01
Choosing the Materials
I select blanks and hardware from a wide range of trustworthy, ethically sourced materials. My workshop contains hundreds of blanks of all kinds and many different styles of hardware.
02
Prepare the Blanks
Once the material is selected, the blanks must be cut to size and a hole must be drilled precisely through the center of the blank. Then, a brass tube is inserted with epoxy to bind it to the blank. After the tubes have dried overnight, the ends of the blank are squared up to the exact measurements of the pen’s specifications.
03
Turn the Pen!
This is the fun part. I crank the lathe up to 2000 RPMs and shape the blank into the desired profile. Depending on the material, this can be done in minutes or hours. I use only the sharpest tools–either carbide blades or sharpened High Strength Steel.
04
Sand, Sand, Sand.
To achieve the smooth body of a fine writing utensil, the material must be sanded with increasingly fine abrasion. I usually start with 120 grit and end with 12,000 grit micro mesh, 14 different grits in total. The pads I use are the same as the ones used in the manufacture of aircraft.
05
Protect and Polish.
Most material needs a protective coat to protect it from the oils in a user’s hand, as well erosion as sunlight and the elements. Cryanacrylate is generally the strongest and longest lasting way to protect the pen. I will carefully coat the pen with CA, give it a chance to dry and add additional coats of differing viscosity. A pen will have between 7 and 20 coats before it is done. These layers must also be sanded (with at least 8 steps of micro mesh), polished (usually with 6 different polishing compounds( and buffed.
06
Assemble and test.
Using specialized equipment, the final product is pressed together and carefully assembled . Once the pen has been tested, it is ready for you!