Back in Action!

[Bob Ellis]

No, I'm not new to the Forum, but pressure of work and other commitments have kept me away from the Forum and away from pen turning for nine or ten months, so it feels like I am starting again. I turned on my lathe a few days ago for the first time in ages and have now completed six pens. The first two were this Tetra stylus ballpoint in Deep Blue Pearl acrylic and this Junior Gentleman ballpoint using one of George Watkins' gorgeous blanks. This one is mini pine cones in iridescent bronze acrylic. It's the first time I have used a mini pine cone blank and it needed a bit of extra work because there were several small holes to fill before applying the finishing polish of CA glue with a final layer of Hut Ultra Gloss. However, I think the extra effort was worth it: I'm really pleased with the finished pen. The Tetra stylus has gone already: my wife stole it!

 

[Bob Ellis]

My next two were both fountain pens: a TM Alpha in Turquoise Dream acrylic and a Beaufort Mistral in Thuya Burl. This is my first experience of the Alpha and the Mistral and, like others here, I am really impressed with the quality of both kits. Well done, Dan and Phil.

 

[Penpal]

Action with good results Bob. Like the choices in blanks and the presentation.

Peter.

 

[yorkshireman]

Nicely turned Bob mate, it's like riding a bike - you never forget how to do it

 

[Dalboy]

Good to see you back Bob a good start to the return.

Nicely turned Bob mate, it's like riding a bike - you never forget how to do it

May not forget but I have hurt myself three times falling off the lathe nothing like riding a bike

 

[fortress]

It's like you never not went nowhere, great pens Bob.

 

[paulm]

Well done Bob, you haven't lost your touch.

 

[Terry Q]

Four beautiful pens, all wonderfully finished. Excellent photos.

 

[Phil Dart]

Good to see you back at the coal face Bob. A lovely looking collection there - delighted you like the Mistral.

 

[Bob Ellis]

Thanks for the kind words, folks. As I sometimes say to audiences at my music gigs, don't applaud - it only encourages me!

So, since you have encouraged me (it's your own fault), here are the other two I've just made. One is an Axminster fountain pen in Amboyna Burr. While I love the wood, I'm not sure about the kit. The plastic insert in the top needed a bit of adjustment (which only seems possible if you buy the appropriate tool) before it would click home properly on the pen. I'm also not sure how robust it will be because there is nothing to protect the exposed wood on the bottom of the cap.

The other is a European pencil in a mysterious wood which looks like Dymondwood, but is not cut on an angle like Dymondwood. The colours don't show up very well on the photo, but they are green, brown and black. If anybody recognises the wood, please let me know.

 

[wm460]

Great looking set of pens Bob.

 

[Vic Perrin]

Very nicely done welcome back

 

[AllenN]

An excellent set well done and welcome back.

 

[angelo49]

Welcome back Bob!
I see 6 beautifully done **5** pensx's VI
Classy turner? - YES!

 

[iandel]

A very nice set of pens

 

[Bill Mooney]

Nice to have you back Bob. Great clutch of pens there.

 

[Penpal]

Adding the last two was icing on the cake for me in my mind I was saying yes yes and the better or equal comparing them, certainly the pens are uplifting with quality in the making of them.

Peter.

 

[Graham_C]

Superb pens, the quality of finish I'd like to achieve

 

[Lons]

Good to see you back Bob, I recon you've had your bandanna tied too tight.

It's a vision at Harrogate show that will stay with me forever.

Nice pens btw.

 

[Bob Ellis]

Good to see you back Bob, I recon you've had your bandanna tied too tight.

It's a vision at Harrogate show that will stay with me forever.

Nice pens btw.

Thanks, Bob. You may be right about the bandana! I always wear one when I am turning because it keeps the sweat out of my eyes and the dust and wood chips out of what is left of my hair. I also wear one when performing or teaching music, so I must remember to pack a couple this weekend, when I will be teaching some melodeon workshops at a village in darkest Worcestershire.