Zen Pen

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jttheclockman

jttheclockman

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I have been looking for a pen kit that has a long barrel for what I would like to do. I have noticed alot of people use the Zen. Now from what I am understanding this kit uses a magnetic cap. Is that correct and is there any issues with that kit that is noteworthy??? Is CSUSA the only place to get them and are they running any kind of sales right now that anyone knows of??? Is there any other long barrel kits that are decent looking and not a click??? Want a rollerball and I do not like clicks. Is the cap all one piece or does the top portion come off in any way??? Thanks in advance.
 
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The cap of the Zen is all one piece and it is held securely in place by the magnet within the cap. It is a nicely finished component set and I particularly like the black titanium finish. Straightforward to make and assemble. Both ends of the blank have the same diameter. I like a nice straight body on this one. I find it more difficult to get a uniform straight body than having a subtle convex curve on the body.
 
Exotics and I beleive CSUSA are the only place to purchase the Zen Rollerball. They can be purchased for up to a 38% discount if a Group Buy with CSUSA is set up.(Hint, Hint)
I buy these all the time and have never found a problem with them.
Lau Lau carries the Stretch which is similar but have a screw on cap.Timberbits
also has a similar one called Dayacom Rollerball.
 
well, its impossible to do a search on the zen here as the word is too short. But I seem to recall someone modifying a zen and having to make a spacer for the cap.

The top knocked off.

It was either the Zen or the Stretch from LauLau which has a screw off cap and is based on the Jr. Gent II line (same bushings as the lower tube, but a bit longer), and was available as both a roller or fountain.
 
Absolutely love the zen. It's by far my favorite rollerball kit. I've made dozens of them and never had an issue.

Afaik CSUSA and exotics are the only places I know to get them.
 
I see Timberbits is a screw cap as csusa is the magnet. Where is the magnets located on the cap??? Are they in the lower half or the upper?? I am looking to modify the cap somewhat. Not sure if I like that faceted cap. Maybe if i seen one up close I would have different thoughts.
 
jttheclockman said:
I see Timberbits is a screw cap as csusa is the magnet. Where is the magnets located on the cap??? Are they in the lower half or the upper?? I am looking to modify the cap somewhat. Not sure if I like that faceted cap. Maybe if i seen one up close I would have different thoughts.
Click to expand...

The magnet is a ring, located right at the opening of the cap.
 
Here's my 2p worth :wink:

I like the novelty of the magnetic cap and I've never had a dud.
But I don't like the big step between the body and the nib though, I find it uncomfortable to hold for any length of time.
I've thought about trying to mod the cap too, but think I'd wreck it.

The screw cap version gives more finger space to hold on to. The threads and ridge on the nib allow better grip with less effort needed.
The blanks on both are the same length, but the screw cap one is longer overall due to the nib.

I don't like the top end posting threads. They seem to end abrubtly and feel a bit sharp sometimes. All my future ones will be screw caps but closed ended.

I hope you are planning to show a nice bit of segmentation John...:biggrin: It'll be about time too!!:tongue:

Here's a pic to compare the nib ends.
 

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skiprat said:
Here's my 2p worth :wink:

I like the novelty of the magnetic cap and I've never had a dud.
But I don't like the big step between the body and the nib though, I find it uncomfortable to hold for any length of time.
I've thought about trying to mod the cap too, but think I'd wreck it.

The screw cap version gives more finger space to hold on to. The threads and ridge on the nib allow better grip with less effort needed.
The blanks on both are the same length, but the screw cap one is longer overall due to the nib.

I don't like the top end posting threads. They seem to end abrubtly and feel a bit sharp sometimes. All my future ones will be screw caps but closed ended.

I hope you are planning to show a nice bit of segmentation John...:biggrin: It'll be about time too!!:tongue:

Here's a pic to compare the nib ends.
Click to expand...


OK Skip is that side by side comparisons of the 2 kits??? I see what you mean about abrupt end and it is exactly where the fingers go to use the pen. I am surprised you did not come up with a new nib:smile::smile: Now you got me thinking even more.

And yes I was looking for something longer for some segmentation work. It is tough to do some patterns I want to do on a 2 piece pen because of the gap. So many ideas running around in the mind. I don't know how you do it with all your creations:smile:
 
I love both the zen and the stretch. They use the same tube but the stretch has a slight taper at one end.

I've made dozens of both, but I have had two failures with the zen magnet coming out. You can epoxy it back and it's done, but it can come out of the bag loose. Even with that I make them all the time.
 
I like the Zen because there is no clip to get in the way.Lately I have been doing stamp pens,and this is like the pefect "canvas" to work on.

Sometimes I miss that pesky clip.........when I need it to hide that one flaw I always seems to get.....

I too like the black ti plating the best.


Steve
 
The Zen has been my #1 seller for about three years.

The only issue is that about 3% will have the magnet doughnut inside the cap will separate from the cap. It is an easy fix, if the client contacts you, with some epoxy or CA.

A similar model that has a screw cap instead of the magnet is the " Stretch" from laulau

Good luck
 
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