Looking into taking the next step - kitless pens

[NGLJ]

I am sure that I am nowhere near the last who feels that just making "more" pens, however many variants that there are, is not that exciting. It isn't as if I don't have plenty of ideas or plans but I always relish a challenge. I have watched enough Utube videos to get an idea about what making kitless pens entails. I have a good selection of drill bits, and taps and dies. It would be helpful to know which sizes that I am most likely to need. Also, I am looking for a recommendation for a tailstock 2MT sliding die holder that works with the die sizes that I would need. I am not trying to make high end pens to sell. I am simply trying to satisfy my endless curiosity (a blessing and a curse ), and push myself to the limits of my ability in my remaining years. There are those who might say, "do you really know what you are getting into?", and they might be correct. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge until I master it, or until it masters me! All help is most gratefully received.

 

[KMCloonan]

I too am constantly looking for new challenges.

Check out some of the tutorials for kitless pens. All kinds of help to answer some of your questions.

Here's a link to get you started:

https://www.penturners.org/search/119150/?q=kitless&t=resource&o=relevance

 

[d_bondi]

Look up Rick Herrell's (@rherrell) Tool Catalog.

He has a very reasonable MT2 sliding ER32 Collet holder that you can use to hold die holders and taps.

He can also make you mandrels (cap, barrel and section) as well as step drills for the Nib Assemblies.

ALL of his stuff is top notch and he makes and ships very quickly!!

 

[Alan Morrison]

Beaufort Ink - An introduction to custom pen making

An introduction to custom pen making

www.beaufortink.co.uk

 

[egnald]

I was also going to suggest Rick Herrell. I recently bought one of his ER32 Collet based sliding tap and die holders. It is far superior to the one I had that used "drill chuck" style tap holders. - Dave

 

[NGLJ]

I too am constantly looking for new challenges.

Check out some of the tutorials for kitless pens. All kinds of help to answer some of your questions.

Here's a link to get you started:

https://www.penturners.org/search/119150/?q=kitless&t=resource&o=relevance

Thanks

 

[NGLJ]

Thanks to all for the great help! You have given me a lot to think about.

 

[NJturner]

Thanks to all for the great help! You have given me a lot to think about.

Same stage of life here. Just made my second crafted pen with moderate success.

I suggest watching two YouTube creators to give you a good head start. RJB Woodturners (Bob Blanford) has a video dedicated to what you will need to get started as well as a number of great videos on how to do it. Chad Schimmel of Turners Warehouse also has a series of videos on taking a crafted pen from the tooling to videos focusing on just the parts as you make it.

As for a sliding holder, I recommend Rick as well, or purchase a Niell's Niche holder from other sources. You will potentially need all three die holders as well as the tap holders for the slider. Lastly, purely luxury tool, but I love mine, is the Tenon Cutter from Heinze Pens. Is a great time saver and is super accurate for getting good threads.

Kevin

 

[hooked]

Do you have a particular size in mind? I can list the drills I use if you have a particular size in mind.

 

[Amihai]

I am sure that I am nowhere near the last who feels that just making "more" pens, however many variants that there are, is not that exciting. It isn't as if I don't have plenty of ideas or plans but I always relish a challenge. I have watched enough Utube videos to get an idea about what making kitless pens entails. I have a good selection of drill bits, and taps and dies. It would be helpful to know which sizes that I am most likely to need. Also, I am looking for a recommendation for a tailstock 2MT sliding die holder that works with the die sizes that I would need. I am not trying to make high end pens to sell. I am simply trying to satisfy my endless curiosity (a blessing and a curse ), and push myself to the limits of my ability in my remaining years. There are those who might say, "do you really know what you are getting into?", and they might be correct. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge until I master it, or until it masters me! All help is most gratefully received.

Tap and die selection will depend on the size of pens you wish to make. M15 will be for very large #8 size nibs. The more common options are M13 with M10 for #6 size nibs or M12 and M9 for #5 nibs. The tap size of the nib thread will depend on the nib itself.

 

[NGLJ]

Tap and die selection will depend on the size of pens you wish to make. M15 will be for very large #8 size nibs. The more common options are M13 with M10 for #6 size nibs or M12 and M9 for #5 nibs. The tap size of the nib thread will depend on the nib itself.

Still very much learning about what is needed. I don't have many specifics in mind right now. I think I will start with a rollerball for simplicity, and use it as basic practice with the taps and dies. Fountain pens are clearly more complex given the different nib options.

 

[d_bondi]

If you are just getting started and not sure if it is something you will really enjoy, I second Kevin's (@NJturner) recommendation to look up RJBWoodturner (Bob Blanford) on YouTube. He has a few great videos on "Bespoke on a Budget" where it uses minimal specialty tools and single start taps and die to keep cost down.

 

[Sugar Creek Pen Co.]

Look up Rick Herrell's (@rherrell) Tool Catalog.

He has a very reasonable MT2 sliding ER32 Collet holder that you can use to hold die holders and taps.

He can also make you mandrels (cap, barrel and section) as well as step drills for the Nib Assemblies.

ALL of his stuff is top notch and he makes and ships very quickly!!

I recently switched to Rick's sliding collet holder and couldnt be happier. I used a different brand before and just like the feel of this much better. No relation to Rick, just a very happy user of his tools.