THreaded vs. Tapered End Caps

[beck3906]

What is your opinion of threaded vs. smooth end caps? Which do your customers prefer?

Thanks

 

[rjwolfe3]

Are you referring to postable versus non postable, as in the cap thread onto the end of the pen?

 

[Steve Busey]

I prefer the threaded/postable kits. Otherwise, I'm apt to set the cap down somewhere and lose it. :frown:

 

[micharms]

I haven't as yet sold any of either style but I do find it a challenge to line up the grain on the postable end so the pen looks right when open.

Michael

 

[monophoto]

Speaking as a user of fountain pens and not necessarily as a turner - - -

I prefer a screw cap. I've had entirely too many unhappy experiences with the pen body coming out of the cap when it was in my pocket. And since I use fountain pens exclusively, each experience has cost me a shirt and a quantum of domestic grief.

I don't care whether the cap can be posted because I never post the cap.

 

[turbowagon]

I prefer the look of the non-postable. Smoother lines.

But then you're taking away a choice. It's a tradeoff.

 

[jskeen]

Actually, I try really hard to keep at least one of both on hand when turning a new pen. Plenty of times I've turned one and assembled it, and after looking at it, switched. Some pens just look better one way than the other. Now, that being said, I usually start turning with the idea of the nonpostable endcap in mind. That's my personal preference, just because they have smoother lines. But, sometimes if the curve isn't just right, it can look a little off, and switching to the straight lines of the postable cap renders it moot. But when I do nail that smooth transition from barrel to non posting cap, it is sweet!

That being said, I've had a couple of instances where a customer will say "I just love that pen, but you can't put the cap on the end when you're writing with it." Both times having a spare kit on hand with the correct transfer punch and a mallet made me a sale, after a quick trip to the car. (I just don't think that process is something the customer needs to see)

 

[Chasper]

I have a personal preference for big non-postable pens for my personal use.

However, my customers seem to prefer postable at about a 25:1 ratio.

 

[turbowagon]

Both times having a spare kit on hand with the correct transfer punch and a mallet made me a sale, after a quick trip to the car. (I just don't think that process is something the customer needs to see)

Or hear the inevitable swearing during the process.

 

[Tanner]

I prefer the non postable smoother look. Most pens look top heavy with the cap screwed on the end.

 

[jskeen]

Both times having a spare kit on hand with the correct transfer punch and a mallet made me a sale, after a quick trip to the car. (I just don't think that process is something the customer needs to see)

Or hear the inevitable swearing during the process.

I don't think I've ever had a big problem taking the butt cap end off. Now the centerband, I've had moments that would make a sailor blush over.

 

[mrcook4570]

My preference is neither. I prefer the look and feel of closed end pens. The metal end caps add more weight than I like. However, my customers prefer the threaded version so they can post the caps.

 

[Shannon]

I never made a non postable.... what should I start with?