thewishman
Member
If you are turning a chippy blank, or an expensive blank, or the worst of all - a chippy expensive blank - here's a strategy I developed over the years
Start with Sierra Vista/Wallstreet III bushings
If a chip occurs you can save the blank it by putting the chipped end at the top, there is room for a smaller diameter there where the barrel meets rounded pen part.
If chips are too deep for a Vista, switch to a regular Sierra. Same thing here - room for a smaller diameter at the clip end.
If the chip is a bit too deep for a Sierra, switch to an Elegant Sierra. The decorated band at the nib end can hide a slightly too small barrel diameter.
There are times when a blank cannot be saved by switching to a different kit.
But wait!!! There is still hope!!
If your blank is too expensive, or not replaceable, you can put it in a mold and re-cast the blank in resin - or you can send it to someone who can. Circuitboards, abalone, even watch part blanks can be saved.
Don't let the pucker factor of a high-dollar blank ruin your turning experience. Don't let frustration turn your $1500 Patek Philippe watch blank into a projectile. There is almost always a way to save your blank - clip positioning, oops bands, transitioning to a different kit, casting or re-casting.
Start with Sierra Vista/Wallstreet III bushings
If a chip occurs you can save the blank it by putting the chipped end at the top, there is room for a smaller diameter there where the barrel meets rounded pen part.
If chips are too deep for a Vista, switch to a regular Sierra. Same thing here - room for a smaller diameter at the clip end.
If the chip is a bit too deep for a Sierra, switch to an Elegant Sierra. The decorated band at the nib end can hide a slightly too small barrel diameter.
There are times when a blank cannot be saved by switching to a different kit.
But wait!!! There is still hope!!
If your blank is too expensive, or not replaceable, you can put it in a mold and re-cast the blank in resin - or you can send it to someone who can. Circuitboards, abalone, even watch part blanks can be saved.
Don't let the pucker factor of a high-dollar blank ruin your turning experience. Don't let frustration turn your $1500 Patek Philippe watch blank into a projectile. There is almost always a way to save your blank - clip positioning, oops bands, transitioning to a different kit, casting or re-casting.