jttheclockman
Member
Disappointment happened today. I have a unique pen blank I am working on and there are elements in it I never tried before so anxious to get done. But I made the cap end for a second time not long ago after the first one I messed up trying to get plugs out tube. I might as well explain this one in that it may save someone some problems also. I am using Liquid Diamonds epoxy resin if that means anything to anyone. I got the top plug out easily but the bottom plug was a bear. I have done this many times before and no problems but I cleaned the plug so no resin was holding it back. I went to push the plug out from top of blank using a large transfer punch as I have done numerous times. But this plug just did not give up and I pushed even harder and then it popped out. The disappoint thing and what ruined the blank was as I pushed the plug I must have expanded the tube inside and when it did come out the tube relaxed and the resin separated from the wrap that was around the tube. Needless to say a few choice words appeared. Never did get to turn it down and wish I had because it may have revealed my next problem. So I make a whole new blank and all looks great. Go to turn it down today and I hit a component that was adhered to blank. Now I always take the time to set the tubes in a blank after I build it and run a straightedge all around the tube looking for any high spots that are higher than bushing. I did not see any at the time. But somehow I must have missed one and sure enough that was end of that blank. So I am in process of building blank #3 for this pen and sticking with the majestic full size because the lower blank took alot of time to build. I am hoping nothing goes wrong with that one. I may spin that down before I waste time building this third cap try. If that fails then all plans are off and I move on. My point here is just because the majestic is a huge kit there is little room for clear casting on with out making huge bulges and stay away from ends. Lesson learned. I believe the JR has more meat to do things. OK my rant is over.