I just bought myself a small lathe. I am infatuated with it and am looking for beginner projects to learn. If I were to turn a pen or three would anyone like one as a PIF?
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I'm in and would pay for shipping to Canada.
If I have any advice to give its this... if you're handy, it won't be a difficult project.
The finish may be a learning curve if you are new to wood finishes. CY finishes (basically thick super glue) are quite durable. I personally use Danish oil and then spray with clear lacquer. Several coats, sand with 600 grit w/d or so, then a few more coats. Polishing is last. Lacquer is very easy to get good results with. The finish is not quite as durable, but it's not fragile either.
Most kit pens have a fairly long head at the nib designed for the writing hold. This head screws into the pen body,, and most of the time will be the length of the cap (including the nib). My fingertips don't touch wood grain while writing so this is a non issue.IMHO, most pen users are going to prefer a matte finish that allows better grip/feel with fingers directly on the wood grain, rather than a thick, glossy, slippery coating that might be more appropriate elsewhere. Of course that may make the pen susceptible to staining from ink so YMMV.