A few custom pens

Nothing terribly exciting, but here are a few pens that I have made.

My first pen, the one that started it all. It was my first time at the lathe, and it's nothing to write home about. Tulipwood:


http://photos-542.ak.facebook.com/ph...176542_716.jpg


Second, a pencil, from cocobolo, in the "Cigar Pen" style. I made a matching pen that I cannot find at the moment. Gold toned parts. Notice the carved lines on either end of each section.

http://photos-541.ak.facebook.com/ph...176541_461.jpg


Third, a Cigar Pen, a twist ballpoint, in African Blackwood with rhodium plated parts. will have a matching pencil one day. Carved grip lines, and other carved lined on either end of each section.

http://photos-540.ak.facebook.com/ph...176540_233.jpg


Lastly, Ilija's (now famous) Cocobolo Fountain Pen.

http://photos-539.ak.facebook.com/ph...76539_9992.jpg

Great work Harry :tu For some reason I find the last one the most beautiful of the bunch :w

I personally like the blackwood, and Iljia's pen is very nice too.

I like the blackwood too. It is what I am going to use to make my next fountain pen, which I will probably put up for sale or trade here on SRP, if it is okay. Trade for shaving stuff, obviously. We'll see how it goes.

Tonight I made a pen/pencil set on a commission from my fiancee's dad. His requirements were

Classic Slim
Cocobolo
Gold-toned parts
Matching pencil

I took some creative liberty, beefing up the lower barrel so that it fits better in the hand. I finished the pen in Hard Carnuba Wax, which was set with friction on the lathe. The pencil is a click type, and the pen is a twist ballpoint. Here are the pics, in the presentation box, which I signed.

http://photos-517.ak.facebook.com/ph...77517_1470.jpg
Pen in the back, pencil forward.

http://photos-518.ak.facebook.com/ph...77518_1703.jpg
Note, the pen, in the back, has more purple in the wood, that was just how the blank was.

http://photos-519.ak.facebook.com/ph...77519_1922.jpg


This set, if I were to sell it, would probably sell for somewhere between 40-45 USD.


What think ye?

They are beautiful!!
I believe that you are selling yourself short!!
I mean to say that you should be asking much more for your pens!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JMS

They are beautiful!!
I believe that you are selling yourself short!!
I mean to say that you should be asking much more for your pens!!

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Hold your horses! I don't have one yet :D

just kidding... yes, beautiful! I like the Blackwood as material most, but Ilija's pen looks great too!

Would love to hear more on nibs, fill system, feeders, trim options (e.g. - can you do silver?) - the works

Cheers
Ivo

ps: I mean I'd like to learn what is used by you for parts in particular, so that I can decide if I want something

Ivo,
Standard nibs are "medium". They are generally tipped with Iridium, a hard metal of the platinum family that holds up well to writing (remember, paper is abrasive). I prefer a medium nib because the line is broader, and I don't write small enough to need fine, I think. some people prefer heavier nibs, like broad.

As for fill systems, the ones in use in newly manufactured pens (ie-the ones I make), are either a piston converter (you twist to get the converter to draw ink in) or a cartridge (a popular option for people who hate getting their hands dirty). I use a converter because overtime, it saves money and waste (gee, one of the reasons I use a straight).

The blackwood pen, and Ilija's pen are made with parts that are Rhodium plated. This is a white metal, or what some would call silver-colored, so yes, it is possible to do silver. Some pen styles also have the option for "black chrome" or a shiny very dark metal. It all depends.

Also, it isn't always wood. There are celluloid and Acrylic Acetate materials available too. I don't happen to have my Blue and White Acrylic Acetate one available right now, it's missing somewhere in my mess of a room. When I find it, I'll post pictures. One material I wanna work with (but it's expensive) is a clear acrylic that is lined inside with rattlesnake skin, it makes for a cool-looking pen. Check this out that someone made:

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/im...ke-blank_l.jpg

Or corncob, haha:

http://www.woodturningdesign.com/onl...COB%20PENS.jpg

As you can see, the options are endless.

If you have anything specific you might want, let me know. As I get some money, I'll be trying new things, like 2 woods in one pen. We'll see how these things go. Let me know waht you're looking for, and I'm sure something can be arranged.

Beautiful work.
I always use whatever pens I get at conventions, companies or wherever.
I never write much down anyway except for shopping lists or post it notes.

I suppose if writing or signing documents was something I did often, I would have a more high-end pen.

Actually, I do have a high-end pen, but I don't use it that often because it is metal, and heavy enough to club someone to death. Don't know the brand though.

Harry, in all honesty I wouldn't complain if someone offered it for twice your estimated price. You are doing some beautiful work and 50 is too little for a 2 instrument set.

Harry,

I think I am having trouble communicating - what I meant was specifics, not an intro (I have been using fountain pens since 1990 or earlier)

For example:
What are your nibs (manufacturer, as well as sizes, flexibility?, music, etc.) I am asking because I want to see if I have used them, or ask other people who have for an opinion.
When I said silver - I meant solid silver. I don't like plated stuff much, especially not Rhodium - because I have issues with an Omas, which wore off with use.

