Changes

== Turning the Body and Cap ==

== Turning the Body and Cap ==

The 7 mm pen mandrel comes with spacers, which generally aren’t used and are set aside. The pen mandrel goes in the lathe headstock. One then assembles the bushings (specific to the pen kit, which the user is expected to supply) and the pen blanks with tubes on the lathe according to the kit directions. Take care because the assembly order typically does matter; often, pen caps or upper body parts are different diameters than the lower pen body.

[[File:PenBlanksOnMandrel.jpeg|thumb]]The 7 mm pen mandrel comes with spacers, which generally aren’t used and are set aside. The pen mandrel goes in the lathe headstock. One then assembles the bushings (specific to the pen kit, which the user is expected to supply) and the pen blanks with tubes on the lathe according to the kit directions. Take care because the assembly order typically does matter; often, pen caps or upper body parts are different diameters than the lower pen body.

We use a “mandrel saver” that slips on the end of the mandrel and has a Morse taper that fits in the tailstock. Apply enough tension using the tailstock ram so that the piece can be turned in the lathe securely, but avoid excess tension. Make sure both the tailstock is locked to the bed, and the ram is locked in the tailstock.

We use a “mandrel saver” that slips on the end of the mandrel and has a Morse taper that fits in the tailstock. Apply enough tension using the tailstock ram so that the piece can be turned in the lathe securely, but avoid excess tension. Make sure both the tailstock is locked to the bed, and the ram is locked in the tailstock.

Then, turn the wood to the appropriate profile, according to the instructions and artistic preference. Keep in mind that the amount of wood on a typical pen may be less than 1 mm. The lathe tools have a tendency to gauge the wood and tear at grain, so approach the final diameter and profile with course sandpaper.

Then, turn the wood to the appropriate profile, according to the instructions and artistic preference. Keep in mind that the amount of wood on a typical pen may be less than 1 mm. The lathe tools have a tendency to gauge the wood and tear at grain, so approach the final diameter and profile with course sandpaper.<br clear=all>

== Finishing ==

== Finishing ==