I'm starting this as a service to the many new penturners that are popping up and who will be appearing before and after Christmas. I'm asking you to submit only one really pithy point about what you would (if you could) tell a new pen turner to help them make more successful pens. No parameters on the area where your comment fits, but that it only be one issue per post. Please share your wisdom and why it's important. Be sure to let us know if your tip is "model specific." Could be about turning, prep, construction, shopping for quality kits, abrasives, finish, or any other aspect of pen making that attracts your attention when you pick up and touch a pen that could have been helped by knowing what you know.
Example: Be sure to check after you mill the end of the blank. The goal is to have shiny brass that is flush with the wood, not standing proud of the blank. Some mills leave as much as 1/64" of brass standing proud.
If the brass stands proud, you won't be able to squeeze the parts all the way into the tube and you'll have gaps below the cap or above the tip, or at the center/waist band.
What's your favorite little trick or pet peeve? Really are no rights or wrongs here, just info that will help newbies in the making of these fun little projects.