First circuit board pen

[qquake2k]

I've never been a big fan of the circuit board pens, they always seemed kind of "gimmicky" to me. I've also never been much of a fan of the Sierra style pens. But my friend Hanna was with me at Woodcraft a few months ago, and she thought they were very cool. Then when I saw that they were on clearance on Woodcraft's website, I ordered one. I must say, my opinion has changed. It is a very cool looking pen, and I think it goes well with the Sierra style. I know that the blue background isn't the best for this pen, but it's all I had. I need to get some different colors.

 

[qquake2k]

This is actually my second attempt at this pen. The first one chipped out very badly on one end, enough to make it unusable. Now I've chipped out a lot of blanks in my day, but didn't think it was my fault this time. The clear resin on the blank was a little odd. In the first place the outside surface was very sticky. Never experienced that before with acrylic. It also looked kind of yellowish, and I was thinking maybe there was something wrong with the resin. Maybe it had cured improperly or not completely. It was very brittle. I complained to Woodcraft, and they generously sent a new kit at no charge.

 

[qquake2k]

The blank in the new kit was the same, sticky and yellow. So I proceeded very carefully, taking very light cuts. It still chipped, but not enough to ruin it. I finally got it turned and polished. I admit, I felt no small measure of satisfaction with the successful turning of it. If you look closely at the closeup photo, you can see I was left with a tiny chip on the end. But it was hardly noticeable in person, so I went ahead and used it.

I don't know why the photos uploaded out of order. I tried several times to no avail. Never had that happen before.

 

[qquake2k]

I have to say, I'm pleased with how this one turned out.

 

[bluntchisel]

Nice one, Johnny, after a tortuous journey! Was this defect the reason they were on discount, one wonders?

Bob.

 

[billyb_imp]

Very nice Jim, great contrast in the colours

 

[angelo49]

Very nice Jim!!
I kinda' like that color circut board.

 

[qquake2k]

Very nice Jim!!
I kinda' like that color circut board.

It was either blue or orange, and I definitely like the blue better.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/14...e-circuit-board-ballpoint-pen-kit-chrome.aspx

 

[Les ELm]

Nicely done.

Les

 

[Bill Mooney]

The blue looks nice Jim.

 

[ZuluTiming]

It happened to me as well. I was using the carbide cutter. After switching to a "conventional" tooling it was fine. Of course I used very small/gentle cuts.

 

[Penpal]

Because of my Sparky background I am still in awe with printed circuit boards so much happening in so small a space so I already love it I have never made a blue one there are so many other colours. Today I will give a guy who acts as a courier from Tasmania the one I turned recently in green at that time I did one in black. In Isolation every one of them will have found a special place with people. Its not gimmicky in my eyes its clever use of a product one that I prefer above so many others. Nothing abstract right up front and different.

Peter.

 

[Jim]

It is a nice looking pen Jim ..

I like these blanks, but i am no to keen on the kits that they are made for, but i do understand that the Sierra is most suited for them ..

 

[chas_41_uk]

Very nice Jim

 

[wm460]

Great looking pen Jim.
All the ones I have are all sticky and yellow, but are OK when turned.

 

[Penpal]

I presented one of the circuit board pens last night as a thankyou it was received with delight the guy is a multi degreed bloke one of which was Electrical Engineering with Hons he is also a coin collector and loved the pen stand and penny coin.

Peter.