Cheers
Ivo

Ivo,

I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I am not sure of who the manufacturers are, and it would be hard to pinpoint because of the nature of the kits that I use. And if you mean solid silver on the clip/tip parts, I'm sure I could find a kit maker that uses silver for those. I can't find any identifying marks on the nibs that I have used except for "Iridium Point" and occasionally the qualifier "Germany". I will do more research and find out, if you'd like.



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Ilija,

Thanks! Maybe as I make these things, I should post them on SRP and ask y'all to price them for me! haha! Thanks for your compliments, though.


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Bruno,

Thank you. Let me specify that the corncob and rattlesnake are not my pens, I pulled the images from one of the catalogs I get my supplies from. But the rest of the images in here are mine. I can understand the weight thing making a pen undesirable if it's too heavy. I like a weightier pen, but not too heavy.


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Everyone,
I am off tonight to make more pens. I have to make greatwhitehunter's pen, and he's giving me some liberties there :y . I am also going to make another fountain pen that I've been holding off on for a while. Then there is one more commission for the fiancee's dad - a cigar pen and pencil for the fiancee's dad. I may just stop after GW's and the fountain, we'll have to see. I got time on the others, and my allergies may have had enough cocobolo by the end of it. Thanks everyone, and you can believe I'll post more pics when I get them.

Man,Harry those are really nice,I also like the last one best,really pretty work,Best regards Gary

So, I made more tonight. YAY! I finished the commission for the fiancee's dad. I still need to do gratewhitehuntr's pen, but I need to get stuff for that. This is the set I made for Mr Moga (the fiancee's dad.)

Cocobolo cigar pen and pencil with gold parts, carved grip lines and a few other decorative lines. The pen has more purple, the pencil is more brown.

http://photos-144.ak.facebook.com/ph...78144_6261.jpg

http://photos-146.ak.facebook.com/ph...78146_6707.jpg
And this is the presentation/display case I chose for this set. As is my new custom, the outer box is signed by me with a wax seal of a fleur-de-lys.

This next pen was the original idea I had for gratewhitehuntr, but he didn't like the blank that I showed him online. It came out nicely, but parts of this "Pearlized Red" are a little too pink for me. Also has carved grip lines and other decorative lines. Eventually the white will wash out and the lines will be more for feel than visibility.

http://photos-147.ak.facebook.com/ph...78147_6927.jpg


And this shows what I mean by "too pink". It's really only noticeable when the light is glistening off of it like it is here.

http://photos-148.ak.facebook.com/ph...78148_7153.jpg

This one is, I guess, up for sale, but I don't know where to sell it, or what I should ask. It is a twist ballpoint that uses Parker-style refills. If the buyer wants a specific ink color (standard is black) I will try to accommodate, but I make no promises right now.

Again, lovely work. The only pens we usually talk about here are fountain pens, but who knows, you may receive a pm with an offer. The craftsmanship is too exquisite for someone not to use it.

I saw the pink pen coming when he sent a pic of the blank.
It is a nice pen and all.

Don't get me wrong, I like pink.

Some of my favorite things are pink.

I like pink lipstick. :tu
I like pink panties. :tu
I like pink skirts.:tu
I like pink nipples. :tu
I like pink salons. :tu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_salon

I don't like pink pens.:td

I did some "freehand" work on this pen to give it a little special touch. It was made for my Cousin in Georgia. It is Purpleheart with silver parts. It is finished in CA.


http://photos-050.ll.facebook.com/ph...80649_8289.jpg


http://photos-050.ll.facebook.com/ph...80650_8507.jpg

Enjoy!

As an Iowan, I'm really digging those corncob pens. (I also like corncob pipes, strange...) I should commission my blue-finished corncob fountain pen before your prices get too high! :nj

- Scott

Well, I went into the workshop for some pens, and was given a "Half Hour Warning" right after, so I did another project instead, and thought y'all might wanna see. It's a Kaleidoscope Egg from Purpleheart. Enjoy!


http://photos-374.ak.facebook.com/ip...181374_925.jpg

It's for my mother for Mother's Day. My future mother-in-law needs to realize that I'm making stuff for MY mother, all she will get is a card.

More pens to come....soon. I have a list of 7 that need to be made.

What think ye?

beautiful as usual, :tu :bow

I think your giving me a case of lathe purchase order:roflmao

what lathe do u use

Again, great work. If you start polishing metal as well, you'll give Vlad a run for his money :nj

Quote:

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Originally Posted by heliguy

beautiful as usual, :tu :bow

I think your giving me a case of lathe purchase order:roflmao

what lathe do u use

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Right now it's a Delta Midi. Soon, it will be a Jet Mini, which is the same size as the Delta Midi. And just so y;all know, that egg is 2.25" tall, and just shy of 2" wide at its widest point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Again, great work. If you start polishing metal as well, you'll give Vlad a run for his money :nj

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Well, not this year, but some time in the future it might be an option.

