Whimsical Pens

Cute pens… Crazy man crazy… looks like they would be easy to write with…

Your class is paying off big time!

Thank you…

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

Gerry, I have struggled with drilling these types of pens. Would you be willing to elaborate or maybe point to a website where we could learn more about this laser process? I’m intrigued.

Nice designs and good job on the captured ring. I too would like to know more on the construction/drilling process. A pack of bics is a lot cheaper then the pen kits available.

-- In the end, when your life flashes before your eyes, will you like what you see?

These are really cool.

-- Mother Nature created it, I just assemble it. - It's not ability that we often lack, but the patience to use our ability

These look like they would feel as good as they look….........................

-- mike...............

Neat!! real nice!

-- Robert B. Sabina, Ohio.....

What size hole was drilled? I would like to try this if you don’t mind.

-- www.carvingandturningsbyrick.com, Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI

Drilling—You need two drill bits … a no. 23 bit (3 1/4” long), and a no. 24 (8” long). A no 23 bit measures 0.154, a no 24 measures 0.152

Locate the approximate center of your billet, and with the no. 23 bit, drill a hole about 2” deep. I use my pen blank drilling jig …

... on the drill press.

Clamp the billet to a vertical post (or overhead beam) with the hole you just drilled pointing down to help with chip ejection. With the no. 24 bit in a hand-held drill, drill a hole about 6” deep.

Centering Jig—All you need is two blocks of wood (2”x2”x2” will do), a piece of 1×2 about 24” long, a piece of welding rod about 8” long, and a laser cat toy … you can buy them at Walgreens, Petco, etc. for under $5. Make sure you remove the flux from the welding rod.

Measure the diameter of the laser toy (mine was 1/2”), and drill a hole trough one of the wooden blocks, and insert the laser. You may need to enlarge the hole a bit to get a snug fit.

Glue the block you just drilled to one end of the 1×2 with the laser pointing to the opposite end. Clamp the other block to the other end, and use the laser to locate a spot on the block. Drill a hole and epoxy the welding rod into place. The laser should hit the end of the welding rod.

Clamp the jig to a vertical support, drop the billet onto the welding rod, and turn on the laser. The laser should hit the un-drilled end of the billet in line with the end of the bit. Mark that spot, and use it to put the piece between centers.

Billet Size—I have found that 7” is about right … just make sure you know where the end of the drill bit is. Nothing will ruin you day like turning a beautiful pen then blowing through the hole you drilled for the bit when you are parting off the end.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

Thanks Gerry

-- www.carvingandturningsbyrick.com, Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI

My method: After you drill the 6” hole, take the blank out of the vise – STILL ON THE DRILL. Hold the drill on the bench and spinn it. touch a pencil to thhe blank at the end opposite the drill. The resulting circle defines your center. Simple and effective.

-- Bruce from Central New York...now, if you'll pardon me, I have some sawdust to make.

Thanks Jerry for the tips, really appreciate it. I’m definitely going to give it a try.

This is a question directed to those that have made the stick pens with the Bic. What has been your experience concerning the vent hole that is in the side of the plastic Bic pen? Is that something that needs to be replicated into our wood versions? Just curious…

I don’t bother with it … a guy I know who has been turning these for 20+ years says it is a waste of time.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"