Last night I started a kitless fountain pen using purple dyed stabilized birdseye maple. Your method of using thin CA on the threaded areas saved my hide for sure. The first tenon threads didn't start straight, so I ended up building up the tenon with a few coats of thin and medium CS (like you would with a laser inlay blank). Then I used my square carbide tool to trim it back to size and recut the threads. They're definitely solid now. This one is a practice pen in preparation for a stabilized buckeye burl kitless pen.
Hi Bob - Greetings from Nebraska! - Wow, that is a fantastic pen. Olive is one of my favorite turning woods!! (I almost panicked myself at 9:20 in when you put CA glue on with your thread protecting collar still screwed on - good save!!!) A very interesting video as always - Thanks for inviting us into your shop, Dave.
Marvelous work. So many videos make it look like the turner did everything correctly the first time around. It's depressing for novice pen turners, like myself. Watching your videos, mistakes and all, with your excellent commentary, has shown me that even the "experts" have the same sort of issues as the novice. I've had to "save" a few blanks by changing the style of the pen, and I've learned a good deal resurrecting a "failed" blank into a useable pen. Thanks for your honest approach, and for letting us share in your thought process.
Some crafts take a lot of figuring out that’s what I love about working with wood and wood is more forgiving then other things. Really enjoyed the video thanks for sharing
Thank you Paul, The only issue I see is the threads are super fine at .8. I Purchased some new taps and dies with a 1.0 pitch. I’m sure that will help. Regards, Bob
Good video! Enjoyed totally and the wood is soooo very super! I also like your "non-kit" pens a lot!!! You do inspire an old guy. I might add; in my 49 years of lathe-work and tap and die stuff...all my taps and dies were made of a good steel. I never worried if aluminum or brass, etc…. might harm them... Just a thought and a little tease...…...
I am loving all these instructional type videos. I bought my bother a lathe as he was really getting into work turning and then he gave me the leads for the videos he watches. My passion is pens, drip tips, pencils, and little do-dads type things. So last week he bought me a pen making kit with everything I need to turn 3 pens - I am super excited to find the time to start a new adventure Any suggestions as far as best tools and such would be appreciated. God Bless!
Hello Cheryl, My suggestion would be carbide tools as they don’t require sharpening. When the cutter is dull you replace it. They are also easier to use for a beginner because you don’t have to worry about riding the bevel. Regards, Bob
What a beautiful pen. I’ve been watching your pen making for a little while now and have enjoyed start to finish of each of them. This one really stood out for me. Beautiful job
I've thought about doing this. I have Olive trees in the yard (So Cal) and save the wood whenever they get pruned. I've wanted to do custom razor scales and pen bodies.
I’d say go for it, especially since you have the supply of wood available. Be sure to dry the Olive Wood before turning it, otherwise it will split. Regards, Bob
awesome; was thinking of the possibilities of using wood. my taps/dies are "out for delivery", looks like this weekend I may get the chance to play around some! Cheers!
The only issue is my threads were really fine. I ordered some coarser thread taps and dies. The tighter the grain the better the threads will take. I also plan to retry with stabilized wood. Regards, Bob
Fantastic job Bob. Looks really good. Your videos on bespoke pens has sparked my interest in trying this myself. Not going to be right away, as I'm still busy preparing for my first 'craft' show in May, but when I do get one done, I'll let you know how it goes.
Awesome pen Bob, I'm going to have to have a go at this one day, I don't know where to get the bits for a kitless fountain pen but a roller ball looks great! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the videos. I have discovered that allowing 4 mm difference between the internal and external threads makes for a stronger tenon. For example, 13mm male threads and 9mm female or 14mm and 10mm.
Great job Bob - we need to research what woods serve as potential candidates for this process. Olive wood apparently, desert iron wood possibly, I'm gonna try some Texas Mesquite, others? Your next challenge is to make it postable where the cap can post to the back of the body while writing and then adding a clip. Thanks again
I watched a video by Mike Peace on threading wood. He was using stabilized wood for the threading. Maybe someone near you can stabilize wood blanks for you. Enjoyed the video Bob.
