Super cool pen idea - even 7 years later! The only suggestion i've got (i'm sure you figured it out by now) use a wing nut when you cinch down the laminated segments on the bolt. You could likely get the pressure needed with ease while not needing a wrench.
I am a 73 year old ex truck driver from Sheffield in the UK looking for a hobby, I am loving your videos, you make them so interesting and your enthusiasm is catching, thanks a lot.
I just started pen making a few months ago and after a quick search on UA-cam, I ran into your videos. And I have to say a BIG THANKS for all of the information you have provided. Definitely a mentor of mine.
Excellent video, Bob. I got a couple of ideas on how to improve my segment cutting process and how to use a bolt for stacking, gluing and clamping. Beats what I have done in the past. Thanks.
Thank you John, The bolts work really well, you can crank them down and squeeze the glue out from between the segments making a super tight bond. I'm loving learning about segmenting, I have so many new ideas. Regards, Bob
@1:55 - when I realize I'm watching the next level. His scrap that he cuts on is better than anything in my shop! Love your work and creativity. You are making more than pens. You're making inspiration.
Just did this. can't thank you enough! I neglected to cut the blank in half to insert the veneer so the end result was just rings without the perpendicular lines. with a blowout during the milling prices, credit goes to you again. because you show your successes AND mistakes, I attacked it with CA. Not a store-quality pen but someone would be hard-pressed to find the blemish. It's perfect for use by me.
Thank you Chris, I'm glad you gave this a try. I am especially happy to hear you didn't let a little blow out stop you. It takes so long to make one of these blanks and I hate to lose one. I always try to repair and many times it adds character to the pen and they're the ones that go first. Congratulations on your first segmented pen, I'll bet it won't be your last. Regards, Bob
Just another reminder I really need to get a table saw and bandsaw. Those pens you made here look totally awesome! Looking forward the day when I have the tools to try and duplicate your work. And as always, Thank You for sharing!
Wonderful effect Bob and I am eager to give this one a go. Lathe all set up, Jacobs chuck for lathe on way as I dont have a pillar drill ( or room for one). Collection of wood blanks and a couple of pen sets ready to go. Ive looked at many woodturning videos but for pens,( which is where I want to go for the most part) Yours is the go to chanel for me.. Never a bad pen or video..and you explain it at grasss root level so us newbiews can undestand... thank you.
Mike Waldt Thank you Mike, These are fun and very easy to make. I hope to see you making some in a future video. I always love watching other turners and learning from their ideas and techniques.Regards,Bob
Glad to have seen the process of setting the blank up. I have a large pizza box filled with veneer I got from Lee Valley. With the blizzard headed our way tonight and Tuesday I think I will give this a shot, as long as the power stays on lol Thanks for the inspiration Bob Cheers from Nova Scotia Mark
Thank you Mark, One thing I learned and will mention in a follow up video is watch the placement of your pieces so you can control the pattern. My first couple were very random until I figured that out. Take care and be careful, are you guys going to get hit really hard up there? Regards, Bob
Nice pen. I like the video of the blank cutoffs as well. I do a lot of craft shows, and that is a great idea for veterans. They get a free pen for their service, and I'm only out a few bucks.
WOW Hi Bob, I can see now why Mike Waldt recommended your channel for pen turning, i am just starting out doing pens i came to the right place. thank you for showing us newcomers how it,s done, i have subscribed to your channel. Thank you and Best Wishes Alan.
Really great pens Bob. Can't wait to get out to the shop and try one for myself. Got a few cabinet doors to finish building. Thanks for sharing and take care, David
What a great looking Pen! When i first saw it i thought you would need the patience of a saint to cut out all of the tiny segments and glue them up (like you would a segmented vase/bowl) but you cleared that process right up. Thanks for a great video.
Hi Bob, from here in the UK, you must stop using a floating vice, it spoils a good job, you must clamp the vice to the drill table, you see when you start drilling in the centre of the blank the vice is creeping so when you break through the hole is one sided, so many turners make this mistake, keep up the good work, just made this blank using brass aluminum and copper 5mm thick the results are amazing, I have been engineering for over 60 years so you learn many tricks of the trade. well done. ps, put a piece of leather around the blank much safer.
