Long Clicker Metallic Green

[qquake2k]

This is a Dayacom Long Clicker in bright copper. The blank is Metallic Green from Exotic blanks. I've wanted to make a Long Clicker for quite some time, and I'm glad I finally did. I like its simple elegance. I really like the green blank with the copper finish. There were several challenges involved, though, and Ill document them in subsequent posts.

 

[qquake2k]

The first challenge I ran into was drilling the blank. It calls for a 4-1/2" blank, and they recommend a drill bit with long flutes. I tried a 10" long impact bit I have, but it wasn't accurate enough. Same with the 12" standard bit I have. So I used my normal brad point bit, and raised the blank periodically as I drilled it. But it wouldn't drill past the flutes, so I finished it with a helix bit. I finally got it drilled all the way through. It didn't drill all that straight, but it was good enough.

 

[qquake2k]

The next challenge wasn't with the pen, but with the blank. This particular blank was much more brittle than I expected. Turning it was as bad as, if not worse than, turning inlace acrylester. The spindle gouge I normally use chipped it very badly. So I switched to a carbide chisel, which was better. I wanted the body to have a slight bulge, but I was afraid to try shaping it with either chisel, as I was afraid the ends would chip out. That has happened to me in the past. So I reverted to the tried and true 120 grit chisel. That worked better than I expected. I polished it with my usual regimen, and it turned out quite nice. There are a couple of some sort of occlusions in the blank, but I don't think they look bad. They're not on the surface.

 

[qquake2k]

Assembling it was very easy, with only two parts to press into the body. It came with a sleeve to use for pressing the click mechanism into the finial end. Nice touch. But surprisingly, the Dayacom refill it came with wouldn't write. Fortunately, I ordered the upgrade EasyFlow refill with the pen kit. It writes well, but there is a ridge on the tip which kind of catches when the refill is retracted. Not as smooth as I like, but I can live with it.

 

[fortress]

Well done Jim, you overcame each problem as it presented itself and finished up with a very nice looking pen, great blank.

 

[Themackay]

Nice result in the end after all the issues

 

[wm460]

Great save great looking pen.

 

[Les ELm]

Well done.

Les

 

[flexi]

That is a lovely pen and i love that blank it looks almost metal....another well done pen

 

[edlea]

Great looking blank...very impressed with your resolve

 

[Buckeye]

I do like the clicker it has a good length to show off nice blanks, the final finish looks great but you should try the skew, all my acrylics are done with a skew and there is never any chip out like you show.

Peter

 

[angelo49]

Very nice Jim!!!
I haven't had much luck with the click
mechanisms though.

 

[Penpal]

Love the pen, the conversation your approaches and endeavors Jim.

Peter.