Twist Pen Issues

[Tom Hutton]

I've made probably 40 pens. The only ones I've had problems with are twist pens. Numerous times the twist portion separates from the center ring and it doesn't feel firm. It's to the point that I am reluctant to make them as gifts. Other types work fine. I'm careful with squaring the blanks, gluing and turning. After sanding I can't feel any proud portion of the blank. Do others have this issue with twists or is it me. Any suggestions?

 

[jttheclockman]

Tom welcome to the site. Glad you found us. To your situation. You know you are talking about 50% of pens we all make. Can you either shows us some photos of what the problem is or at least give us better details as to what it is you are having issues with and name some of the kits so we can address better. Each kit may have its own problems that have been discussed before. help us to help you.

 

[wouldentu2?]

We love fixing other peoples problems but we need more info especially photos.

 

[Tom Hutton]

Thanks. This is a PSI American Patriot pen. Hopefully you can see the gap between the center ring and the upper blank. this is with the nib fully extended. I've tried a couple of these and this is the type of issue I encounter. A couple of the PSI football pens had similar issues Haven't had the problem with several fly fishing pens which only have a single blank.

 

[KenB259]

Thanks. This is a PSI American Patriot pen. Hopefully you can see the gap between the center ring and the upper blank. this is with the nib fully extended. I've tried a couple of these and this is the type of issue I encounter. A couple of the PSI football pens had similar issues Haven't had the problem with several fly fishing pens which only have a single blank.View attachment 381059

Just looks like it's not pressed in all the way.

 

[jttheclockman]

A couple things come to mind. One is as Ken mentioned are you sure they are pressed in enough? Second is, could it be you took too much off the blank when you sanded the ends of the blank? Third have you checked the length of the tubes? did you use the right tube for the cap? If you have other kits of the same type are all the tubes of same measurement. Some of these kits especially these themed kits the tubes get mixed up. Sometimes they all use the same tubes but there are times when not. So that is a starting point.

I watched that video of that pen being made on the PSI site and I saw the person have a hard time pushing the cap onto the tranny and he really had to push hard so I believe you did not push hard enough. One thing that signals to me though, it is prone to crack the blank on the cap so be aware of this and take precautionary steps like filing the inner tube a little and using a flexible glue to glue tube in blank.

 

[Jans husband]

It looks to me that the upper blank is not square because the place where it is inserted into the centre band at the top of the photo is snug, whereas the lower part of the blank has a gap.
When I have seen that on a couple of my pens I have dismantled the upper blank from the centre band and I was able to square off the blank.
The best test to see if it is square is to stand the blank on the lathe bed-which is as flat and level as you could get- and eye up the blank from all angles to see if it is really perpendicular or leaning slightly.
Even the smallest problem can be viewed quite easily with the naked eye.
Or use a small set square.
Best of luck and welcome!!
Mike

 

[woodwzrd]

What are you using to square your blanks?

If you are using a barrel trimmer I have seen some that have a very small gap between the cutter and mandrel so when you square the blank it will cut the wood but leave a little brass protruding. If this happens, when you press everything together the leftover brass will prevent you from pressing everything together tight. Just one of the many reasons I no longer use a barrel trimmer.