+alfred william Thank you for the tip Alfred, I have also noticed that the vise flexes when I use it. It may be time to start drilling on the lathe. Bob
I am so so glad you did that wee close up of the blanks on the mandrel. I have just started turning and made pens last week but was not sure how close to the bushes to go with the gouge before starting to sand. You have just answered my question, thank you so much. I have a long way to go before I get to make pens as beautiful as those two. 😎
RJBWoodTurner just one quick question please Rob. What diameter would you make a slimline pen? I. Made mine at 11mm but the pocket clip is very tight against the barrel. Would you go down to 10mm or below? I don't want to make a really skinny pen as I don't think they look 'home turned', I like a bit of shape to them. Thanks... Tom
+Tom Chapman Tom, When I want a more substantial pen, I make the bottom half fatter and thin the top half to accept the clip. I have also made pens and left the clip off for people with arthritis wanting a larger pen to hold onto. I Don't see many people carrying pens in their pockets anymore so I don't believe every pen needs a clip. Bob
In the process of the mixed species cross-grain pen blanks I made in my earlier video, I also made some similar laminated pen blanks with cocobola and maple (kind of opposite the color scheme of yours here). Thank goodness I got the memo, Bob! Video coming in mere hours!!
I will definitely check out your video. I love watching how other turners approach projects. Plus you do damn nice work so it will a pleasure to watch. Regards, Bob
I just watched a timberbits video on this same sort of pen blank. Maybe we or y'all are on the same page. Cool brickwork kind of look Bob. Ideas are brewing!
Thank you, I need to check out that timber bits video, I might be able to pick up some ideas or better ways of doing this. Thanks for letting me know about it. Regards, Bob
Just found this video tonight, May 9th, 2018, and ended staying up late to watch it. Yep, liked and subscribed. I've been turning now for about a year and I want to do some pens for gifts. Love the 'brick' look of these pens haven't seen another video like it at all. I'll thumb through your other videos when I can keep my eyes open. Thanks for sharing. Terry
I've been wanting to turn a segmented pen but wasn't sure how to glue the layers for a good result. Thanks for the video, that pen turned out great! It looks like you went through the painstaking process of gluing a bunch of tiny bricks together.
Thank you, These pens are a bit time consuming because of the drying time but they are relatively easy to make. They only look complicated. Regards, Bob
+James Foskey Thank you James, I don't know if I mentioned this in the video but remove the bolts after about 20 minutes. Otherwise, there not going to want to come out. Regards, Bob
That is really a great idea for a pen and I want to make some. Only I shy away from the band saw. It gave me a chill to watch you push that blank into the band saw and cut it in half. I just got a bench top band saw and have to get used to it. I guess I could use my scroll saw because any irregularities will be trimmed off. You talked me into it Bob, I am going to try to make one. Jerry Lipchik
Love it. I just made a similar jig for segmented pens based on yours. I used a test cut with the band saw to line up the block with a right angle to get flood true cuts. I put the segments directly onto pen tubes though using scrap ends before clamping and not the bolt. I've glued up and now waiting overnight for the glue to dry. Many thanks for the video.
That's awesome David, Please let me know how your blanks turn out. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to answer them for you. Regards, Bob
Hi - see a link to see what I did with some photos. I used thin pieces of beech in place of veneer. I might try veneer soon though. www.icloud.com/keynote/AwBWCAESEGR9W7cJa-_CFEp7tUqHAq8aKr920vMch70taV8Cp4hvtY1XhZ0GD-JjBRoREVB0JivlLi4i9h8P_dz0NgMCUCAQEEIK0TDNFPEG3CiWuVGd9mPw3HDSXhETwqpHRC9zA4iOGz#Laburnum_and_beech._
WOW David! The pen looks amazing. I love how segmented pens are so gnarly looking as blanks and then they turn into the most beautiful pens. I find myself stopping the lathe frequently just to see the progress. Thank you for sharing these photos with me, I love seeing what other turners are doing. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you but I had to wait until I got to a computer to open the link, my phone wouldn't open it. Regards, Bob
Thanks for making the video. This was fun and has got me excited to do more pens. I've only done one so far, but no segmenting with it. I really like how you explained the process, the end result looks so much more complicated than the actual steps to it. -Todd
Thank you Todd, If you liked that segmented pen, wait until you see the one i'm about to release. Segmenting on a drill press. I hope I do as well at explaining the steps for this one. It looks super complicated but is really easy to make. Regards, Bob
Thank you Daniel, I was pleasantly surprised too. Truthfully I didn't know what to expect from the turned blank, I will be making many more of these segmented blanks and hope to improve on them and add more designs. Regards, Bob
RJB - Just wanted to say, love your videos, keep up the good work. My wife and I are just getting into this addicting hobby and you've already gotten our minds racing! Wanted to throw out a very small suggestion. For making the holes in the laminate for the inserts, I went out and bought a good old fashioned hole punch from my local office supply store. Roughly $3 and no worry about tear out on the laminate and a perfect hole every time.
Very nice. Make it look easy. Like the bolt clamp. Band sawn segments are obviously smooth enough before glue-up so as not to show a gap. Very nice. I may try this sometime.
