After looking at some AMAZING pens on the site earlier today, i decided to try my first kitless.
It was a series of mistakes that led to the eventual failure of the project. But what a success it was.
I learned an incredible amount in trying to do this pen. From cutting the blank too short for a proper body thinking i could make the nib section out of the same blank, to realizing if you use a 1/4" drill bit to tap 1/4X20 threads, you have made a mistake. I actually got the body finished, threaded inside for the section, and outside for the cap. I test fit an ink cartridge and almost cried. the cartridge would not go in. I drilled the hole out one size bit up and tried to tap it again. The threaded section cracked.
I think i should have used a bit larger drill bit to re-tap the inside. Maybe put some tape on the outside threads to give it a bit more strength.
After i cracked the threaded section of the body, i pretty much gave up on this one and will start over. I did go ahead and drill and tap what would have been the lid just for fun. It fit like a dream and threads on and off nicely.
I am definately inspired by my failures today and look forward to success. I will apply what i have learned and progress closer to the goal. I will make a purely kitless pen, and it will be soon... very soon!
Anyway, I just wanted to share today's experiences. If anyone is thinking of trying a kitless, it is a puzzle that will challenge your skills. Oh what fun!!
It was a series of mistakes that led to the eventual failure of the project. But what a success it was.
I learned an incredible amount in trying to do this pen. From cutting the blank too short for a proper body thinking i could make the nib section out of the same blank, to realizing if you use a 1/4" drill bit to tap 1/4X20 threads, you have made a mistake. I actually got the body finished, threaded inside for the section, and outside for the cap. I test fit an ink cartridge and almost cried. the cartridge would not go in. I drilled the hole out one size bit up and tried to tap it again. The threaded section cracked.
I think i should have used a bit larger drill bit to re-tap the inside. Maybe put some tape on the outside threads to give it a bit more strength.
After i cracked the threaded section of the body, i pretty much gave up on this one and will start over. I did go ahead and drill and tap what would have been the lid just for fun. It fit like a dream and threads on and off nicely.
I am definately inspired by my failures today and look forward to success. I will apply what i have learned and progress closer to the goal. I will make a purely kitless pen, and it will be soon... very soon!
Anyway, I just wanted to share today's experiences. If anyone is thinking of trying a kitless, it is a puzzle that will challenge your skills. Oh what fun!!