Tooling for "kitless" pens

[jim0505]

Hi Everyone,

After being asked for a pen that couldn't be "made" using a kit, I have decided to take the plunge and start educating myself, through YouTube and practical exercises, in creating one or more examples of the "kitless" pen. I am the sort of person who does research and read, but has "to do", to understand what can go wrong, and I have been finding that out during my practicals.

The information is out there and I have made a start using it, however I would like to make my own sections, at some point, using Bock housings. I have been getting the tools from Tracy Tools and they are fine, for where I am at, at the moment. What I can't find are the small taps for the housing threads #5 - 6.4 x .6mm and #6 - 7.9 x .6mm (these sizes were found in an old article, so I hope they still hold true, now). I would really appreciate it if anyone could guide me to suppliers who stock these.

Kind regards
Jim

 

[silver]

[MENTION=1287]jim0505[/MENTION] For bock taps try our own Phil Dart

Thread taps for Bock nibs
Mon fact Phil will also have the Bock nibs , feeders and all the other taps you need as well

 

[jim0505]

Hi Eamonn,

Thanks for the pointer. I think I had looked at them before I found out what I needed, and didn't think of going back, if that makes sense!! You will probably now understand why I may take a while to get to grips with kitless.

Regards
Jim

 

[silver]

No worries [MENTION=1287]jim0505[/MENTION] it does make sense, been there still do it..

Looking forward to seeing your first kitless then now

 

[Gregory Hardy]

You will still want the Bock nib tap to thread the interior of the section in order to accept a Bock nib. There are plenty of other nibs available - I use a Bock nib and will continue to do so. Check with Phil. It's turning out that he might be the most helpful guy I know! Once you have that tap to accept the nib, you can allow your imagination to run wild about the exterior size of the section and its threading to enter the pen barrel. All of these details are true for Jowo or any other commercial nib feed system. (But Phil's da man.)

 

[Penpal]

One consideration will come up would posting your pens be needed or not, my own preference is not posted.

Peter.

 

[jcgolov]

I get all of mine at Beauford Ink. Well know, Brilliant transaction and they are very helpful... You will not be disappointed. You will get eventing for kitless pens. I assume you are living in the UK like I am.

 

[wm460]

Plus one for Beauford Ink.

 

[silver]

I get all of mine at Beauford Ink. Well know, Brilliant transaction and they are very helpful... You will not be disappointed. You will get eventing for kitless pens. I assume you are living in the UK like I am.

I know Beaufort will ship outside the UK as well.

 

[jim0505]

Hi all,

Thank you for responding and giving me directions. I have started to get used to the tools required and after a try with acrylic, which I didn't like using very much, I got some black ebonite, to practice threads and found that a lot easier. I really want to carry on making my pens in wood, so I used the ebonite to make some test fittings that enabled me to use the wood as I had hoped. I have ordered some more patterned ebonite and other bits from Phil, and I will have a more serious attempt at a non-wood pen or two. I attach a couple of photos of my first, 90% complete pen, just need some clip practice, before I can do a whole pen. The wood is walnut, just oiled and buffed.

Kind regards
Jim

 

[Penpal]

Highly regarded first of many Jim ,more progress than most in a short time. Wish you every success in demystifying the processes.

Peter.

 

[Gregory Hardy]

You did it! Good for you. I am new to custom pens and it has become a consuming endeavor. Great pen.

 

[wm460]

Well done that looks great Jim.

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

Stunning work sir!

 

[Bammer]

A Great start, well done

 

[Phil Dart]

Jim, that's a mighty fine first custom pen.

 

[jim0505]

Hi All,

Continuing my journey.

Had a practice session today with the objective of making my own section, using Peter Bock nib setup.
I try and measure everything, however I still end up adjusting and modifying to get a result, is this normal or do others get a perfect fit each time?
Anyway, the section is okay-ish but the cutting of the internal thread to hold the nib housing didn't quite work, so it is now a push/friction fit, which seems fine!!.
I also think the section needs a little better shaping, so I will make some fine adjustments tomorrow.
Another thing I find is that I use of all of normal blank on just the the cap and barrel and not quite having enough to make the "button", my poor sizing or need to buy the longer length.

Kind Regards
Jim

 

[Penpal]

I notice in other places the suggestion is to look for longer blanks to solve your problem. You may have to pay a premium.

Peter.

 

[silver]

I notice in other places the suggestion is to look for longer blanks to solve your problem. You may have to pay a premium.

Peter.

First looks are promising and looks goorpd in photo.

I agree with Peter, you will need a 150mm long blank ideally. Anything shorter and it would be tight.

 

[Phil Dart]

First looks are promising and looks goorpd in photo.

I agree with Peter, you will need a 150mm long blank ideally. Anything shorter and it would be tight.

You're already ordering them in 150mm lengths Jim. The cut sizes of ebonite on the website are intended to be helpful for custom makers for specific tasks - 60mm if you just want to make a section, 150mm if you want to make two barrels, and 200mm if you want to make the whole pen from the same piece. Those lengths allow for a little extra for work holding and wastage. Having said that, you can buy the ebonite in what ever length you wish up to 400mm, in increments of 10mm, and that maximum is only imposed by the constraints of Royal Mail - longer than that and they start to get expensive to ship. In fact they're cut from 1000mm rods, so if you want something that's a wee bit more than the 150's you're currently ordering, just shout.