I should know better...

[Tim Brooks]

I finally returned home last night after a long day at approximately 10:30 pm. I was still wide awake (or so I thought) so I figured I would finish up the Filigree Pen I had started Tuesday night (this is the first Fligree pen I have turned). After getting the top turned down for a snug fit of the filigree--it was perfect; and after figuring out how to part down the section of the top to receive the center trim ring (had to use a really small screwdriver--more on this later), I sanded over and over then put a CA finish on the dyed maple burl pen blank. I put a great deal of time in getting a perfect finish on this blank. I wanted it to be my best yet as this was the most I had spent on a single pen kit and blank. Anyway, after finishing all the steps to be completed on the lathe, I was extremely please with the shine.

It was at this point I realized it was 12:15 am but I was determined to get this thing together. Then I realized I left the assembly instructions in my truck and with it being so late, I didn't want to wake the wife up by getting my keys out of the bedroom--that was a very bad decision.

I had studied the instructions yesterday as I was not sure of how to complete a certain step so I thought I would have not problem remembering the steps. Well, I forgot one! I left off the lower trim ring! Now that it is assembled, I can't for the life of me get the assembly apart. I know there is a disassembly tool that Woodcraft sells but I have heard these don't work that well. Any input on how to get the tip out of the tube is welcome. I have already cracked the turned blank trying to get a grip on it but I think I can repair that if I can get the assembly apart.


Also, back to how to part the end of the lower tube... What sort of turning tool would one use to part off 1/16 of an inch against the bushing? Like I said, I sharpened a small screwdriver. While it worked, I'm sure there is a more appropriate way to do this.


Sorry for the rambling but I felt I must explain myself for the stupidity.

[John Hart]

Late at night and tired. Boy, I can relate to that. Some of my best mistakes are made then. Hopefully, I wasn't too tired to remember the lesson.

On your 1/16 inch parting problem....here's what I do. Old printers that no longer have a purpose, contain shafts that run the gears and rollers and stuff. These shafts come in a variety of diameters, but the beauty is, they are all hardened steel. They make great miniature turning tools and allow for an ample handle and plenty of sharpening length.

[Rich Stewart]

I've tried to take a couple pens apart. I think it is impossible to get one apart without goofing something up. I was trying to take one apart one time and while I succeeded in taking my finger apart I never did get the pen apart. They will only come apart if you didn't intend for them to come apart. Hope this helps.

Rich

[Tim Brooks]

I've tried to take a couple pens apart. I think it is impossible to get one apart without goofing something up. I was trying to take one apart one time and while I succeeded in taking my finger apart I never did get the pen apart. They will only come apart if you didn't intend for them to come apart. Hope this helps.

Rich

That is what I suspected... Before everything else fails, have the directions handy. Right?!

[Roger Fitzsimonds]

I bought a punch set from harbor freight. They have many different diameter shafts and so far have worked great for disassembelling pens. I hold the pen in my hand and use a small ball pean hammer to tap the punch. and put a towel on the bench to catch what ever I am knocking out.

Good luck
Roger

[Tim Brooks]

I bought a punch set from harbor freight. They have many different diameter shafts and so far have worked great for disassembelling pens. I hold the pen in my hand and use a small ball pean hammer to tap the punch. and put a towel on the bench to catch what ever I am knocking out.

Good luck
Roger

I wanted to thank you, Roger, for your advice on the punch set. I went by and purchased the punch set just to give it a try and it worked like a champ! It is amazing how the simplest of solutions are so easy to over look.

Thanks again. Here is a picture of the final product... Dyed (Blue) Maple Burl is the pen blank color. Thanks for the input and for looking...

[Bernie Weishapl]

Hey nice save Tim. That is a cool looking pen. Nice job.