Thank you Tom, The band sawn segments are pretty smooth, maybe because there not real thick to start with and there's not much opportunity for the blade to move. I'm not real sure but they come out really nice. I like to use laminate between the segments because it will compress when I crank down on the bolt and if there is a tiny gap, it fills it. The real trick is laying out all the pieces so you get a nice pattern when you glue them up. The first couple I did didn't have much of a pattern. Now, I lay them out on the bench and can gat a nice stacked brick look. Regards, Bob
RJBWoodTurner For a final 7mm bore, you're using a 1/4 inch bolt (about 6 mm diameter) to clamp the segments. What are using to ream the finished product? A 7 mm drill bit twisted by hand? That's what I'd probably do. Thanks for letting me know.
FYI there is also Arizona Silhouette, also in Pennsylvania. It used to be in Arizona but Barry Gross bought it and moved it to PA. Barry used to be with Penstateind and sometimes I think he's still with them because I see his name on some of their designs. It still goes by the original name even thought it's in Pennsylvania....also a good source of supplies, and let's not forget about Rockler. Bill
+William Bidel Thank you William, I had not heard of them but I will take a look at their web page. Thank you for the lead on another supplier.Regards,Bob
I agree, you do make some good vids. There not a polish or comapany type video more a what I did type from a real person perspective. Good inspiration.
bob thanks, I dont know how anyone could dislike this. Ive been a subscriber for a while, but want to get into pen turning because of back issues I have now. I vahe a pretty good support group here locally around Chicago that can get me started, look forward to watching more of what you have.
+Jim Beshears Thank you Jim, I'd bet the dislikes came from people who stumbled across the video but aren't pen turners. Oh well, at least they watched it. Bob
Love this look. Would like tto see a more redish colored wood. Something that looks similar to the standard red brick look. Would be a really popular pen amongst tthe masonry crowd. If you could simplify the method to batch them out, you could sell hundreds. Thanks for this awesome informative video.
Bob, you drive me crazy glueing up blanks. The finger rub must go! You need a small glue brush to make your job easier and cleaner. Your results are beautiful anyway.
That is a brilliant method and you've saved my hide because there's a competition in the woodturning club I belong to coming up for a segmented piece and I've never done any segmenting before. Thank you. Best Wishes, Brendan.
Your welcome Brendan, Just a tip, watch the alignment of the segments. I finally realized just how random my pattern was then I started aligning them and the pattern really looks nice. Best of luck with the competition, I hope you win! Regards, Bob
Thank you, I love watching your videos. I am very new to turning of any kind and I love it. I noticed for a beginner that you don’t show the sanding and finishing part in some of your videos. I would love to see how you finish your ideas (sanding) and the products you may use in this part (triple EEE, CA, or friction lacquer, etc) of the process. As a beginner I find it interesting and most informative in the learning process because so many of the you turners use different products. Thank you again. Love the ideas you come up with. Happy turning!
Are these as relaxing to make as the videos are to watch? I've watched dozens of wood-turning videos since I first stumbled across one a few days ago and I think it looks super relaxing to do.... I would love to try my hand at it, but don't know if I'll ever get the chance.... Amazing work.
Hello Melody, I think making pens is very relaxing. I do it as a hobby and I make what I want when I want so I don't have the stress like the guys who do it as a business. It's a great way to unwind after work. Regards, Bob
+Melody Joy If you have a Woodcraft store close to you, check their class schedule - I took a pen turning class at my local store. It's a good way to get your feet wet.
Curt Johnson That sounds amazing, but I live in Honduras, and I don't imagine there's anything like that near me. Even if there were, I wouldn't know how to find them... :/ I'll have to check them out next time I'm state-side. :D
man your nothing short of amazing. your an amazing grand master penmaker. your very talented. im impressed.im looking forward to seeing many more of your wonderful creations. keep it up and thankyou for this great video
Great idea....a suggestion might be to use a tap and die set to reduce the thickness of the thread to avoid cracking on the segments with the ability to thread remaining.
Thank you. It seems the more glue you can squeeze out of a joint the better the glue up. The bolts really let me crank it down tight. So far none of them have come apart and they turn easier than solid wood in my opinion. I hope you give this a try, it's a blast. Regards, Bob
RJBWoodTurner I'd love to give it a try but I don't have the mandrel needed to turn a pen as well as the pen kits and can glue. The bolt was a great idea.
RJBWoodTurner No problem. I turned my first pen last week. It was fun. It was out of some exotic wood. Thanks for the offer to help me out with any questions I may have. I appreciate it.
Thank you David, I'm batching out the blanks so it's not that labor extensive. The best part is they are so ugly when you start then you turn them and find a gem. It's kind of like putting oil on a cutting board for the first time. I love it! Regards, Bob
I'm in the process of doing one of these using some different combinations of source material...one of my ancestors built the clock mechanism for Big Ben so I want so pay homage to that.
Thank you, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob
This pen and design is one of my favorites
Thank you.
I love it too. So simple yet it looks so complicated to make.
Regards,
Bob
Super cool pen idea - even 7 years later!
The only suggestion i've got (i'm sure you figured it out by now) use a wing nut when you cinch down the laminated segments on the bolt. You could likely get the pressure needed with ease while not needing a wrench.
Thank you Jake,
Great tip, thank you for sharing in the comments so others can learn and use.
Regards,
Bob
I am a 73 year old ex truck driver from Sheffield in the UK looking for a hobby, I am loving your videos, you make them so interesting and your enthusiasm is catching, thanks a lot.
Thank you Mel,
I appreciate your comment.
Regards,
Bob
MASHAALLAH khub valo video.....
😃
I just started pen making a few months ago and after a quick search on UA-cam, I ran into your videos. And I have to say a BIG THANKS for all of the information you have provided. Definitely a mentor of mine.
+Greg Betts Thank you Greg,
Please let me know if you ever have any questions, I'd be glad to help.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent video, Bob. I got a couple of ideas on how to improve my segment cutting process and how to use a bolt for stacking, gluing and clamping. Beats what I have done in the past. Thanks.
Thank you John,
The bolts work really well, you can crank them down and squeeze the glue out from between the segments making a super tight bond. I'm loving learning about segmenting, I have so many new ideas.
Regards,
Bob
@1:55 - when I realize I'm watching the next level. His scrap that he cuts on is better than anything in my shop! Love your work and creativity. You are making more than pens. You're making inspiration.
Thank you David.
Regards,
Bob
Just did this. can't thank you enough! I neglected to cut the blank in half to insert the veneer so the end result was just rings without the perpendicular lines. with a blowout during the milling prices, credit goes to you again. because you show your successes AND mistakes, I attacked it with CA. Not a store-quality pen but someone would be hard-pressed to find the blemish. It's perfect for use by me.
Thank you Chris,
I'm glad you gave this a try. I am especially happy to hear you didn't let a little blow out stop you. It takes so long to make one of these blanks and I hate to lose one. I always try to repair and many times it adds character to the pen and they're the ones that go first.
Congratulations on your first segmented pen, I'll bet it won't be your last.
Regards,
Bob
Just another reminder I really need to get a table saw and bandsaw. Those pens you made here look totally awesome! Looking forward the day when I have the tools to try and duplicate your work. And as always, Thank You for sharing!
Thank you John.
Regards,
Bob
That is awesome. It is on my hobby bucket list now. And, I like that you make mistakes and just move on. Great teaching technique.
Thank you Phillip.
Regards,
Bob
That's freaking awesome Bob! Your always thinking outside the box, just awesome!
Wes Woods Thank you Wes, The only bad thing is I have so many ideas and so little shop time.Regards,Bob
Thx 😊 your pen 🖊 is Dazzling. I’m new to pen turning
Thank you Kevin.
Regards,
Bob
I like it, I think I will give segmenting a try. Thumbs up.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Wonderful effect Bob and I am eager to give this one a go. Lathe all set up, Jacobs chuck for lathe on way as I dont have a pillar drill ( or room for one). Collection of wood blanks and a couple of pen sets ready to go. Ive looked at many woodturning videos but for pens,( which is where I want to go for the most part) Yours is the go to chanel for me.. Never a bad pen or video..and you explain it at grasss root level so us newbiews can undestand... thank you.
Thank you Buster. I appreciate that.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent idea Bob, your patience supersedes mine by a country mile my friend. Beautiful pens the pair of them.
Take care
Mike
Looks great. The option for variations are endless. Always love your videos.
Max Blanton Thank you Max, My mind is racing with ideas, now I just need some shop time to make them a reality.Regards,Bob
Mike Waldt Thank you Mike, These are fun and very easy to make. I hope to see you making some in a future video. I always love watching other turners and learning from their ideas and techniques.Regards,Bob
Mike Waldt : Nice job. I'm a metal smith and do all kinds of horseshoe crafts. Thanks for sharing your video.
You are an inspiration to a newcomer to turning pens.
Thank you James.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome idea for a pen!
+A Torstenbo Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Yeah.. I am going to try this idea out. Nice pen.
Thank you Patrick.
Regards
Bob
Glad to have seen the process of setting the blank up. I have a large pizza box filled with veneer I got from Lee Valley. With the blizzard headed our way tonight and Tuesday I think I will give this a shot, as long as the power stays on lol
Thanks for the inspiration Bob
Cheers from Nova Scotia
Mark
Thank you Mark,
One thing I learned and will mention in a follow up video is watch the placement of your pieces so you
can control the pattern. My first couple were very random until I figured that out.
Take care and be careful, are you guys going to get hit really hard up there?
Regards,
Bob
Steady snowfall for past 6 hrs, looks like it is going to be a long drawn out affair. C'est la vie !!
You are an accomplished artist. Beautiful.
+karodora Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
Very good job. Thank you for showing
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Nice pen. I like the video of the blank cutoffs as well. I do a lot of craft shows, and that is a great idea for veterans. They get a free pen for their service, and I'm only out a few bucks.
Thank you Andrew,
I like that veterans get a free pen. That’s a great thing to do to say Thank You.
Regards,
Bob
I can't wait to try this, I think they are fantastic. Ron Williams
Thank you Ron,
Regards,
Bob
WOW Hi Bob, I can see now why Mike Waldt recommended your channel for pen turning, i am just starting out doing pens i came to the right place. thank you for showing us newcomers how it,s done, i have subscribed to your channel.
Thank you and Best Wishes Alan.
Hello Alan,
Mike is a great guy. If I can ever be of assistance, my email address is: rjbwoodturner@ufoww.com
Regards,
Bob
Wonderfoul Work!! Nice.
Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
Really great pens Bob. Can't wait to get out to the shop and try one for myself. Got a few cabinet doors to finish building. Thanks for sharing and take care, David
Thank you David,
Send me a photo of your pen when you finish it. I'd love to see your version.
Regards,
Bob
What a great looking Pen! When i first saw it i thought you would need the patience of a saint to cut out all of the tiny segments and glue them up (like you would a segmented vase/bowl) but you cleared that process right up.
Thanks for a great video.
+James Weller Thank you James.
I really need to make a few more of these.
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob, from here in the UK, you must stop using a floating vice, it spoils a good job, you must clamp the vice to the drill table, you see when you start drilling in the centre of the blank the vice is creeping so when you break through the hole is one sided, so many turners make this mistake, keep up the good work, just made this blank using brass aluminum and copper 5mm thick the results are amazing, I have been engineering for over 60 years so you learn many tricks of the trade. well done. ps, put a piece of leather around the blank much safer.
+alfred william Thank you for the tip Alfred,
I have also noticed that the vise flexes when I use it. It may be time to start drilling on the lathe.
Bob
I am so so glad you did that wee close up of the blanks on the mandrel. I have just started turning and made pens last week but was not sure how close to the bushes to go with the gouge before starting to sand. You have just answered my question, thank you so much. I have a long way to go before I get to make pens as beautiful as those two. 😎
+Tom Chapman Thank you Tom,
If you have other questions, please ask. I'd be happy to do my best to answer them and help you progress.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner just one quick question please Rob. What diameter would you make a slimline pen? I. Made mine at 11mm but the pocket clip is very tight against the barrel. Would you go down to 10mm or below? I don't want to make a really skinny pen as I don't think they look 'home turned', I like a bit of shape to them.
Thanks... Tom
+Tom Chapman Tom,
When I want a more substantial pen, I make the bottom half fatter and thin the top half to accept the clip. I have also made pens and left the clip off for people with arthritis wanting a larger pen to hold onto. I
Don't see many people carrying pens in their pockets anymore so I don't believe every pen needs a clip.
Bob
In the process of the mixed species cross-grain pen blanks I made in my earlier video, I also made some similar laminated pen blanks with cocobola and maple (kind of opposite the color scheme of yours here). Thank goodness I got the memo, Bob! Video coming in mere hours!!
I will definitely check out your video. I love watching how other turners approach projects. Plus you do damn nice work so it will a pleasure to watch.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for the compliment. That means a lot.
Well deserved and your welcome.
Regards,
Bob
I just watched a timberbits video on this same sort of pen blank. Maybe we or y'all are on the same page. Cool brickwork kind of look Bob. Ideas are brewing!
Thank you,
I need to check out that timber bits video, I might be able to pick up some ideas or better ways of doing this. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Regards,
Bob
Just found this video tonight, May 9th, 2018, and ended staying up late to watch it. Yep, liked and subscribed. I've been turning now for about a year and I want to do some pens for gifts. Love the 'brick' look of these pens haven't seen another video like it at all. I'll thumb through your other videos when I can keep my eyes open. Thanks for sharing. Terry
Thank you Terry,
There is a play list of all my hole made blanks on my channel.
Regards,
Bob
I've been wanting to turn a segmented pen but wasn't sure how to glue the layers for a good result. Thanks for the video, that pen turned out great! It looks like you went through the painstaking process of gluing a bunch of tiny bricks together.
Thank you,
These pens are a bit time consuming because of the drying time but they are relatively easy to make. They only look complicated.
Regards,
Bob
Great techniques and beautiful pens, Bob! Great job!
Thank you Troy,
They are a lot of fun to make and not really all that difficult.
Regards,
Bob
fantastic job. love the solution for clamping everything together. keep being awesome.
+James Foskey Thank you James,
I don't know if I mentioned this in the video but remove the bolts after about 20 minutes. Otherwise, there not going to want to come out.
Regards,
Bob
WOW RJ! These are fantastic. I will definitely be trying one.
Thank you Steve,
They are a blast to make and the designs are only limited by your imagination.
Regards,
Bob
Nice job....looks great
Thank you Timothy.
Regards,
Bob
Love your channel. I have inherited my grandads lathe. Excited about all the pens and other things I’ll be able to make.
Congratulations on the lathe. I am very sorry to hear about your grandfather.
Regards,
Bob
That is really a great idea for a pen and I want to make some. Only I shy away from the band saw. It gave me a chill to watch you push that blank into the band saw and cut it in half. I just got a bench top band saw and have to get used to it. I guess I could use my scroll saw because any irregularities will be trimmed off. You talked me into it Bob, I am going to try to make one. Jerry Lipchik
Thank you Jerry,
My hand really wasn't that close to the blade, it was a bad camera angle that gave that illusion.
Regards,
Bob
Love it. I just made a similar jig for segmented pens based on yours. I used a test cut with the band saw to line up the block with a right angle to get flood true cuts. I put the segments directly onto pen tubes though using scrap ends before clamping and not the bolt. I've glued up and now waiting overnight for the glue to dry. Many thanks for the video.
That's awesome David,
Please let me know how your blanks turn out. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to answer them for you.
Regards,
Bob
Hi - see a link to see what I did with some photos. I used thin pieces of beech in place of veneer. I might try veneer soon though. www.icloud.com/keynote/AwBWCAESEGR9W7cJa-_CFEp7tUqHAq8aKr920vMch70taV8Cp4hvtY1XhZ0GD-JjBRoREVB0JivlLi4i9h8P_dz0NgMCUCAQEEIK0TDNFPEG3CiWuVGd9mPw3HDSXhETwqpHRC9zA4iOGz#Laburnum_and_beech._
WOW David!
The pen looks amazing. I love how segmented pens are so gnarly looking as blanks and then they turn into the most beautiful pens. I find myself stopping the lathe frequently just to see the progress. Thank you for sharing these photos with me, I love seeing what other turners are doing.
I apologize for taking so long to get back to you but I had to wait until I got to a computer to open the link, my phone wouldn't open it.
Regards,
Bob
Very beautiful!
Thank you, Christine.
Regards,
Bob
great to see a left hander nice job great to watch you have inspired me to make a few pens
Thank you Daemon.
Regards,
Bob
Super idea. Congratulations I think you leveled up.
Thank you Stephen,
This was a blast to attempt. I'm happy it worked out and plan many more.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for making the video. This was fun and has got me excited to do more pens. I've only done one so far, but no segmenting with it. I really like how you explained the process, the end result looks so much more complicated than the actual steps to it.
-Todd
Thank you Todd,
If you liked that segmented pen, wait until you see the one i'm about to release. Segmenting on a drill press. I hope I do as well at explaining the steps for this one. It looks super complicated but is really easy to make.
Regards,
Bob
Great job Bob! Love them! Putting them on my to-do list.
Thank you,
They are a blast to make. I bought several bolts so I could batch them out and have entry of blanks to turn.
Regards,
Bob
Fantastic technique as always!
Thank you Calvin.
Regards,
Bob
Hello Sir...very beautiful work done....thanks for shareing
Thank you Raj.
Regards,
Bob
What a neat idea. Nice project.
Thank you Lee,
I was looking to try something a little different. Now that I have a taste of segmenting, I have tons of ideas.
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob! I admire your patience! But it did give you a great blank and a beautiful pen! Great video! Cheers! Daniel
Thank you Daniel,
I was pleasantly surprised too. Truthfully I didn't know what to expect from the turned blank, I will be making many more of these segmented blanks and hope to improve on them and add more designs.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome job. I can't wait to give a try. Keep the videos coming. I really enjoy them a lot.
Thank you for sharing,
Greg
Thank you Greg,
I appreciate that and I will.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice job Bob. I haven't tried segmented projects but that is something on my wish list after I get my new shop setup soon.
Thank you Ricky,
Once you try this, you'll be hooked, it's a blast. Good luck on the new shop.
Regards,
Bob
RJB - Just wanted to say, love your videos, keep up the good work. My wife and I are just getting into this addicting hobby and you've already gotten our minds racing!
Wanted to throw out a very small suggestion. For making the holes in the laminate for the inserts, I went out and bought a good old fashioned hole punch from my local office supply store. Roughly $3 and no worry about tear out on the laminate and a perfect hole every time.
