Aluminum Designer Pen

Introducing my first hand-turned metal pen, made from solid aluminum. I started with 5/8" rod stock and was able to hand-turn all of the external components, except for the clip. (I plan to eventually learn how to make my own clips later.) I also used the brass tubes, the swivel transmission, and the ink cartridge from the kit. The tip, center band, and cap have been brush sanded for the contrasting effect. The tip is compression fitted into the lower barrel. The center band is part of the upper barrel, but made to appear as though it is a separate piece. The clip retainer/cap is threaded into a separate piece that is compression fitted inside the upper barrel. I thoroughly enjoyed making this pen. It's been on my agenda since I started turning metals. I have lots of ideas about how to improve my technique. Thanks for looking; comments and critiques are always welcomed.
www.perfectwoodworks.com
(Now I have to work on a better technique for photographing reflective surfaces)

Photo Details

Leo Frilot

Registered: February 2007
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 450

10

Date: Sun September 12, 2010
Views: 1,092
Keywords: aluminum designer pen

Comments

Buck Nemitt

Buck Nemitt

Very nice Leo, as a metal worker I've got a craving to do such a pen. Your pen is a darn good accomplishment.

#1 Sun September 12, 2010 12:42pm

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

Beautiful pen, Leo! Can't wait to see the brass one (just a guess). Your metal work is very inspiring. Well done.
Don L.

#2 Sun September 12, 2010 1:22pm

Brendan McAreavy

This is something I aspire to. Beautiful work.

I did a search and discovered you use Ci tools to cut aluminium but would scrapers cut it too?

#3 Sun September 12, 2010 7:26pm

Leo Frilot

HSS Scrapers use a burr to work efficiently. The metal will probably ruin the burr. Worth the try.

#4 Sun September 12, 2010 8:02pm

Brendan McAreavy

Thanks Leo. As I was reading your reply I remembered I have tool bits that I haven't profiled for my hollowing tool so one of those in the hollowing tool would probably do the job. I'll try that before I use a turning tool.

#5 Sun September 12, 2010 9:57pm

David Hamann

you do great work Leo. Thumbs Up!

now you have to start writing tutorials on metal turning.

David Hamann [papadave] ** http://www.nanapapa99.com **

#6 Sun September 12, 2010 10:38pm

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

That is nice Leo. You're really coming into your own on this metal turning by hand stuff. I do notice that the transition between the lower barrel and the nib needs to be smoothed out a touch. I love the center band idea. If I'm reading this right and you made the finial too, wow, what possibilities that gives you. The rounded finial of this pen is one of the things I haven't cared so much for on this design. You will be able to re-design it so that it can be so much more attractive. Nice work.

#7 Mon September 13, 2010 12:44pm

Leo Frilot

Yes, Rev. The nib gave me a bit of trouble due to the wobble factor while tapering. This process will be changed in future attempts. The design possibilities are endless when turning your own hardware. With this one, I tried to duplicate the Deigner hardware.

David, tutorials are planned. Just need to find time to get it all together.

Thanks for all of your comments. This is really helping me to explore this medium.

#8 Mon September 13, 2010 3:48pm

Makepeace

Leo Makepeace

Very, Very nice Leo ( great name, by the way ), any tutorials about, for this ???????????.................Google it ?????

Ruining lots of good wood to get a few average bits.

#9 Sat September 18, 2010 9:37pm