Scrap SS Tubing ideas?

[dschem]

The company I work for sources a lot of type 316 stainless steel tubing, mainly in 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch, but occasionally 1/2 inch OD. We tend to have scrap that is just thrown away in various lengths. Does anyone have any good ideas on various ways that this could be used in pen making? I thought about using it to make the pens themselves, but just wondering if anyone has ideas and using it in other ways. Would love your thoughts!

 

[its_virgil]

Accent rings

 

[duncsuss]

Lining for the inside of kitless barrels. Normally I use ebonite or acrylic acetate, but stainless would not add as much wall thickness.

 

[dschem]

Lining for the inside of kitless barrels. Normally I use ebonite or acrylic acetate, but stainless would not add as much wall thickness.

I have thought of this, but the dimensions are just not quite right - maybe for the body. It would add some weight - which may be a pro or con, depending on the customer!

 

[duncsuss]

I have thought of this, but the dimensions are just not quite right - maybe for the body. It would add some weight - which may be a pro or con, depending on the customer!

Agreed - 1/2" is too tight for the caps I make, but I think 3/8" could work for the barrel (body) of the pen. I don't know the weight of a 3" length of stainless tube but I've used brass tubes in some pens and it's not been an issue.

 

[DaveH]

I recently carved the end of 1/2OD x 5/16ID stainless tubing to use as an insert driver. A similar threaded rod inside it all served to keep perfect alignment into the turned handle. I threaded the rod just past the insert depth to keep everything true.
It's not pen work, but maybe it will be helpful to someone.