Grumps Review of Dan's new kit the OMEGA

[chas_41_uk]

Good review Brian and I can see what you mean about the step
Like all pens it is going to be down to personal preference of the turner and choice from customers
I will certainly buy some and give them a go when Dan gets a stock

 

[Neil Lawton]

With all due respect to Grump, Walter, and Neil's future review, I couldn't care less what shape they turn them.
It's like those people who won't put a bid on a beautiful house at a knock down price, because they don't like the wallpaper!
The kit looks good, I'll buy some and turn them my way! If they don't sell I won't buy any more! Simples!

 

[paulm]

OK wheres Grump gone? we've got an imposter init? A nice one with all nice and fluffy language just isn't right and we want our miserable grumpy b4stard back. So come on you aliens give him back.

OH... wait a minute, did Dan pay him to be nice? ummm now theres a thought... Grump is on the payroll. I'll phone up the Ferrari man tomorrow and see if two new ones have been ordered.

While we're waiting for Brian to return, the review by his stand in was very good and I'll certainly be ordering some.

 

[silver]

Thanks for an open and honest post Brian, and I do like the LP, think you have done it proud..

However, I agree with your concerns of the "step" but as you say there has to be one.

I remember buying a magnetic necklace pen kits with woody, that has an absolute horrible step on it and my potential customer just frowned and floored it so it didn't take off.

Lost my faith in it and still have the other kit waiting for some suspecting customer to loose there marbles and ask me to make one..

But having said that Neil has given it a good report and speaks highly of it so I'm wondering if the step is long enough away from the nib to not matter all that much.

Anyway, look forward to the next review.. And thanks for keeping an open mind on it,, init....

 

[Grump]

Hi Eamonn I found a box of blanks you sent me some good while ago and thought the London Plane would look good on this kit.
I still have the majority of them to turn yet which I would love to get round to doing.
As for the step, as you say it is far enough back not to interfere with the feel of the pen, it really does feel very comfortable.
It is a nice writer for sure, the barrel finial I like it has a nice fine thread integral to it which serves the function of making it postable.
The clip is shorter and more stylish than other two piece pens which I think works very well in practice and appearance.
Overall it's really growing on me the more I play with it the more I like it.

 

[Walter]

Great review Brian. You are much more critical of pen kits generally that I am and I am glad to see that this goes some way towards meeting your expectations.

i do hope i have not offended anyone
it was not my intention

Steve

No worries Steve, I take no offence at the comments on the shape I have made it. Like Brian said, you just say what you think. I made it that way as it was the obvious way given the differing sizes of the ends and is what most people will do with it. There are plenty of options for alternative shapes of the barrel, it is just a matter of how creative you want to be. A couple I can think of off hand are to maintain a straight barrel with steeper curves in to the end or adding a concave curve to reflect the curve of the nib unit. Just use your imagination.

 

[Buckeye]

I think that is the first completed pen you have shown since Dan's last lot of sample he gave out. People are going to have to buy some and experiment with their turning for it, I look forward to seeing the various shapes they come up with.

Peter

 

[Walter]

the barrel finial I like it has a nice fine thread integral to it which serves the function of making it postable.

This comment about the fine thread caused me to go back and compare the threads with a Dayacon Junior Gent. As you will see they are much finer and sharper on the Omega. This pic also illustrates the larger "step" between tip and barrel that Brian mentioned.


IMG_0335 by walter.hall, on Flickr

 

[Buckeye]

Are the tube lengths that same as the Baron2 and JR Gent1 ? I have looked at the virage which is similar to the Omega but it doesn't give tube length and the Omega may not be the same length tubes anyway.

Peter

 

[Grump]

Tube length of the barrel is a gnats cock shorter than a Dunhill Rollalite petrol version and the cap is the same longth as my usb stick.
I dunno mate I didn't think to compare them, can have a measure when I get back from hospital later.
Unless Walter responds beforehand.

 

[Walter]

Cap tube same as Baron 46mm

Barrel tube longer Baron 53mm Omega 58mm

 

[Grump]

Thank you Walter.
I didn't want to compare during construction as the Omega is a pen in it's own right.
I am happy to put it against others now it's complete.

 

[Buckeye]

Cap tube same as Baron 46mm

Barrel tube longer Baron 53mm Omega 58mm

Thank you Walter, I was hoping they were the same so I could use the same moulds for casting and prepare a few blanks in advance.

Peter

 

[Jimjam66]

i was going to edit my post
but i thought it deserved a response
the kit looks great to me..and i will be ordering when available
i guess i was hoping there was a 3rd reviewer that maybe put a "spin" on it
i am sure these will be a good seller
has anyone else got one that can try something different ?

Steve

Steve, absolutely no offence taken, not by me nor by any other reasonable individual. However, bear in mind that Brian's intention here was to show off the kit on Dan's behalf, so a simple taper was the best (only?) choice. Up to you to decide how you jazz things up when you have the kit bought at he retail price, no?

My issue is with this section, I can understand the reasoning for it but would prefer it to be more symmetrical to the finial.

View attachment 8922

A bit jarring to the eye, but tellingly you found it very comfortable in the hand. Swings and roundabouts, not so?

Lovely review Brian - you are (despite your protests) a very nice man!

 

[Grump]

You have been noticeable by your lack of postings lately young David.
I know the holiday took preference over the forum but since you returned still to quiet enuff for comfort.
Prey tell is it a time consuming awe inspiring project we will get unveiled to us soon???

 

[Jimjam66]

You have been noticeable by your lack of postings lately young David.
I know the holiday took preference over the forum but since you returned still to quiet enuff for comfort.
Prey tell is it a time consuming awe inspiring project we will get unveiled to us soon???

I wish, mate! Just too much of the day job and the littl'uns, and no time for hobbies. Can't complain though, I love spending time with my kids and watching them grow up.

 

[yorkshireman]

Looks good to me. I'll be trying a dozen or so when they are available in chrome.

 

[Jim]

Reading a review is always good, but do i take any gorm of them, no i don't, i like to make my own mind up whether i like it or not .. A review is that of one person who may like or dislike something that he has used, built, eaten or a holiday hotel just to name a few. It doesn't mean i dislike what Brian or Walter have said, i respect their words of wisdom, heck they have been making pens a long time. I will buy these pens when available and make my own decision, just like most of you here will ..

A good honest review BTW Brian ..

 

[billyb_imp]

Great review Brian, along with a nicely turned pen, I will give them a go and the customers will make my mind up

But I do like the look of them, they are a bit different

 

[Lons]

Saw the kit at York and my name's already on a few. Chrome would def be my prefered plating though.

The 500 you ordered might not be enough Dan