Look for these bushings!

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
PenCasso

PenCasso

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2023
Messages
279
Location
Oklahoma
I have an order from a client for a Spider pen, but I've not been able to locate the bushings. Here's the pen kit and the bushings I'm needing. I tried to find the spreadsheet that has all the bushings and which bushings work with other kits and cant seem to find it on here. I downloaded the app and paid the fee and I found the info on the kit, but not what other bushings might work.

Thanks in advanced.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20250418_110632_Chrome.jpg
    Screenshot_20250418_110632_Chrome.jpg
    25.6 KB · Views: 39
  • Screenshot_20250418_110355_Chrome.jpg
    Screenshot_20250418_110355_Chrome.jpg
    82.2 KB · Views: 43
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
If you absolutely need bushings, check here: Axminster Tools . They have them listed in stock but not sure what shipping would be. You could double check with Exotic Blanks to see if they might have any. Another option is you could use any bushing that will fit the tube (probably the larger of the two lower tube bushings from a Jr. Series kit) that is smaller in hardware diameter that you need and using the calipers, turn to hardware size. You can also get some Delrin round stock and turn down to the sizes you need and make your own bushings. I've made many over the years. Hope something helps.
 
cozee said:
If you absolutely need bushings, check here: Axminster Tools . They have them listed in stock but not sure what shipping would be. You could double check with Exotic Blanks to see if they might have any. Another option is you could use any bushing that will fit the tube (probably the larger of the two lower tube bushings from a Jr. Series kit) that is smaller in hardware diameter that you need and using the calipers, turn to hardware size. You can also get some Delrin round stock and turn down to the sizes you need and make your own bushings. I've made many over the years. Hope something helps.
Click to expand...
I called Exotic and left a VM a few days ago and I'm still waiting for a return call. They said they were packing shipping orders, I hope their okay. 🫢
 
cozee said:
Still going to need some type of bushing as you cannot mount a tubed blank itself between centers.
Click to expand...
I'd have to disagree with you on that point. I do it occasionally and as long as you have sharp tools and a light touch they can be turned sans bushings. You'll need to turn the tailstock in as you go. In the end the brass will have a bit of a cone from the centre and the brass slipping but that aids in pressing the parts into the tube. Because the brass does slip some the cone will eventually get a bit of a groove worn into it but it takes a long time before they become unusable.
 
JohnU said:
I believe Exoticblanks has them…. They are listed under the pen info along with replacement ink and drill bits. There's no image for them, just a blue box with a ? In it. Here's a link….

Click to expand...
I've seen them there and I can't find the option to add them to the cart. I even added the kit and the bushings and the bushings didn't show up in the cart that way either. Thats why I called them, I might need to call them again and leave another VM.
 
Curly said:
I'd have to disagree with you on that point. I do it occasionally and as long as you have sharp tools and a light touch they can be turned sans bushings. You'll need to turn the tailstock in as you go. In the end the brass will have a bit of a cone from the centre and the brass slipping but that aids in pressing the parts into the tube. Because the brass does slip some the cone will eventually get a bit of a groove worn into it but it takes a long time before they become unusable.
Click to expand...
Big risk to take, especially when the brass flares as you mention. Not highly recommended.
 
Mortalis said:
I do this all the time. The ends of the tubes become swedged a bit but not enough that the hardware dont fit right.
Click to expand...
Definitely not the right way to do it. I am all for using calipers but flaring the ends of the tube and thus possibly cracking the blank is risky. Even a minor catch can bring an end to the whole thing.
 
PenCasso said:
I called Exotic and left a VM a few days ago and I'm still waiting for a return call. They said they were packing shipping orders, I hope their okay. 🫢
Click to expand...
They get real busy at times, and this week following the MPG is more than likely the busiest of those times. You might try calling again.

Edit: well, I spoke too soon, there ya go!
 
cozee said:
Definitely not the right way to do it. I am all for using calipers but flaring the ends of the tube and thus possibly cracking the blank is risky. Even a minor catch can bring an end to the whole thing.
Click to expand...
I guess it takes care and experience. I've never cracked a blank using that technique. Not saying bushings aren't safer just gets you in the ballgame.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom