Putting initials on pens

alan morrison · Jul 2, 2019

Having never done it before, I have been asked to make two pens with initials on.
How do you recommend I do this? Inlay, pyrography ? I have no access to lasers.
Many thanks
Alan

Phil Dart · Jul 2, 2019

Definitely not pyrography in my opinion - not unless you have a 1st in pyrography from Pyrography University. I've never seen one done that way that looks any better than poor unfortunately. Lasers are the preferred way these days, but inlay would be good,. I have one customer (in the US) who casts a small ring with the initials inside, which he then segments onto the bottom (or top) of the blank before he turns it.

Frederick · Jul 2, 2019

Hi all,

I have tried, with varying amounts of success, water slide transfers. One problem is that the water could mark the wood (if that's the material) so thin CA coat is required. Works a little better on plastic.

Also, another problem is that the edges of the transfer can be seen and special care must be taken to disguise this. If done correctly and with copious amounts of luck, the finished item looks great. There may be better methods though.

Clear Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper A4 5 Sheets: Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.co.uk:

I have bought some from here. Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Cheers,
Frederick

WHCreations · Jul 7, 2019

Hi Frederick,

You arent too far from me at gatwick. I have a laser which I have modified to take a pen blank to laser onto. If you want I'd be happy to help you out.

alan morrison · Jul 7, 2019

WHCreations said:
Hi Frederick,

You arent too far from me at gatwick. I have a laser which I have modified to take a pen blank to laser onto. If you want I'd be happy to help you out.

I actually live in N Ireland, but next time I land at Gatwick I'll give you a shout.
Alan

flexi · Jul 7, 2019

I use Scott Walker.....aka Saws or Mr Resin, send him the blanks he'll engrave with the laser and they'll send them straight back to you with Sweet's too :banana:

alan morrison · Jul 7, 2019

flexi said:
I use Scott Walker.....aka Saws or Mr Resin, send him the blanks he'll engrave with the laser and they'll send them straight back to you with Sweet's too

Thanks Mark. Can you pm his contact details?
In the meantime I have asked a local engraver to engrave the initials on the pen clip.
Alan

WHCreations · Jul 7, 2019

whoops sorry alan... must put glasses on!

Frederick · Jul 7, 2019

WHCreations said:
Hi Frederick,

You arent too far from me at gatwick. I have a laser which I have modified to take a pen blank to laser onto. If you want I'd be happy to help you out.

Hi William

Thanks for the help. You're lucky to have a laser. I am currently working on changing/converting a pantograph scratch engraver which is older than I and fitting it with a laser head.
Instead of the needle doing the work, the laser can. I will have to watch what I am doing though; lasers are dodgy things.

Cheers
Frederick

Citoyen · Jul 8, 2019

With the pantograph, I hope you will automate it. The short burn time needed can probably not be achieved by hand movement, resulting is overburnt engraving or in the worst case a scorched blank.
The Neje or Meterk engravers are not bad and a good way to start with lasers, they do around a 100 pound or less these days.

Good luck and best regards,
Tom

Putting initials on pens

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