My First Apollo - Great Learning Experience

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KMCloonan

KMCloonan

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Jun 13, 2017
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Round Lake, Illinois
I just finished my first Apollo Closed-end pen. I learned a ton.
  • I have never turned a pen where it is supported mostly on one end (with a live center point lightly supporting the other end).
  • I also got better using my parting tool, and shaping the end of the blanks.
  • I messed up the opening of the cap, even though Kate's instructions were pretty clear to not do that - So I ended up adding a thin segment and "accent ring" to recover from my mistake.
  • Lastly, my brain was not thinking things through. My brain said to me "You didn't use brass tubes, so there's no need to paint the inside of your blanks. WRONG. The resin I used was one that I cast in March, and it is mostly translucent. The result is that you can see the section/nib fitting, as well as the cap liner.
Even with these mistakes, I like the pen. I will keep it and use it at my desk. My next venture into the Apollo Kit will include using stepped drills from Rick Herrell (ordered yesterday), and a more opaque resin.

001.JPG 002.JPG 004.JPG 007.JPG
 
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Just seeing this and I love it! The trim piece looks great - I've made that mistake plenty and honestly I love the look of the extent in the center

I have Rick's step bits and highly recommend them. I use them on every one of these I make now
 
KateHarrow said:
Just seeing this and I love it! The trim piece looks great - I've made that mistake plenty and honestly I love the look of the extent in the center

I have Rick's step bits and highly recommend them. I use them on every one of these I make now
Click to expand...
I also bought Rick's Stepped bits. I'll give them a test run shortly.
 
Kevin,

If your drilling method has no runout, there is enough dimensional difference between rev 1 & rev 2 Apollo kits where the cap insert may not fit when using the step drill unless you waller out the hole a bit, or chase the stepped hole which will defeat the purpose of the stepped drill.

I just realized that today with my first Rev2 Apollo. Rev 1 fits. Rev2 will not. Haven't gotten to the body yet.
 
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rixstix said:
Kevin,

If your drilling method has no runout, there is enough dimensional difference between rev 1 & rev 2 Apollo kits where the cap insert may not fit when using the step drill unless you waller out the hole a bit, or chase the stepped hole which will defeat the purpose of the stepped drill.

I just realized that today with my first Rev2 Apollo. Rev 1 fits. Rev2 will not. Haven't gotten to the body yet.
Click to expand...
Thanks Rick.

Rick Herrell explained the slight difference between Rev 1 and Rev 2, and he added new engraved sight lines on the stepped bits for Rev 2. Hopefully that will take care of the issue you describe. I plan to try another Apollo this week.
 
Kevin, have you ordered the stepped drill yet?

You can have mine for the cost of 1st class padded envelope. I have only used each bit one time on an Alumilite blank and have zero intention of ever using it again. I will use individual bits. I dont have the patience to drill 1/32", wet rag cool 20 seconds, repeat and the Rev 2 diameters have changed just enough that the cap drill requires me to chase with larger bits.
 
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