Bullseye Turning "Kitless Kit" Pen

I think Kate keeps trying to call this the Apollo but since there's already an Apollo I'm still lobbying hard for her to change the name... It originally went by the designation "180" but she's trying hard to find a catchy name for these.

Basically it's a kit that allows you to make a pen that looks like a kitless pen with just a pair of parts that glue in. I'd been working on designing something similar but since they beat me to it I figured I'd give it a shot.

For those that are interested you basically need a collet chuck, 5 different drill bits, and a live center. Decent little intro to full custom pen making without the need for taps/dies or metal lathe. Many of the same principles apply as far as turning the shape so for that reason it's a great intermediate step. I CAN make full custom pens but they take a lot more time so I love these for rapid prototyping ideas and seeing what they look like in a finished pen.

This one is in DiamondCast "Queen City Silver" and is made from a new resin we're testing. It's harder, stronger, and more UV resistant than Alumilite. Only real drawbacks are cost and a rather lengthy and somewhat complicated curing process. Thankfully we've got the equipment for that so you may be seeing more of this from us soon.

In any case... if you like the look, check out Bullseye Turning supply for their kits. Kate is awesome and I think this is a great little option to have in your pen kit arsenal. The rollerballs are $16.99 and this pen sold for $100 without me actually even listing it... gave a guy a deal... I was thinking more like $129...

Cool pen!


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Ordered this kit a few days ago to get my feet wet in kitless without spending too much at first. Definitely interested to see how it turn once it gets here.

I have three of them in my pile of next projects. They look like like they are well made. No provision for a clip though. Basically they are a pair of sleeves (Cap & Barrel) and a nib holder with a G2 refill. Good quality for the price.

McKenzie Penworks said:

I'd been working on designing something similar but since they beat me to it I figured I'd give it a shot.

Click to expand...

You still could. I get the concept, but the hardware still looks distinctly "kit-like," with the long skinny metal grip and large barrel step. Design one with flush cap threads and a chunkier more ergonomic grip, and you might have something that would be more appealing to serious users.

jalbert said:

You still could. I get the concept, but the hardware still looks distinctly "kit-like," with the long skinny metal grip and large barrel step. Design one with flush cap threads and a chunkier more ergonomic grip, and you might have something that would be more appealing to serious users.

Click to expand...

It's on the agenda... The to-do list grows daily I think. This is the skinnier version, they do have another one coming that's bigger. One of the other ones I turned I have the cap flush with the body but for this one I wanted the cap to be just a bit bigger. Playing with the profile basically.