Decal Pen Tutorial

Very nice write up and a very nice pen.

-- Grant...."GO BUCKEYES"

very good job. i think I’m ready to tackle a decaled pen when i get my lathe this summer. great job!

Very clever. Wish I had know about this when I was turning and selling a lot of pens. I’m wondering how the decals would work on larger projects, like box tops, etc. Ever try it? See lots of possibilities here. Good write up on the process – Thanks for sharing the information.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

Cajunpen,

Ive not done anything larger. I know that some of this stuff was developed for Pine Wood Derby cars. I think heat is important in getting the decal edges to disappear, which happens during the sanding process. They do make some kind of liquid topper that is suppose to “melt” the edges gone, but I dont really know how that works.

-- http://inhisgrip1.blogspot.com/

Teach Old Dog New Tricks

I am not a pen guy but the first thing I thought of when seeing this was using it to mark your cabinets.

Questions : 1. Can you explain a little more how the decal or logo is made? 2. Do you know of any professional modeler we could go to? 3. Do they make the logo or is this where you get the ink? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

The only thing I can think of to tell you is that they can be printed out of your computer using an inkjet printer. Using appropriate software. After you have it, it is much like your old fashion model decals you did as a kid, or your kids did, or your grand kids.

I’d have to check on the professionals.

-- http://inhisgrip1.blogspot.com/

This is a nice blog and the pen is gorgeous.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Thanks for the write up. Finishing has been my biggest disappointment in pen turning. Your description of your process may help me out.

That is awesome. Thank you for the post!

-- Hope Never fails

Like cajunpen, this excellent blog is a little late for me as I close out my pen making but I’ve kept the reference for theperson who takes it over. Great way for a personal signature applied to other works – I’m going to try it.

-- Phil in British Columbia

A great idea! Thanks for sharing. A great looking pen too!

-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com

Very Good Blog on the use of ink jet decals. And your end result turned out very nice.

I am not a turner, but I have been using decal paper for some of my models for a long time. The Testors product is one I have not tried but looks to be just fine. And you certainly have figured out the application part of the decals. ( I love the way you turners use cyano).

Just a note: For application to darker woods, decal paper is available in white as well as transparent. As ink jets don’t print white this can sometimes be used to your advantage.
For a clear coat to be used over the decal once it has been printed, I use clear spray Krylon from walmart. This seals the ink very nicely and is fairly flexible.
A good paper source can be found here at this address: http://www.beldecal.com/inkjet_decals.cfm

OR TRy this one: http://www.bare-metal.com/Experts-Choice-Decal-Film.html

Thanks for the blog, well done, and I love your pen.

-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/

Beautiful pen and write up. The decal looks great.

I hesitate to mention this, as it does involve a commercial endorsement, but since many people are not aware that the service is available I will overcome my squeamishness about it and just put it out there. I work for FedEx-Kinko’s as a sign and graphics specialist. FK has dedicated sign and banner centers in some (products and services vary by location) larger urban markets. One of the abilities is the ability to print on adhesive vinyl with water resistant foils, and to cut these out with a CNC driven router/cutter (it’s so fun to watch – I’ve been doing this part of my job for about two months and it’s a gas to fiddle with this machine). Prices start at 10 bucks per square foot for one color work, and 15 for multi-color output. Some set up fee maybe forthcoming if design work is needed but generally much can be done with your own PDF or vector based art work. They also make bumper stickers too, and there are volume discounts available as well.

I made up a set of labels for Dorje to try out, and will do some home solvent tests as soon as the weather warms.
Perhaps I will post on this as I know more about durability etc.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

Very impressive. Thanks for the nice written info.

-- Steinar, Norway - - Hegner SE

Nice blog good looking pen. I could use those decals on my shoes LEFT and RIGHT yeah that would be a big help LOL

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com