In order to avoid splitting the blank, would it help to use a couple of zip ties or even one of those hose clamps used on the water lines on your car engine to give a bit of support to the blank where you used the blue tape?
I’ve never tried that so All I can say is gather some scraps and try it a few times. If it works, I would love to hear about your experience threading on a drill press. Regards, Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner thank you ,,ive tried with metal project ant it worked for the tapping but i dont know about running the threads but thank you you have been so inspiring
Instead of a mandrel, I wonder if a steady-rest would be another choice to hold the body. I know they are used in turning longer projects like table legs and such. I have made several slimline pens where I left out the middle ring - the top and bottom just butt together. I put a tiny chamfer on the mating edges so I didn't have a sharp edge to feel when I held the pen. Just a thought. Otherwise, may your creativity continue :>) This is really cool.
Hi Bob, Nice job, as you said pity you couldn’t match up the grains, maybe next time. Also had you thought about using a thread chasing tool for internal and external threads rather than a tap and die?
Thank you, I’d like to try one some time. I’ve seen them used but they make some pretty coarse threads. Great for boxes. I ordered some taps and dies with a deeper pitch thread. We’ll try this again. Regards, Bob
Did you make that section or did you buy it somewhere? If so, where did you get it from? I want to try my hand in kitless pens but don't want to make sections just yet. Great video, btw!
Hello, No, it did not crack. I still have it and used it as my daily for maybe 2 months. Now it’s in a pen case just for a discussion starter. Regards, Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner awesome, thanks for the update! Did you end up going deep down the kitless rabbit hole? I'm thinking of getting some closed end mandrels just to get my toes wet!
Here are a couple videos I made on the Bespok Parker Refill: Making A Bespoke Section For A Parker Refill ruclips.net/video/HzUGKZ8pWF4/видео.html Latest Design Of a Bespoke Section That Uses A Parker Refill ruclips.net/video/k2okkEo4KBI/видео.html Regards, Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner thank you for the informative content. I do not have all the tools for success yet, but I am very interested and will begin to acquire them for the future.
Great video! Beautiful pen. How did the pen hold up over time? You posted this about a year ago, so I am curious if wear and tear affected the pen (since it’s wood and not alumilite).
I’d recommend something like African Blackwood. It’s holds threads the best. Most woods, the grain makes threads weak. Even hardener doesn’t help. Regards, Bob
Wow that's great! Sorry if I missed, but was the Olive Wood stabilized. That might help along with the CA you did. Great pen! I have some Olive Wood, but going to make some pens the more traditional way! :-) I know no guts no glory!
Steve: I just finished two olive wood pens "the traditional way" and they turned out fantastic. If you are not familiar with olive wood, what looks like spalding is actual grain. My go to wood to make an impressive pen. Regards, Dwight
Everytime I have threaded wood I always use lots of CA. One thought would be when your threads didn't work you could have added a few coats of medium CA and pretty much just have CA threads. Also not sure if you addressed this, I'm watching at work, but a dense wood or alumilite band on the cap would have really made it pop and added a bit of extra strength to the threads. In fact you could have done the Patch you did last time and had non wood threads.
Thanks Cliff, I’ll try the insert on the next one. I was really experimenting and didn’t expect the pen to come out at all. I was surprised. Regards, Bob
Instead of turning the square of the blank perhaps cut the corners on a bandsaw or sanding wheel. That way there's not as much of a catch when you start turning.
Every time I come back to watch I always find something new. Thanks
Thank you Pieter.
Very well done, especially with limited tools required for such a complex job!😊
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful pen! Always nice to see the different ideas people have when they don't have the exact tool they need for a project. Good job!
Thank you Harold.
Regards,
Bob
Once again your patience compliments your skills. Great job R...!
Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
Again, another save by RJBWoodturner....nice pen...love Olive Wood...great job Bob!
Thank you Curtis,
Regards,
Bob
Very nice Bob always enjoy your video,s
Thank you Anthony.
Regards,
Bob
Last night I started a kitless fountain pen using purple dyed stabilized birdseye maple. Your method of using thin CA on the threaded areas saved my hide for sure. The first tenon threads didn't start straight, so I ended up building up the tenon with a few coats of thin and medium CS (like you would with a laser inlay blank). Then I used my square carbide tool to trim it back to size and recut the threads. They're definitely solid now.
This one is a practice pen in preparation for a stabilized buckeye burl kitless pen.
Great work on the save and the pen. You certainly got some good practice and I can’t wait to see what you make going forward.
Hi Bob - Greetings from Nebraska! - Wow, that is a fantastic pen. Olive is one of my favorite turning woods!! (I almost panicked myself at 9:20 in when you put CA glue on with your thread protecting collar still screwed on - good save!!!) A very interesting video as always - Thanks for inviting us into your shop, Dave.
Thank you Dave,
This was a fun one because I was just goofing around. OW is one of my favorites too.
Regards,
Bob
Marvelous work. So many videos make it look like the turner did everything correctly the first time around. It's depressing for novice pen turners, like myself. Watching your videos, mistakes and all, with your excellent commentary, has shown me that even the "experts" have the same sort of issues as the novice. I've had to "save" a few blanks by changing the style of the pen, and I've learned a good deal resurrecting a "failed" blank into a useable pen. Thanks for your honest approach, and for letting us share in your thought process.
Thank you Marc,
I appreciate your comment.
Regards,
Bob
Some crafts take a lot of figuring out that’s what I love about working with wood and wood is more forgiving then other things. Really enjoyed the video thanks for sharing
Thank you Gary.
Regards,
Bob
Stunning pen. Tapping aluminum will not dull your tool, it actually fills microscopic pores in the steel making the tool sharper.
Thank you for the info on taps and Aluminum. I didn’t know that but I’m glad I now do.
Regards,
Bob
O.W is a very Beuitful wood love the grain in it. Have a great weekend and a great time Saturday with the club guys...
Thank you Robert.
Regards,
Bob
Congratulations, the pen looks great! Thank you for showing the small little details on how you solved the problems.
Thank you Eddie.
Regards,
Bob
Your best looking pen for me Bob since I love turning olive wood and love the smell when turning it! Great job!
Thank you Spencer.
It’s one of my favorites too.
Regards,
Bob
Once again Bob you overcame some issues and produced a beautiful pen. Well done sir. 😍😍👍👍
Thank you Eric.
Regards,
Bob
Wow, that turned out great!
I honestly didn't think that this would work... But I'm glad it did!
Greetings from germany
Paul
Thank you Paul,
The only issue I see is the threads are super fine at .8. I
Purchased some new taps and dies with a 1.0 pitch. I’m sure that will help.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner
Looking forward to see you see you turn another wooden Bespoke pen!
Keep up your great work.
Thank you Paul.
Regards,
Bob
This was fantastic, it's something I'm wanting to try.
Thank you Jim.
Regards,
Bob
Unintentional tip at 2:58 painter's tape to keep the CA off of your finger. That's brilliant!
I’m glad you found something useful in my video. 😀
Regards,
Bob
Lots of useful information in your videos. This was just a bonus. 😁
Lots of useful information in your videos. This was just a bonus. 😁
Lots of useful information in your videos. This was just a bonus. 😁
Lots of useful information in your videos. This was just a bonus. 😁
Great Job Bob
Thank you Christopher.
Regards,
Bob
Wow that's a very nice pen Bob
Thank you Nigel.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful pen Bob. I like how you show your mistakes and how you fix them.
~Scott
Thank you Scott,
It I didn’t show the mistakes I wouldn’t have any footage, LOL.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome work as always Bob!
Thank you Wes.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, you and Lynn are giving me idea. Had it in mind for some time now to make a kit-less pen out of wood. Great video, keep up the good work.
Thank you.
I hope you go for it.
Regards,
Bob
Well made and explained video . Beautiful pen . Great job take care .
Thank you Glen.
Regards,
Bob
Dang!! Olive Wood is beautiful. Fantastic job! And as always, thanks for another excellent tutorial.
Thank you Christopher.
Regards,
Bob
That pen is extremely nice Bob!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Good video! Enjoyed totally and the wood is soooo very super! I also like your "non-kit" pens a lot!!! You do inspire an old guy. I might add; in my 49 years of lathe-work and tap and die stuff...all my taps and dies were made of a good steel. I never worried if aluminum or brass, etc…. might harm them... Just a thought and a little tease...…...
Thank you Mitsuko.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful Bob,just starting out making pens and your channel is my reference guide👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
Thank you Alan,
That is a huge complement.
Regards,
Bob
nice Job as always sir.... got to love that olive wood ... i have yet to see anything made with that stuff that i don't love
Keep it up Bob
Thank you John,
It’s one of my favorites.
Regards,
Bob
I am loving all these instructional type videos. I bought my bother a lathe as he was really getting into work turning and then he gave me the leads for the videos he watches. My passion is pens, drip tips, pencils, and little do-dads type things. So last week he bought me a pen making kit with everything I need to turn 3 pens - I am super excited to find the time to start a new adventure Any suggestions as far as best tools and such would be appreciated. God Bless!
Hello Cheryl,
My suggestion would be carbide tools as they don’t require sharpening. When the cutter is dull you replace it. They are also easier to use for a beginner because you don’t have to worry about riding the bevel.
Regards,
Bob
Another very informative video Bob. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
What a beautiful pen. I’ve been watching your pen making for a little while now and have enjoyed start to finish of each of them. This one really stood out for me. Beautiful job
Thank you Gary,
Regards,
Bob
Nice job as usual.
Thank you George.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful pen.
Thank you.
Regards
Bob
I've thought about doing this. I have Olive trees in the yard (So Cal) and save the wood whenever they get pruned. I've wanted to do custom razor scales and pen bodies.
I’d say go for it, especially since you have the supply of wood available. Be sure to dry the Olive Wood before turning it, otherwise it will split.
Regards,
Bob
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
awesome; was thinking of the possibilities of using wood. my taps/dies are "out for delivery", looks like this weekend I may get the chance to play around some! Cheers!
The only issue is my threads were really fine. I ordered some coarser thread taps and dies. The tighter the grain the better the threads will take. I also plan to retry with stabilized wood.
Regards,
Bob
Fantastic job Bob. Looks really good. Your videos on bespoke pens has sparked my interest in trying this myself. Not going to be right away, as I'm still busy preparing for my first 'craft' show in May, but when I do get one done, I'll let you know how it goes.
Thank you Owen.
Please send some photos when you get going.
Regards,
Bob
Just found this! Brilliant!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
MASHAALLAH khub valo video.......
Thank you.
Awesome pen Bob, I'm going to have to have a go at this one day, I don't know where to get the bits for a kitless fountain pen but a roller ball looks great! Keep up the good work!
Thank you James.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you for the videos. I have discovered that allowing 4 mm difference between the internal and external threads makes for a stronger tenon. For example, 13mm male threads and 9mm female or 14mm and 10mm.
Thank you Tanner.
Regards,
Bob
Great job Bob - we need to research what woods serve as potential candidates for this process. Olive wood apparently, desert iron wood possibly, I'm gonna try some Texas Mesquite, others? Your next challenge is to make it postable where the cap can post to the back of the body while writing and then adding a clip. Thanks again
Thank you Lynn,
Next up for me is clips. LOL.
Regards,
Bob
Osage Orange sometimes called Bodark, would be spectacular.
What holds the Parker refill in the "nib", it looked like the refill had a spring effect when you pressed on the tip.
If it’s measured properly, you shouldn’t need a spring. Lots of guys like springs though and allot for them in their pens.
Regards,
Bob
Is there a equivalency chart for the tap & dye sizes to the pen parts?
Not that I’m aware of. That would be a great help.
Regards,
Bob
I watched a video by Mike Peace on threading wood. He was using stabilized wood for the threading. Maybe someone near you can stabilize wood blanks for you. Enjoyed the video Bob.
Thank you Tarry,
I set up a colab with another RUclipsr this morning. There stabilizing and I’m turning. Stay tuned.
Regards,
Bob
nice turning, I wonder if a good sharp skew mightent have less drag on those threads. sweet looking pen sir.. thanks for the video.
Thank you Edward,
I always forget to use the skew. One of these days I’ll do a video from start to finish with only a skew.
Regards,
Bob
Was there a lot of used of this pen over the years did the threads end up holding up?
This pen became a show piece and has not had daily use. It is still in great shape.
Regards,
Bob
In order to avoid splitting the blank, would it help to use a couple of zip ties or even one of those hose clamps used on the water lines on your car engine to give a bit of support to the blank where you used the blue tape?
My only concern would be it may make the blank off balance. However it would be worth a try. Let me know how it works out.
Regards,
Bob
Bob did you think about putting in the acrylic inserts in the body and cap like you did for the repair you did on the broken bespoke pen?
Like Lynn Lacey's last video?
Great video.
Truthfully, I didn’t until I watched Lynn Lacey’s video yesterday. Now I have something else to try for you guys.
Regards,
Bob
Great job again, beautiful finish,but I am worried about threads on wood
I have ordered taps and dies with coarser threads. These are doing fine with the C/A but they are to fine.
Regards,
Bob
can you use a drill press to do the inside threads???????
I’ve never tried that so All I can say is gather some scraps and try it a few times. If it works, I would love to hear about your experience threading on a drill press.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner thank you ,,ive tried with metal project ant it worked for the tapping but i dont know about running the threads but thank you you have been so inspiring
Beautiful looking pen Bob! Thanks for sharing video with us.😎👍JP
Thank you, it was a blast to make.
Regards,
Bob
😎
Instead of a mandrel, I wonder if a steady-rest would be another choice to hold the body. I know they are used in turning longer projects like table legs and such.
I have made several slimline pens where I left out the middle ring - the top and bottom just butt together. I put a tiny chamfer on the mating edges so I didn't have a sharp edge to feel when I held the pen. Just a thought. Otherwise, may your creativity continue :>) This is really cool.
That is an interesting idea Steve. I need to think on that one.
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob, Nice job, as you said pity you couldn’t match up the grains, maybe next time. Also had you thought about using a thread chasing tool for internal and external threads rather than a tap and die?
Thank you,
I’d like to try one some time. I’ve seen them used but they make some pretty coarse threads. Great for boxes. I ordered some taps and dies with a deeper pitch thread. We’ll try this again.
Regards,
Bob
If you used stabilized wood would the blank have held up better? ie treated with cactus juice in a vacuum
I believe it would. I have some stabilized wood coming for a re do.
Regards,
Bob
Wonderful job as always Bob, have you considered using a stabilized piece of wood since that would be similar to using a resin piece?
Thank you Dirk,
I have a stabilized blank in the works for a future collaboration with another RUclipsr.
Regards,
Bob
Did you make that section or did you buy it somewhere? If so, where did you get it from? I want to try my hand in kitless pens but don't want to make sections just yet. Great video, btw!
Thank you Ron,
I made that section, I don’t know where you would be able to purchase one, I’ve never seen them for sale.
Regards,
Bob
So how has this pen held up - did it ever crack?
