Hello all, my first post! These are made from repurposed 12mm rebar, on a TM Zeta blank. Our local engineering shop drills a 9mm hole through the centre, although I've done a few myself on the lathe, I found it more cost effective for them to do, as they do 50 at a time. I then shape the steel to the bushings using a grinder, sand and polish and apply a protection coat. My Dad works in the construction industry, so I'm lucky that he has a constant supply of customers who buy these as site momento's, gifts for clients and safety awards to workers. Happy to have any constructive feedback or suggestions for alternative pen kits with identical bushing sizes as the Zeta! Thanks, Eren.
Rebar pens
- Thread starter Eren2007
- Start date
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Paul in OKC
Member
Very cool idea, and a great looking pen!
JohnU
Member
I've never drilled any myself but I have gifted a few rebar pens to those in the cement business with great reception. I like the contrast you got by grinding the high spots. I bet they are a favorite amongst their new owners.
jttheclockman
Member
Nice idea and great presentation. Works well.
wimkluck
Member
Your pens looks great.
thewishman
Member
Those look sharp!
leehljp
Member Liaison
I have been wanting to make some for years. This is the push to get it done. Very Nice looking!
InkyMike
Member
Those look great! How long does it take to grind those down to size?
Michael
Michael
Fine Engineer
Member
Brilliant execution Eren! Those are just outstanding. So cool that these are met with such enthusiasm too. One advantage over the wood pens is that you don't have any of the finishing issues that we have with the wood.
sorcerertd
Member
Those are beautiful pens! I had not heard of the Zeta. It looks like one of the many variations of the Sierra style, but that's the first kit I've seen that uses a 9mm tube. If you can get them to 27/64, you would have a ton of options, but that's a pretty big increase (+ 1.7 mm).
PenPal
Member
I have pioneered Reebar pens,picked up in the USA by Exotic Blanks. Like the use of this kit ,makes for a rapid making shortish reebar. Wise man getting them predrilled. I am currently using 9mm tubing for another purpose drilled out 21/64.With my reebar I sleeved them 7mm and used slim biro refills and Slimline brasses,clips,tips . Very economic,certainly the pens are famous with steelies and construction people. Also your steel has a different shaping than available over here.Beware some steel is hardened for long runs.Sleeving with brass enableswinding mechs and ease of replacing refills.Congratulations on your seeing eye and ability to market love the pens.
gimpy
Member
Very interesting
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for your comment, I used to use a carbide tool which took about 5-10min. But now I use a grinding disc on a grinder, and have the lathe turning on slow speed and it takes literally 30 seconds. The diameter of the rebar is very close to the bushing sizes, so it takes very little effort to get it down to bushing diameter. It then takes a further 2min sanding it with 600grit paper, and another 2-3min polishing it with steelwool. I then apply 3 layers of melamine finishing to seal it. I have some pens that are 3 years old, and they look no different than they did on day 1, so the melamine seems to be doing a good job. It also has an effect of darkening inbetween the ribs, which adds to the contracts effect against the silver ribs.
Hi, the TM Zeta is a high quality pen kit, that is sold by a UK company called Taylor's Mirfield. It really feels solid in the hand with smooth mechanism, and although slightly more pricey (£7-9 each), it certainly compliments this pen very well.
BULLWINKLE
Member
absolutely awesome work. Beautiful pens.
montmill
Member
Brilliant, that would make a interesting video. Sure would be fun to watch.
InkyMike
Member
Ah - gotcha - combination of lathe and grinder simultaneously - brilliant. Very cool looking pens.
Michael
Hi, I made a short video when I was still using a carbide tool, not going to win any awards, but here it is! :
KMCloonan
Member
Brilliant! Well done. Thanks for the video - Very helpful.
jttheclockman
Member
You will never have to worry about that blank cracking on you. 
Just be very careful with the dust from grinding and sanding that iron. Not good for the lungs. Wear a mask in addition to the vac system
Just be very careful with the dust from grinding and sanding that iron. Not good for the lungs. Wear a mask in addition to the vac systemThanks, waiting for my new Trend Airshield Pro to arrive, had enough of my glasses steaming up when wearing a normal maskYou will never have to worry about that blank cracking on you.