to make up the length? Aluminum, brass, black plastic, credit card?

 

[mecompco]

Thanks again! Mal, great idea--I think I've got some black spacer material kicking around somewhere (made for placing between knife scales and blade) which would be a nice contrast with the moose antler.

Regards,
Michael