Hello,
No, it did not crack. I still have it and used it as my daily for maybe 2 months. Now it’s in a pen case just for a discussion starter.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner awesome, thanks for the update! Did you end up going deep down the kitless rabbit hole? I'm thinking of getting some closed end mandrels just to get my toes wet!
I’m trying but just not having the time.
I am late to this party but, where did you get the parker style nib?
Here are a couple videos I made on the Bespok Parker Refill:
Making A Bespoke Section For A Parker Refill
ruclips.net/video/HzUGKZ8pWF4/видео.html
Latest Design Of a Bespoke Section That Uses A Parker Refill
ruclips.net/video/k2okkEo4KBI/видео.html
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner thank you for the informative content. I do not have all the tools for success yet, but I am very interested and will begin to acquire them for the future.
@@BrokenToySoldier Pen turning is a great hobby. I hope you really enjoy.
Regards,
Bob
That turned out to be a great looking pen. /What does bespoke mean?/ thanks.
It’s a generic term for Home made.
Regards,
Bob
Great video! Beautiful pen. How did the pen hold up over time? You posted this about a year ago, so I am curious if wear and tear affected the pen (since it’s wood and not alumilite).
Also, would wood hardener on the blank help it hold its threads? Thank you!
It’s held up well, I still have it. It’s not my daily so it doesn’t get a great deal of use.
Regards,
Bob
I’d recommend something like African Blackwood. It’s holds threads the best. Most woods, the grain makes threads weak. Even hardener doesn’t help.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you! I really appreciate that you share your wisdom and insights so generously!
It’s all about helping others get into and learn about this hobby.
Regards,
Bob
It has been a little over a year, how has it held up?
I used it for a while and have swapped to another pen. It still looks great, I just like variety.
Regards,
Bob
That is a beautiful turning Sir, Might I ask where you are Geographically
Hello John,
Southern Indiana.
Regards,
Bob
very nice job :-)
Thank you Woody.
Regards,
Bob
Great job, but what about the pen clip?
Learning to make clips is next on my bespoke adventure.
Regards,
Bob
Wow that's great! Sorry if I missed, but was the Olive Wood stabilized. That might help along with the CA you did. Great pen! I have some Olive Wood, but going to make some pens the more traditional way! :-) I know no guts no glory!
Hello Steve,
That OW was not stabilized. I have dorm stabilized wood coming for a redo.
Regards,
Bob
Steve: I just finished two olive wood pens "the traditional way" and they turned out fantastic. If you are not familiar with olive wood, what looks like spalding is actual grain. My go to wood to make an impressive pen.
Regards,
Dwight
Thanks Dwight! I grain is really cool!
What is dorm stabilized wood?
Awesome.
Thank you Steve.
Regards,
Bob
Make a video on how you make the mandrels
😃
As you started to thread it, was thinking "He should put some CA on there" :)
LOL, I put C/A on everything, Wood, threads, eggs and bacon. It’s universal. LOL.
Regards,
Bob
Everytime I have threaded wood I always use lots of CA. One thought would be when your threads didn't work you could have added a few coats of medium CA and pretty much just have CA threads.
Also not sure if you addressed this, I'm watching at work, but a dense wood or alumilite band on the cap would have really made it pop and added a bit of extra strength to the threads. In fact you could have done the Patch you did last time and had non wood threads.
Thanks Cliff,
I’ll try the insert on the next one. I was really experimenting and didn’t expect the pen to come out at all. I was surprised.
Regards,
Bob
Instead of turning the square of the blank perhaps cut the corners on a bandsaw or sanding wheel. That way there's not as much of a catch when you start turning.
Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
I have a piece of African Blackwood for ya Bob if you need it.
Mark
Thank you Mark,
AB is amazing to turn. I’ll use it for sure.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner Bob can you shoot me an email address. I won’t be up in Georgia this year as planned.
Rjbwoodturner@ufoww.com
I live the pen, but I think my favorite part was an editing choice. "And again, I wanna go really slow." *speeds up the recording.*
😃