Where to start

[Tiny James]

So today is going to be my first order of tap and dies but I can't afford to buy all the threading taps and dies required to make a pen so I have a quick question what part of the pen should I start and what tap and die should I buy.

I was thinking of buying the barrel and cap set at 14x0.8 intermediate set but what would or did you do when you first started collecting your kitless pen tools ??

Think I'm going to start with a hybrid pen blanks and just make a rough pen shape with the pen cap and barrel threaded and turned ?


James

 

[flexi]

Interesting dilemma....
I think I would go that way too, as its bigger, but you would also need the nib section tap too..... So that's half the bits to start with

 

[Penpal]

Like your thoughts look forward to how you go.

Peter.

 

[ValleyBoy]

I would say that triple lead threading, (if that’s what you’re thinking of for the cap threads), is the trickiest to master.

Cheers
Ash

 

[Tiny James]

Thank you Ash.
Well after a lot of research and taking into account all the extra tools and material needed for starting kitless pens I have just bought a 14x1.0 normal tap and die set also a tap for the section 10x1mm from Beaufort ink. I have also bought nylon rod to make a mandrel for the barrel and cap.

So what section can I use for my first kitless pen I have to admit I've not looked and the section available in the m10x1mm thread.

I did check on Beaufort ink if hybrid blanks are suitable for threading and they say not?? why I thought Hybrid was wood and pressure epoxy so very stable and has resin running through out the blank so it shouldn't break down when cutting a thread on it ??

So I hope to be cutting and making some mandrels over the weekend

James

 

[Phil Dart]

I did check on Beaufort ink if hybrid blanks are suitable for threading and they say not?? why I thought Hybrid was wood and pressure epoxy so very stable and has resin running through out the blank so it shouldn't break down when cutting a thread on it ??
James

Err.. I'm not sure where we said not James. If the acrylic is sound, and not polyester, I don't see why it can't be threaded. What I might have said is that the wood part of the hybrid might not be suitable for threading, but that would be a case by case decision.

 

[ValleyBoy]

Hey James

Starting with the blanks, do yourself a massive favour and get yourself some kirinite acrylic blanks. They are amongst the cheapest, they thread and turn like a dream and look really beautiful when finished. I think the Pearl type is particularly nice but there are lots to choose from. Stabilised wood is probably the hardest (difficult) thing to try threading on and isn’t really great even if you’re really experienced. Acrylic really is your best bet to start with.

As for the section you just need to buy the tap for the nib you want to use (the nibs are in a housing that screws in to the section, so you need the specific tap for each nib). To keep it simple if you were to look at Bock then you’ve got the option of a no 5 or a no 6 nib (no 6 is bigger in diameter). So let’s say you decide to start with pens that take a no6 nib then you’d need to buy the no6 tap to thread the inside of the section that you make. Beaufort sell them (and Phil is very helpful).

Alternatively you can buy a ready made section for a particular nib but I think you’d need an 8.5 X 1 tap to thread the barrel with to accept it and, as you’ve already bought a 10mm tap and die for making the section and threading the barrel, then probably makes sense to make your own section.

So in summary you either build your own section (in which case you need to buy the tap for the nib) or you buy a ready made section (in which case you need to buy a tap for the barrel).

I’m not sure if that’s helped at all.

Cheers
Ash

 

[alpha1]

I went with the M12x0.8 triple lead. I bought the full set of taps dies. The housing taps and everything needed to turn a pen using either the size 5 or size 6 nibs. They were not cheap but they should last a lifetime if looked after. I have just purchased and received the brass threaded mandrels in 12x0.8 Lead and the M7.9 x0.6 with a M10x1 female thread from Phil all I need now is some shed time. A decent camera would help I don't post many pictures of my creations because the pictures are pap.
I am getting a steady stream of folk wanting pens but I will never get rich making pens. I received an email tonight from a Guy whose wife had bought him one of my fountain pens for Xmas. Apparently, he loves it. Made my day.

 

[Tiny James]

I do hope to go down the path of triple lead tap and die but not just yet.

so to date the tools I have bought for kitless pen's
collet chuck
sliding die holder
tap for section 10x1 mm
Tap and die 14x1 mm for barrel and cap will be upgrading later but this will have to do for now (practice)
drill chuck
I have ordered a section sleeve for my first pen
Bok #6 to fit the above sleeve
Acrylic blank
nylon rod to make a mandrel for barrel and cap.

I have some carbide chisels from Amazon I was wondering if I can turn brass with them for a better mandrel.
do I need anything else for a kitless pen

James

 

[Tiny James]

I do hope to go down the path of triple lead tap and die but not just yet.

so to date the tools I have bought for kitless pen's
collet chuck
sliding die holder
tap for section 10x1 mm
Tap and die 14x1 mm for barrel and cap will be upgrading later but this will have to do for now (practice)
drill chuck
I have ordered a section sleeve for my first pen
Bok #6 to fit the above sleeve
Acrylic blank
nylon rod to make a mandrel for barrel and cap.

I have some carbide chisels from Amazon I was wondering if I can turn brass with them for a better mandrel.
do I need anything else for a kitless pen

James

 

[ValleyBoy]

Hi James

I think you're pretty much set but if, by "section sleeve", you mean the ready made Bock sections that Beaufort sells then I think you need a M8.5 x 1.0mm tap to connect it to the barrel (your 10x1 tap isn't going to work for this purpose). I may be wrong, or perhaps I have misunderstood you, but thats what it says.

And brass can be turned on a wood lathe using high speed steel or carbide tools. Just take light passes and, whist its not essential, a little lubrication helps.

Cheers
Ash

 

[Tiny James]

Ash This is what I mean the section sleeve

Section sleeves for custom pens - pre-threaded for Bock size 6 nibs

I've watch the video and it's 10x1mm tap I need the inside is threaded to take the nib bok #6

James

 

[ValleyBoy]

Ah yes, I forgot about those.

Well in that case I think you're all set so good luck!

Cheers
Ash