Indian Ebony Pen

[NikNak]

Here's the gentlemans pen i was asked to make from ebony..... but with a matt finish...

finished to 1200 paper then wet & dry'd using some glass polishing paper i got from work, giving an ultra smooth finish.


Even at this stage i was still convinced that the guy had made the wrong decision in choosing matt, so i made a slimline pencil as well but with a gloss finish (Hut Crystal Coat from TR)....

I took the pencil & 2 pen halves into work to try and get him to change his mind. But no, he wanted it matt. So i went home and assembled it. And i will be the first one to put my hand up and say he got it totally right...!! Everyone i've shown it to have said just how nice it looks with the matt finish. What do you guys think..??



Nick

 

[rileytoolworks]

Absolutely stunning.
Love the finish.
A really well made pen.
Thanks for sharing.
Adam.

 

[SVB]

Hi Nick,

I do like both very much but I wonder how the matt will stand-up to use / grease marks from fingers etc? Presumably these is some sealer on the timber?

If marking is a problem, I wonder if a hard gloss finish cut back to matt would be a solution?? Interesting to think about.

Either way, nice work!

S

 

[CHJ]

I personally have no preference, but I can see why someone else might desire the 'difference' of a matt presentation.

I doubt it will hold it's matt finish for long though as handling is likely to impart a shiny patina. (SVB beat me to it)

Both pieces show care in assembly and attention to good fit.

 

[NikNak]

dohhh.... sorry guys forgot to mention....

it had copious coats of sanding sealer, then a couple of coats of melamine lacquer which were allowed to harden. But have to admit during the cutting back process just about all of the lacquer was removed.

I did tried 'dobbing' it with sticky fingers, and all marks do seem to come of quite cleanly, but do agree with Chas.... eventually human 'intervention' will leave it's glossy mark.





Nick

 

[Walter Hall]

It is a nice looking pen, nicely fitted and the finish looks good, but you don't actually say what finish you have used.

Edit: our posts crossed. melamine lacquer cut back to matt is a good choice IMHO

 

[gasmansteve]

Stunning pair there Nick I'd be chuffed to bits if I was given those as a present :wink:
Steve

 

[laird]

That's nice. Where did the kit come from ?
I've a project coming up involving a bit of a prop from a Seafire that came down during the war. It's just been found, the pilot's remains recovered for burial, and the guys that dug it out have asked me to make a pen from the (small bits) of prop they've located - to give to the pilot's son. I'd rather make it from a nice kit than a run of the mill one.

 

[SVB]

Laird,

Phil Irons has some really top quality pen kits that I think give more flexibility on size than the standard kits - (top dollar as well but may be worth a call for a project like this).

http://www.philironswoodturning.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=105

Best of luck and don't forget the photos!

S

 

[laird]

Thanks, and yes, there'll be photos.

 

[tekno.mage]

I think the matt finish is much nicer. It makes the pen look like it is made of wood - too high a gloss (esp on a dark wood) can look a bit plasticky.

Couple of very nice pens you've made there.

tekno.mage

 

[loz]

Both are wonderful Nick, Im sure the owner will be very happy.

I prefer the gloss finish to the pencil though

 

[Paul.J]

Very nice Nick.Lovely finish

 

[NikNak]

Laird.... the kit came from Turner Retreat, they're a tad expensive, but the quality is amazing, and the finished item has a weighty feel to it.

In the last month or so i've bought 3 x Gents fountain & roller ball kits and 3 x Gents Classic fountin & rollerball kits, (the classic is approx 2/3rds the size, and meant as a ladies pen), and i wouldn't be spending that sort of money it i didn't think they were worth it.

see here...
http://www.turners-retreat.co.uk/acatal ... ction.html

if you buy the fountain pen and rollerball together you save a fiver.


gasmansteve..... these weren't 'given' as a present as you put it..... i sold them to an eager buyer at work.




Nick

 

[laird]

Thanks Nick.
I've just received the bits of prop - and boy, it's going to be a challenge :? I'm air drying the two ..................fragments, and they're splitting all over. I suppose a Seafire hitting the ground at terminal velocity, on it's back, at a 70 degree angle isn't the best preperation for timber to lie deep in a lump of wet ground for some 70 years. A good quality pen kit is the least I can start with.
Thanks again.