Parker (Flat Top) Pen

it is So beautiful. ... I’m so impressed with handmade pens!!!

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Jon, the pen looks good – all it takes is practice, you will eventually make that perfect pen. I’ve turned probably 2,000-3,000 of them over the years. I actually started my pen business making and selling pens. You should try some of the acrylic materials available, you can also use antler (reindeer antler is spectacular), aluminum and I’ve even got my hands on some pre-banned Ivory and turned a few pens. One good source for pen kits and turning material is Berea Hardwood. They are the guys that import most of the pen kits into the U.S. and distribute to the Woodcrafts, etc. (at least that was the case a few years ago – might have changed by now).

If you sand down to about 1200 grit you can get some incredible finishes on your pens. I used a French Polish and then went to a Beall Buffing System. Good luck and keep turning.

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

Nice pen Jon, do you turn other things? Jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

very nice pen… too bad it isn’t easier to identify some of those grab bags of wood. Have a grab bag of blanks to turn into a bunch of eurostyle and cigar pens myself. I have one that came mislabeled, and has been boiled down to one of three different species. I’d imagine it would be easier to sell the pens if we knew what the woods were, so perhaps that’s one I’ll be keeping. Thanks for that advice Bill.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Great looking pen.

I enjoy making them. havent made any in a couple of years but my wife still uses my stash for teacher gifts etc.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

You guys probably already know this, buy Lee Valley sells a wood identifier kit. Supposed to be pretty good, from what I’ve seen. That might help.

Jon, the pen looks excellent!

If you can get a hold of some of it, Corian (which is the stuff they make solid countertops from) has a meterial that looks just like rose granite. It would make a great looking pen as well and the stuff turns very nicely.

-- surplusdealdude

Nice pen. I’ve threatened to dabble in pen turning, but it’s down the list of the zillion things that I’ve threatened to dabble in. I still have a hollow form sitting on the lathe that I never seem to be able to finish.

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Great looking pen.

-- Jesus is Lord!

Nice pen Jon.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov