Problem with Woodcraft Cigarillo

[qquake]

I just assembled my first Woodcraft Cigarillo pen, but the refill won't extend. In fact, it won't twist at all. This is the only kit I've ever seen where the twist mechanism is pressed onto the finial. I don't know if the issue is a design flaw, a defective twist mechanism, or something I did wrong. I emailed Woodcraft, but thought I'd see if anyone here has run into the same issue.

 

[magpens]

I don't know for sure .... having never made this exact pen kit .... but ....

It looks to me from your Pic #4 ( 107.jpg ) that there is a metal center coupler which is threaded on one end.
My reaction to seeing that piece suggests to me that the twist mech threads ONTO THAT COUPLER ..... metal-to-metal.

In addition to that, there may be a BLACK GUIDE STUB on the inside of the finial which connects to the top end of the twist mech.

I have made a different pen kit with a similar arrangement, but I can't remember which kit or when I made it.

Forgive me, please, if I am just stating the obvious which you already know.

 

[qquake]

Yes, the twist mechanism threads onto the coupler. But I noticed that with the twist mechanism from another kit, the refill doesn't fully retract.

 

[mgoetzke]

I'm new at this but have assembled 4 Legacy Cigar pens (TheWoodturningStore) and the directions are quite different even though it looks similar to the Woodcraft. My instructions have you press "E" into the lower blank after the tip is pressed on. Then put the spring on the refill and insert it into the lower part of the pen and then screw the twist mechanism onto the threads of part "E." Then after your done with the upper part you push it over the twist mechanism.

 

[qquake]

One odd thing about the kit is the instructions call for a very specific length for the tenon, 0.258". Most of the kits I've made that require a tenon (Flat Top American, European), require a more normal 3/16" or 1/4". I measured it with a caliper.

https://www.woodcraft.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMTIvMTgvMDcvNDgvMzYvOTYwLzE2MzgwNC43N0UyMC5DaWdzLnBkZiJdXQ/163804.77E20.Cigs.pdf?sha=b391550f8d38e385

 

[qquake]

I'm new at this but have assembled 4 Legacy Cigar pens (TheWoodturningStore) and the directions are quite different even though it looks similar to the Woodcraft. My instructions have you press "E" into the lower blank after the tip is pressed on. Then put the spring on the refill and insert it into the lower part of the pen and then screw the twist mechanism onto the threads of part "E." Then after your done with the upper part you push it over the twist mechanism.

That's how all the other two body pens are that I've made. This is the only kit I've made that calls for the twist mechanism to be pressed into something.

 

[qquake]

Cigar pens are pushed together by hand, not pressed.

 

[magpens]

I would be interested to know if the length of the tenon ( 0.258" ) exactly matches ....
the thickness of Decorative Ring (G) plus the thickness of Decorative Center Band (F)

The instructions give the impression that it should .... and .... that the 0.258" is critical. . Quoting the instructions .....

" As this next step is critical accuracy is a must.
Measure up .258" from the .495" diameter end of the Cap
Blank and make a reference mark. "

 

[qquake]

The center band and ring thickness measures 0.27"

 

[qquake]

I might have figured it out. If I made the tenon too short, that would make the center band stick out a little too far. That would cause the twist adapter on the lower body to bind against the center band. I have no idea how to fix it though. I might be able to drive the twist adapter and clip out with the correct size transfer punch. But I have absolutely no idea how to remove the center band.