Too late, one project's already being forced on you.. Get ready for RAD :eek:

Ilija,
I know HOW to polish metal (2 years at military school, one year in handbells), but I don't have the necessary equipment to do it efficiently (ie, my dremel needs a new collet, or a new chuck, when I find it again). We'll see. This woodworking thing is turning into a really nice way to make people happy, so once I get my own workshop going, I am going to branch out a little, and I mean VERY little. We'll start with bowls and brush handles, then we'll move one to...well....You'll see.

Peace and Joy, everyone,
Harry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kd5tmu

Right now it's a Delta Midi. Soon, it will be a Jet Mini, which is the same size as the Delta Midi.

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It might possibly end up the Rikon Mini, which is a little bigger. Need to talk to the guys at woodcraft on their recommendations.

A quick apology to people waiting on pens from me. You will notice the first occupation listed in my sig is "College Student". The recent finals and everything, as well as waiting on a new lathe (my very own) means that I am way behind. I haven't taken new orders, because I'm waiting on some pens to be done. Every order I have pending is drilled and glued up, it's just waiting on being turned, finished, and assembled. I am going to see about going to my buddy's house later if my lathe isn't in today. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Harry, the friendly neighborhood penmaker.

No rush Harry. I hope your exams went well :tu

ya no worries Harry. your schools definitely gotta come first.

No big rush on mine Harry.

I got that razor sort of done but want to unpin it and tinker with it a little more.

I want to try a couple of different things with pins and such too.

Maybe 2 weeks sounds fine, little sooner if you get the chance.
I'm sure I'll get the razor to someplace I'm happy with it before then.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

No rush Harry. I hope your exams went well :tu

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by sgbsteve

ya no worries Harry. your schools definitely gotta come first.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by gratewhitehuntr

No big rush on mine Harry.

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And this is why I love this group of guys! Y'all rock, you hear me? Frickin' ROCK! I got the lathe and the grinder (gotta sharpen my chisels and gouges somehow!) to the house and set up in the garage. Unfortunately, with the current arrangement, the drill press and bandsaw sit on the ground and are used there. Oh well, it still works. I got my first pen turned and finished on the new lathe! It was a project in a wood I haven't worked with yet, so I was so excited to get it done, I pushed it to the front of the line. More kits have been ordered, and I have plenty of blanks to last a while, so I will start taking requests again. Tomorrow I get off of work at the camera store at 5, so tomorrow evening is pen evening. I need to get my pen press from my buddy's house so I can assemble these pens! For those with cocobolo orders, I will do them in the order they were recieved, but I will have to push other orders in between them because of my allergy to that wood. It's a wonderful wood that I love working with, but can only do one pen at a time with it, lest I get sneezy and queezy.

Look forward to pictures tomorrow night or Sunday afternoon!

HUZZAH!

Was that the sandalwood you were all worked up about trying??

You sounded hot to trot on that stuff last we talked.

Don't let the future in-laws catch you snorting sawdust now, no matter how good it smells!!! :nono::nono:

Not the sandalwood.:( I'm trying to find the best kit to compliment that blank.

Take your time Harry. Never rush an Artiste!!!!!

Have fun,

Lynn

Tonight had a lot of bad mojo. I finished two pens only to find serious flaws (one in assembly, and one got a hairline crack).

But either way, here they are. I will remake ones very similar to them (because there is no exact in wood working) very soon.

This one was for Ilija, but it's the one I assembled wrong, will correct tomorrow night with a new blank and proper assembly.

http://photos-395.ak.facebook.com/ip...88395_9142.jpg

And this one was for Paul (heliguy) in trade for a razor. This one got the hairline crack:

http://photos-394.ak.facebook.com/ip...88394_8857.jpg
My fiancee is going to use it for her letter writing. I will do another one of these tomorrow also. After that, I'm done with pens until Monday.

I will keep myself to two pens a day.

Here are those two pens together:

http://photos-393.ak.facebook.com/ip...88393_8563.jpg

Other pen attempts this evening led to split blanks, massive tear out, or more bad assembly.

I guess I'll have better luck next time.

Peace and joy,

Harry, that's amazing work! I'm going to score some serious points with this gift :nj

That looks great. I better get my finger out and finish the trade piece.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Harry, that's amazing work! I'm going to score some serious points with this gift :nj

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When it's done, it will look almost exactly like that. Just a minor set back that will be corrected.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by heliguy

That looks great. I better get my finger out and finish the trade piece.

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Hopefully the next one I make looks as good for you. It might not have as much sapwood (the lighter wood) in the blank, but I promise you a striking pen.

Now, for the moment Shaun has been waiting for. His was a pen that last night had some assembly issues, but I fixed it and here it is, Shaun's Cocobolo Cigar Pen (Ballpoint).

http://photos-639.ak.facebook.com/ip...88639_7280.jpg

http://photos-640.ak.facebook.com/ip...88640_7540.jpg
Finished in CA for durability.

Hope you enjoy it, Shaun. I'll ship this week, but take your time on the razor.

HOLY CRAP !!!

I got a little woody ... get it? .... woody.....:rolleyes:

Man that is nice . Can't wait to see the Amboyna Burl and gold!

My gift arrived and it was well-received. Thanks Harry!:tu

HUZZAH!!!!