These were two I tore apart to keep for my own use. As I've stated here before last, I won't sell these pens because of that dratted refill extender. Even if I did sell these, these two wouldn't make the cut. The first one, the end caps are not even close to being the same size. The checker pattern at the top shows a thin slice at the top. The Purple Heart one , I turned down to the size of the pen components, but because of the knurl., it feels overturned, to my hand. I'll probably tear these apart again in the near future. Ya can't win them all. Still don't know how I missed the uneven end caps until I was applying the finish.
2 Swings, 2 Misses
- Thread starter KenB259
- Start date
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leehljp
Member Liaison
I have done things like that before - different size of the top vs the bottom. It was not on the first two or three of a similar build - because I was very attentive to the top and bottom being the same size. It was the 4th or 5th when I just kinda assumed that I had it down pat, and it wouldn't be an issue due to my experience! 
This is where the written check list comes in handy, and I am generally not a "check list" guy (except when LOML sends me a grocery list!)
Something else shows up to me on the pen on the right - that is not always immediately evident to most: the purple colors in the stripes seem a tad darker than the solid body of purple heart.
ON the left pen, the red is red! But on the right, the purple in the middle seem a mi'nute shade difference from the purple in the stripes. It is probably the picture itself on my screen. However, with stripes, the white stripes make the purple stripes look a shade different from the main body. It is an optical illusion of my screen. But Adjoining colors do that to one another in a few situations but not in others.
This is where the written check list comes in handy, and I am generally not a "check list" guy (except when LOML sends me a grocery list!)Something else shows up to me on the pen on the right - that is not always immediately evident to most: the purple colors in the stripes seem a tad darker than the solid body of purple heart.
ON the left pen, the red is red! But on the right, the purple in the middle seem a mi'nute shade difference from the purple in the stripes. It is probably the picture itself on my screen. However, with stripes, the white stripes make the purple stripes look a shade different from the main body. It is an optical illusion of my screen. But Adjoining colors do that to one another in a few situations but not in others.
@KenB259
Ken, I have been making glue on extender pieces out of 5/32" brass rod (or maybe 3/16 rod), machined to the right length with a recess for the metal push rod to go into. . This is not much extra work and overcomes the problem with that dratted plastic refill extender.
I could send you a couple of these for you to try out if you wish. . But they are not much trouble to make and get to the right length.
Ken, I have been making glue on extender pieces out of 5/32" brass rod (or maybe 3/16 rod), machined to the right length with a recess for the metal push rod to go into. . This is not much extra work and overcomes the problem with that dratted plastic refill extender.
I could send you a couple of these for you to try out if you wish. . But they are not much trouble to make and get to the right length.
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Bats
Member
On my most recent snafu the ends weren't supposed to be the same size (it would've saved so much trouble if they were), they were supposed to be different. And I made them different sizes. I even made them the right sizes, down to a less than a thou.... only to put the pen together and discover I'd made the wrong ends the right sizes. It was some really pretty wood, too, with a pronounced band of sapwood that made it all the more obvious. *sigh*
I did have a similar experience with the matching Duraclick EDC pencils feeling "over-turned" when you take it down to match the hardware, though. It seemed to work better when I only turned it to match the knurls in front (which seems wrong to me, but looks right) and/or do an abrupt roundover like your left pen.
Also: I wish my successes were half as nice as your rejects.
I did have a similar experience with the matching Duraclick EDC pencils feeling "over-turned" when you take it down to match the hardware, though. It seemed to work better when I only turned it to match the knurls in front (which seems wrong to me, but looks right) and/or do an abrupt roundover like your left pen.
Also: I wish my successes were half as nice as your rejects.
Darrin
Member
I absolutely admire this.
We are our own worst critics.
We are our own worst critics.
In person , I don't detect a color difference of the Purple Heart, might just be the picture. Goes to show, doesn't matter how much experience you have, simple, little things can still bite you in the butt.I have done things like that before - different size of the top vs the bottom. It was not on the first two or three of a similar build - because I was very attentive to the top and bottom being the same size. It was the 4th or 5th when I just kinda assumed that I had it down pat, and it wouldn't be an issue due to my experience!
Something else shows up to me on the pen on the right - that is not always immediately evident to most: the purple colors in the stripes seem a tad darker than the solid body of purple heart.
ON the left pen, the red is red! But on the right, the purple in the middle seem a mi'nute shade difference from the purple in the stripes. It is probably the picture itself on my screen. However, with stripes, the white stripes make the purple stripes look a shade different from the main body. It is an optical illusion of my screen. But Adjoining colors do that to one another in a few situations but not in others.
Mal ,I've played around with adding a permanent extender in there, but it just grinds me, the way they designed these.
I think these feel best when you turn down to the Knurl diameter on the nib end and to the clip diameter on that end.
howsitwork
Member
your side kick in the photo doesn't look like she would bite though…
Hows pup coming along Ken?
