pen making - specifically - "un making"

Scott, I have not tried to make pens. The only thing I can offer is that when I am in that space where things in the shop are not going right, I just have to walk away and go back to it later.

-- John

Hmmm. I had been thinking of buying one. I may have to rethink it. I was thinking of getting one from craft supplies usa=.

I did a web search and I did see one kit that said it was specifically for 10MM Cigar pens.

http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/Pen_Kit_Disassembly_Tools.htm

And some instructions about halfway down on this page specific for cigar pens

http://www.penmakingsupplies.com/Instruct/PK1123_10mmPenDisToolIns.php

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

Thanks John…. I’ve walked away (and am trying to cool down here) just wish I had faith that these pieces would just become “unstuck” before I return.

such a bummer that my test pen came out perfect (and looks ok), though the one with continuous grain on both halves just wouldn’t quite go together (which could have been fixed) but it won’t come apart now.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

aha, thanks Wayne… I think the chamfering tool, and information about, from arizona silhouette explains what has likely happened. I may give that tool a go and not worry about wasting any future kits. (I put down a pretty penny last time I went to Woodcraft) and would be loathe to loose another $15 kit.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

I have a simple champfering tool and use it when I am making something I care about. (not just turning for the heck of it).

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

Scott, you can take them apart – but every pen kit requires a little different approach. I used to turn some wood stock down to the exact diameter (a little under actually) of the inside diameter of the tube and use that for some disassembly. It’s never as easy to take them apart as putting them together. If you are buying kits from Craft Supplies USA – you can save a little money by going to the source that they use – Berea Hardwoods

Another invaluable piece of equipment, if you don’t already have something is the Pen Press sold by Hut Products. This thing makes putting pens together a snap! Hut is also another good source for pen kits and finishes, blanks, etc.

Good Luck with your project.

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

Scott I have taken many apart but I use a piece of stainless steel rod that just barly goes through the transmission and I use a small dead-blow mallet I wlawys hold th pen in my hand to protect it I dont use any fixtufes. I ground the rod round on the end. After punching out the tip I use a puch 1/4 is right fot he slimline use the largest that will fit in others. on some you have to hold it on the edge and turn it taking several hits to slowly push out the parts. This can loosen the pess fit a little so when putting them back together I alwys use a small amount of CA glue good luck. If you need the size of the rod I will send it to you next week when I return Hhome,

-- piper

Sorry its so frustrating, for what it’s worth I thought the pen I saw tonight that you made was great. No way I could have made that. Keep up the good work.

-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX

good link Bill. I like the looks of that pen press better than the one I picked up. Looks sturdier too. May have to make my own (Like I need more projects on my plate). hmm, beween turning my own dowels or picking up some steel rod at the hardware store, It sounds like I don’t need to waste money on a whole new disassembly kit. Seems I should get to that dead blow mallet though. Thanks for all the advice.

Thanks Rob. Except for filling in a few voids in the wood, that pen went together pretty quickly, and I agree on the final product. I’ve brainstormed a bit on a fix for the troublesome one… I don’t think that ones a lost cause. Don’t sell yourself short, that was my fifth pen ever, and only my second session making them. A class or two, and a little reading and you’ll be up to speed. BUt if you’d rather one of mine, instead of making your own, I’ll let you beg, barter, or buy one pretty cheap ;)

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/