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Custom Fountain - Prototype for a New Model

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Gregory Hardy

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Posts
454
Location
Upper New York State
First Name
Greg
I am hoping to make this pen as a "basic standard model" in the upcoming months. In this instance, the turnings (body, cap and finial) are acrylic with an ebonite section, Bock #5 nib and bronze pocket clip. This was my first clip in bronze - sort of fun stuff. I have twelve of these lined up on the bench right now in six colors in the early stages - I'm tracking actual work time to see what amount of time is saved by doing twelve in a single tool setup. Thanks for looking.

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Gregory Hardy

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
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454
Location
Upper New York State
First Name
Greg
Thanks, Mark and Pat. Excited to get the first "production dozen" made!

Pat - clips are easier that I feared. I'm sorry I talked myself out of it for six months. It doesn't get easier than this one.
Basic Steps: (FYI - I am working from sheet bronze - 16 gauge - approx 1.3 mm)
  • I determined a center line that would mark the center of the ring and the central line of the clip
  • Made a vertical cross line
  • I punched the intersection with a steel punch to coax my drill bit later
  • I then laid out my OD (approx 15 mm) with a fine Sharpie marker
  • I drew the general shape of the clip as well
  • Bored central hole (10 mm) to receive finial tenon
  • Roughed the rest of it out with my bandsaw
  • Lots of filing and sanding (I have a jeweler's ring clamp - a godsend for this process)
  • I put a slight curve in the end of the clip by hand
  • I then mounted the ring of the clip in a vise sandwiched between a couple of slices of maple to prevent marring and gently tapped it past 90 degrees
  • I sanded with finest grits again after bent and polished on a rouge wheel


Side note: I purposely over-sized the clip ring to leave it a little proud of the diameter of the cap. It is my intention to make a bunch of these on matching pens...I am turning my "kitless" custom stuff primarily by hand on a wood lathe, so I have to plan ahead for my own inabilities. (First step is admitting you have a problem, right? I have many.) I knew that a perfectly married joint was outside my current skill-set, but didn't want to simply "not make one until I was better." Mark it, bore, cut, and then plan on some elbow grease. Not rocket science. I was just too damned stubborn to quit once I finally started, and then kicked myself for waiting so long to try.

Add'l note: The only "special tools" I used for this one were the bandsaw with a metal blade in it (which can be replaced with a coping saw or jeweler's frame saw and added elbow grease) and the ring clamp which is a cheap tool (easily replaced with a vise with some maple jaw blocks). It's all improvisation, brother.
 
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Gregory Hardy

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Posts
454
Location
Upper New York State
First Name
Greg
Cumbrian Craig said:
I like that. You should do well with those:thumbs:

Regards

Craig
Click to expand...

Thanks, Craig. That was actually a blank that struck me as so ugly that I used it for the practice prototype. (Then I finished the pen and my wife said, "Damn...you even turned that hideous blank into a handsome pen." Still not sure how to take that.) I have twelve going now in more "palatable" blanks that should do alright. Truth be told, I am planning these for a KickStarter campaign to buy some unusual equipment that I would not otherwise purchase. We shall see! Thanks again.
 
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Cumbrian Craig

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Dec 14, 2017
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Lake District
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Gregory Hardy said:
Thanks, Craig. That was actually a blank that struck me as so ugly that I used it for the practice prototype. (Then I finished the pen and my wife said, "Damn...you even turned that hideous blank into a handsome pen." Still not sure how to take that.) I have twelve going now in more "palatable" blanks that should do alright. Truth be told, I am planning these for a KickStarter campaign to buy some unusual equipment that I would not otherwise purchase. We shall see! Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Keep me up to date with your kickstarter

Regards

Craig
 
Penpal

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
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25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
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Peter
For a starter it looks like a finished article to me,your hand skills are to be admired. Overal a pen of distinction.

Peter.
 
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Gregory Hardy

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Posts
454
Location
Upper New York State
First Name
Greg
Thank you, Peter and Phil. Your comments are treasured. I am learning that the simpler I make my custom pens, the happier I (and others) seem to be. Once all of the "simple things" fall into place, then I can embellish. It was almost exactly a year ago that I started messaging Phil to ask question (those about which I am now embarrassed) concerning "adapting kits" to accomplish what really was making completely custom pens. He answered patiently (and with very helpful detail), never putting me off, always being helpful. This pen marks the beginning of a new thing for me - producing "kitless" pens as a "standard process," and the basis falls entirely with the support of some very helpful folks on this forum. I appreciate it.
 
Bill Mooney

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
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Aug 16, 2014
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11,096
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County Durham
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Bill
So you should be proud of them Greg. That looks an excellent Pen to me but that’s not much of a recommendation my eyesight being what it is.:funny:
Joking aside I think you’re on a winner. Best of luck Greg mate.:thumbs:
 
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Gregory Hardy

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Posts
454
Location
Upper New York State
First Name
Greg
Bill Mooney said:
So you should be proud of them Greg. That looks an excellent Pen to me but that’s not much of a recommendation my eyesight being what it is.:funny:
Joking aside I think you’re on a winner. Best of luck Greg mate.:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thanks, Bill. Makers of custom ("kitless") pens - fountain or not, all seem to get together and set a minimum selling price. I certainly don't want to break any glass floor on pricing, but I think completely custom pens can come into an easier price range for someone who just wants to start with a completely handmade pen. This might be the first step. Thanks for the kind words, Bill. They always mean a lot to me.
 
Bill Mooney

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
11,096
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
Gregory Hardy said:
Thanks, Bill. Makers of custom ("kitless") pens - fountain or not, all seem to get together and set a minimum selling price. I certainly don't want to break any glass floor on pricing, but I think completely custom pens can come into an easier price range for someone who just wants to start with a completely handmade pen. This might be the first step. Thanks for the kind words, Bill. They always mean a lot to me.
Click to expand...
The words are deserved Greg. This IS Pen making.
Bill
 
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