Hows pup coming along Ken?
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
I see the issues you have mentioned, and I agree with each. BUT, I really appreciate the precision you have with the checkerboard - not an easy segment. And yes, the overall left blank if shifted just a bit may have been an equal placement - it is shy on bottom, extra on top to my eyes. If the checkerboard was even, the unequal end caps wouldn't bother me - actually a more uneven dimension would be fine. I feel for me... If I try to get close, I better get VERY close. If not, then a really visually different dimension is preferable. Like paint stains, if I can get exact - OK. Close is not good. Contrasting is better than close.
For the pen on the right. I look for an element in the middle section... Not sure what. Maybe one of your excellent knots? I suck at knots, so will not advise, but it looks forlorn and lonely to me. Overturned? Possibly, but as you said that is a 'feel' vs a 'look.' It looks excellent to me as is. Maybe just a few more coats of finish?
Darn, but you are a perfectionist! Carry on. (I really admire the checkerboard).
For the pen on the right. I look for an element in the middle section... Not sure what. Maybe one of your excellent knots? I suck at knots, so will not advise, but it looks forlorn and lonely to me. Overturned? Possibly, but as you said that is a 'feel' vs a 'look.' It looks excellent to me as is. Maybe just a few more coats of finish?
Darn, but you are a perfectionist! Carry on. (I really admire the checkerboard).
I agree with "most" of your points. The Purple Heart pen definitely needs a middle "something". The finish on it is actually pretty good, just didn't photograph well. I appreciate your well thought out critiques. They are very helpful. I thank you.
Zoey is doing great. Took for a long Jeep ride with the top off and she loved it.
Doublemeat
Member
Where would somebody find this written checklist that you mentioned. I have a friend that wants one. Lol.I have done things like that before - different size of the top vs the bottom. It was not on the first two or three of a similar build - because I was very attentive to the top and bottom being the same size. It was the 4th or 5th when I just kinda assumed that I had it down pat, and it wouldn't be an issue due to my experience!
Something else shows up to me on the pen on the right - that is not always immediately evident to most: the purple colors in the stripes seem a tad darker than the solid body of purple heart.
ON the left pen, the red is red! But on the right, the purple in the middle seem a mi'nute shade difference from the purple in the stripes. It is probably the picture itself on my screen. However, with stripes, the white stripes make the purple stripes look a shade different from the main body. It is an optical illusion of my screen. But Adjoining colors do that to one another in a few situations but not in others.
leehljp
Member Liaison
For your Friend:
1. Figure out what is the most important sizing - in this case, the top and bottom segments MUST be equal.
. . . therefore, any adjustments to fit the tube must be in the main body; OR precisely equal downsizing on the length of the top and bottom segments.
2. Does the main body have a design or segment in it? We will get to that later. The most Important item(s) is the top and bottom being equal length!!!!
3. add the spacer between the both the top and bottom and the middle section. Slide these onto the tubes.
4. Does it fit? Probably not. Probably too long.
5. Take the extra length off of the middle section . . . BUT . . . MAKE sure any segmented design in the middle section is where you want it to be - not too high or too low.
6. IF the combined end segments and middle segment happens to be a tad too short, increasing the ring thickness between the main body and the end segments will work. It is OK if the total length of everything is 1/64" or .01" too long for the tube.
7. Add everything in the proper sequence on the tube. Dry run. Is everything in order, within tolerances of 1/64 or .01" ?
8. Use 30 minute epoxy. Glue up in sequence
9. Clamp snugly, which often takes the .01" variance out.
I INTENTIONALLY DOUBLE SPACE so that I don't skip a step in speed reading!
That is my list for segments similar to Kens.
leehljp
Member Liaison
For those who wish to try segments, get started. Don't be afraid to make a few mistakes. Many complex and even semi complex segments often require a specific sequence to be most effective, but the learning process and its benefits that are mostly derived through trial and error. (A few gifted people are able to "see" the processes mentally before starting, but that is rare.)
Below is a link to one of Cody's earlier wooden teapots. It was done by changing the axis several times for different turn cuts; i.e. It requires certain turns to be made before other turns, or it won't work out. Sequences requires thinking ahead. And it requires taking chances and learning from trials and errors, and passing those "insights" on to others.
Segments can be more simple than that but they still require sequencing in a specific order to work the best.
Below is a link to one of Cody's earlier wooden teapots. It was done by changing the axis several times for different turn cuts; i.e. It requires certain turns to be made before other turns, or it won't work out. Sequences requires thinking ahead. And it requires taking chances and learning from trials and errors, and passing those "insights" on to others.
Segments can be more simple than that but they still require sequencing in a specific order to work the best.Another Teapot
Multi axes teapot, holly. This is my second teapot and my first time working with holly and turning and bending handles. The lower body of the teapot is a single piece and was made by a combination of turning on multi-axes and carving. I did not bleach the holly and the natural finish gives the...
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