+SirGuise Thank you,
That is a great tip.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you for your expertise. Just getting started and your channel has helped out a lot.
Thank you Adam.
Regards,
Bob
What a great segmented pen 👍
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Truly love the brick effect truly awesome just started making pen's so got a lot to learn looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you Peter,
This is an easy one to make and I hope you give it a try.
Regards,
Bob
This was really cool! I ordered a the Nova Comet II yesterday and I’m excited to learn to turn! Thanks for the great videos!
Thank you Shaun.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice. Make it look easy. Like the bolt clamp. Band sawn segments are obviously smooth enough before glue-up so as not to show a gap. Very nice. I may try this sometime.
Thank you Tom,
The band sawn segments are pretty smooth, maybe because there not real thick to start with and there's not much opportunity for the blade to move. I'm not real sure but they come out really nice. I like to use laminate between the segments because it will compress when I crank down on the bolt and if there is a tiny gap, it fills it.
The real trick is laying out all the pieces so you get a nice pattern when you glue them up. The first couple I did didn't have much of a pattern. Now, I lay them out on the bench and can gat a nice stacked brick look.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner Hi Bob. I'll have to try your method. Thanks for writing back. Appreciate your sharing your insights with everyone. Tom
Your welcome Tom,
If you ever have any questions, let me know.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner For a final 7mm bore, you're using a 1/4 inch bolt (about 6 mm diameter) to clamp the segments. What are using to ream the finished product? A 7 mm drill bit twisted by hand? That's what I'd probably do. Thanks for letting me know.
I use my 7mm bit, the same one I would use if I was making a slim line pen. It walks right through the blank with that nice pilot hole.
Regards,
Bob
Great idea Thanks for taking the time to share
Michael Flynn Thank you Michael, Regards,Bob
Nice idea, awesome execution. Congratulations!
Thank you very much Mozart.
Regards,
Bob
FYI there is also Arizona Silhouette, also in Pennsylvania. It used to be in Arizona but Barry Gross bought it and moved it to PA. Barry used to be with Penstateind and sometimes I think he's still with them because I see his name on some of their designs.
It still goes by the original name even thought it's in Pennsylvania....also a good source of supplies, and let's not forget about Rockler.
Bill
+William Bidel Thank you William, I had not heard of them but I will take a look at their web page. Thank you for the lead on another supplier.Regards,Bob
I agree, you do make some good vids. There not a polish or comapany type video more a what I did type from a real person perspective. Good inspiration.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
was an awesome piece of work there mate
Thank you very much,
Just needed to use up some scraps.
Regards,
Bob
You have given me some great ideas. Thanks.
Thank you Larry,
I'm glad you liked my video.
Regards,
Bob
Agree it looks fantastic!
+Bob Amarant Thank you Bob.
Regards,
Bob
bob thanks, I dont know how anyone could dislike this. Ive been a subscriber for a while, but want to get into pen turning because of back issues I have now. I vahe a pretty good support group here locally around Chicago that can get me started, look forward to watching more of what you have.
+Jim Beshears Thank you Jim,
I'd bet the dislikes came from people who stumbled across the video but aren't pen turners. Oh well, at least they watched it.
Bob
Love this look. Would like tto see a more redish colored wood. Something that looks similar to the standard red brick look. Would be a really popular pen amongst tthe masonry crowd. If you could simplify the method to batch them out, you could sell hundreds. Thanks for this awesome informative video.
Thank you for the idea Mitchell,
It's great to hear from you. I hope school is going well.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, you drive me crazy glueing up blanks. The finger rub must go! You need a small glue brush to make your job easier and cleaner. Your results are beautiful anyway.
I have them, and sometimes I use them. LOL.
I loved the video, never turned anything, but I would like to. Well some day.
I say go for it Len,
Turning is relatively simple and extremely fun.
Regards,
Bob
You make the coolest pens. Thank you for the great ideas.'
Thank you Lee.
Regards,
Bob
Another great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Don.
Regards,
Bob
Love this will have to try it
+Brett Cunningham Thank you Brett.
Regards,
Bob
beautiful job
Thank you Paulie.
Regards,
Bob
What a lot of glue wasted. I just brushed it on and it worked beautifully. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Duke.
Regards,
Bob
This is beautiful!!! Looks amazing!!!
Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
Cool pen!
+Jason Tripp Thank you Jason.
Regards,
Bob
Nice looking pen
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome pens Bob. Very cool.
Thank you J.D.,
I appreciate the comment.
Regards,
Bob
Beautiful
Thank your.
Regards,
Bob
That is a brilliant method and you've saved my hide because there's a competition in the woodturning club I belong to coming up for a segmented piece and I've never done any segmenting before. Thank you.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
Your welcome Brendan,
Just a tip, watch the alignment of the segments. I finally realized just how random my pattern was then I started aligning them and the pattern really looks nice. Best of luck with the competition, I hope you win!
Regards,
Bob
Thank you, I love watching your videos. I am very new to turning of any kind and I love it. I noticed for a beginner that you don’t show the sanding and finishing part in some of your videos. I would love to see how you finish your ideas (sanding) and the products you may use in this part (triple EEE, CA, or friction lacquer, etc) of the process. As a beginner I find it interesting and most informative in the learning process because so many of the you turners use different products. Thank you again. Love the ideas you come up with. Happy turning!
Thank you Melissa,
I’ll see what I can do, maybe a dedicated finishing video.
Regards,
Bob
They're beautiful!
Thank you so much,
I'm very happy you like them.
Regards,
Bob
Very cool looking Bob!
Thank you Dean,
Are you going to give them a try?
Regards,
Bob
Its an excellent pen and I think I might try one
thanks
James
+icespeckledhens Thank you James.
Regards,
Bob
Estupendo trabajo
Thank you Antonio,
Regards,
Bob
Really nice. Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome, thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Are these as relaxing to make as the videos are to watch? I've watched dozens of wood-turning videos since I first stumbled across one a few days ago and I think it looks super relaxing to do.... I would love to try my hand at it, but don't know if I'll ever get the chance.... Amazing work.
Hello Melody,
I think making pens is very relaxing. I do it as a hobby and I make what I want when I want so I don't have the stress like the guys who do it as a business. It's a great way to unwind after work.
Regards,
Bob
+Melody Joy If you have a Woodcraft store close to you, check their class schedule - I took a pen turning class at my local store. It's a good way to get your feet wet.
Curt Johnson That sounds amazing, but I live in Honduras, and I don't imagine there's anything like that near me. Even if there were, I wouldn't know how to find them... :/ I'll have to check them out next time I'm state-side. :D
New sub, first video. Loved it and wait to try making pens. Thank you
Thank you Scott.
Regards,
Bob
man your nothing short of amazing. your an amazing grand master penmaker. your very talented. im impressed.im looking forward to seeing many more of your wonderful creations. keep it up and thankyou for this great video
+drew856856 Thank you Drew,
Regards,
Bob
These are awesome mate! I tried to make my own with some success but you're are on another level to me.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Great idea....a suggestion might be to use a tap and die set to reduce the thickness of the thread to avoid cracking on the segments with the ability to thread remaining.
Cool idea,
That might help.
Regards,
Bob
Really nice!
+mntbiker ohthreesix Thank you,
Regards,
Bob
Wow. I'm surprised it stayed together. There must be close to 60 pieces of wood per pen. Nice job.
Thank you.
It seems the more glue you can squeeze out of a joint the better the glue up. The bolts really let me crank it down tight. So far none of them have come apart and they turn easier than solid wood in my opinion. I hope you give this a try, it's a blast.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner I'd love to give it a try but I don't have the mandrel needed to turn a pen as well as the pen kits and can glue. The bolt was a great idea.
Oh, sorry about that, I didn't know. If you ever get into pen turning, I'll be glad to answer any questions I can to help you out.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner No problem. I turned my first pen last week. It was fun. It was out of some exotic wood. Thanks for the offer to help me out with any questions I may have. I appreciate it.
No problem, any time.
Regards,
Bob
It does look like bricks! That's pretty cool!
Thank you David,
I'm batching out the blanks so it's not that labor extensive. The best part is they are so ugly when you start then you turn them and find a gem. It's kind of like putting oil on a cutting board for the first time. I love it!
Regards,
Bob
Boy that is a lot of work , I hope you know a lot of brick layers that like to write with expensive pens.
Thank you Jack.
Regards,
Bob
Going into the shop to make my first pen Wish me luck!
Good luck and please send photos.
Regards,
Bob
Would love to send you a photo of my pen, I just can't figure out your email address. Copy and paste doesn't work.
Rjbwoodturner@ufoww.com
Zwei sehr schöner Kugelschreiber Bob!
Guter Einfall ;-)
Thank you Tiroler,
Regards,
Bob
I'm in the process of doing one of these using some different combinations of source material...one of my ancestors built the clock mechanism for Big Ben so I want so pay homage to that.
That is very cool. I'd love to see a photo when your finished.
Regards,
Bob
nice work and tips bob,regards from the u.k.
+john whitehead Thank you John.
Regards,
Bob
great Job !
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
I'm definitely trying this! Love your videos.
Thank you,
This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner.
I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos.
If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos.
I've made a bunch of the over the years.
Regards,
Bob