Cocobolo Maple Gift Card Pen (Segmented Pen)

I had a little fun making this pen. I used Maple and Cocobolo cut offs from past pens and a used up J.C. Penny gift card. its not perfect but I learned quite a bit and the next one will be stellar.
Regards,
Bob

[@forresthill2824]

One of the things I really like about RJB is that he doesn't hide his mistakes. Very resourceful and knowledgeable when making intricate and challenging projects. The start-to-finish videos are great. Thanks a bunch!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Forrest. Regards, Bob

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Wow! The contrasting woods clearly defined by the white plastic layers is really beautiful.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I was surprised how stark the difference was with the white card. Regards, Bob

[@colincullip6463]

Hi Bob, pen turning is very new to me but watching your videos makes things so much clearer and gives us new chaps a lot more confidence to try your fantastic ideas ,thanks very much .colin cullip england

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Colin, I'm glad you found my videos helpful. If you ever have any questions, I'd be happy to attempt to answer them for you. Regards, Bob

[@colincullip6463]

RJBWoodTurner Hi Bob can you tell me what i,am doing wrong ,i have just made a mesa click pen, but the refill will not stay down when i click it

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Colin, The first thing I would check is: make sure all the parts are properly aligned. I have never turned a Mesa but I have turned the Stratus which is similar. Next make sure there are no obstructions in the cap assembly. If the plunger can't screw all the way down, the mechanism will not work properly. Finally make sure the barrel of the pen is exactly 2.25" long. If it's longer or shorter, that will cause issues. I hope this helps, being unfamiliar with the kit makes it a bit tough to troubleshoot. Regards, Bob

[@CalvinJ82]

Absolutely stunning. This use of gift cards is exactly what I've been looking for for my designs i have in mind. Very inspring and design provoking. Thanks for sharing another great technique from start to finish.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Calvin. Regards, Bob

[@tsuchang1]

Great glue up and pen. I am encouraged by your protects. I did the scroll saw wave cut on some blanks today and glued in some contrasting scrap. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Stephen, I love hearing from other turners who try ideas from my videos. A send me a photo of one of your finished pens, I'd love to see it. Regards, Bob

[@stephenellis330]

Your video was very well thought out and done very methodically. Well done and a great idea for all those scraps I've been saving.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Stephen, I appreciate your comment and would love to see what you come up with from your scrap bin. Regards, Bob

[@snoopyzara]

I have been turning for a while now and always said that pens are not my thing but your pens are a game changer I am hooked thanks for opening my mind to some amazing ideas

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James, I really appreciate your comment. I'm hooked on pens and keep telling myself I have to turn other things, I even bought a larger lathe. I keep going back to my pens. Regards, Bob

[@wdeverna]

Very nice Bob. Neat idea with the gift cards.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you William., They worked great and the price was right. Regard, Bob

[@benjamincorderman794]

Bob, I have recently entered the world of pen turning and I really enjoy your videos for the great information and inspiration. Your segmented pens are so amazing, I can't wait to start experimenting with segmented pens! Keep up the fine work and thanks for sharing it with us!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Benjamin, Welcome to The Dark Side of woodworking. Turning is fun and addictive. If I can ever help with answering questions or anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Regards, Bob

[@JaesWorld360]

Great turn brother. Never thought of the gift card idea. Have a bunch of those. Guess I know what I will use them for now. Lol. Have a great weekend.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jae, One thing to watch for is sometimes they have a laminate on them. Be sure to peel that off. Regards, Bob

[@MakeCrazydays]

The crazy looking blanks that you come up with turn out so nice looking.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@oaksho]

Fantastic pen Bob, your so right about what the blank looks like before it is turned. I always think it's like a magic trick, first it looks pretty rough and when you see it after turning, it's a real thing of beauty. You made a great choice of wood for this one, the contrast is beautiful. Great pen. All the best. Tony

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tony, I'm really enjoying myself with this simple segmenting. I keep stopping the lathe as I'm turning to see how the blank looks. It is magic how it transforms. Regards, Bob

[@Trees2Pens]

Nice looking pen and GREAT idea of segmenting material. Thanks Bob, stay well.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@elmejorkebesa1]

Bob, I want to be like when I grow up! 😊 Thanks for sharing your projects and knowledge!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Luis Towers Thank you Luis, Regards, Bob

[@jimmiehall1930]

A really great looking pen with super instruction. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jimmie. Regards, Bob

[@mprumsey]

Hi Bob, I like this pen. Very cool thanks for sharing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike. Regards, Bob

[@bobbuilder118]

I really enjoy your videos... Thanks for making them. As being "new to pen turning" they give me ideas of what I should try.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steven. Regards, Bob

[@wsherratt5159]

Bob, I think what you are doing experimenting with different materials is absolutely fabulous. It gives the rest of us ideas and inspiration to experiment. Nice one mate!🇬🇧

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Wayne. Regards, Bob

[@jamieburke8844]

What a beautiful pen. Even though your drill bit veered off slightly it doesn't detract from the quality and beauty of your design. Well done.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jamie. Regards, Bob

[@marvincline9365]

That was great. Really great idea with the gift card. Sweet looking pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Marvin Cline Thank you Marvin. Regards, Bob

[@MikeWaldt]

Excellent idea Bob, and a stunning pen as a result. Very well explained and video'd, great work mate. Thanks. Take care Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, That one was a bit rough but I've made several more and my pens and process are improving fast. Regards, Bob

[@lafranced]

I love what you did. Awesome thinking out of the box.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Donald LaFrance Thank you Donald. Regards, Bob

[@WoodworkingManiak]

RJBWoodTurner Another awesome idea for a pen! I think I'm going to have to save old gift cards and give this a shot with all the short cut off pieces I have kept.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tim, These are a blast to make and really use up the scraps. Regards, Bob

[@mhaz49]

Nice segmented work. It made a beautiful pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mark. Regards, Bob

[@dledward]

I have watched several of your videos. I really like this one. I'm going to give it a try.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Daniel Edwards Thank you Daniel, Be sure to rough up the gift cards really well and make sure they don't have a plastics sticker surface on them. If you have the extra time Epoxy will work better than C/A. Just a few things I learned after making this pen. Regards, Bob

[@jodicatastrophe]

Wow- looks like a basketball court floor! Nice!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, It kind of does. I hadn't noticed that until you said something. Regards, Bob

[@SeanChrist]

Bob, great tutorial, and the color and patterns are stunning. I'm brand new to the pen turning world, so the "trials" you experienced here were very helpful in understanding the pen turning process. Keep up the good work; you've got a keen eye for design! Cheers!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Seán Christ Thank toy Seán, I appreciate your kind comments. Regards, Bob.

[@spndxkwby]

I'm really liking your experiments!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kasey, It's fun to make it up as you go. Regards, Bob

[@johnwhitlockwhitlock]

Another beautiful pen bob, love your videos always inspirational

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@robertkhiggins6148]

I think the pen looks great. I enjoy watching all your videos and have learned a lot about pen turning from them. I started turning pens about 3 months ago and would probably try something like this in the future. Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, I hope you do try it, it is really fun and makes some amazing pens. Regards, Bob

[@jefffoggymountainworkshop5021]

The pen looks awesome. Inspired to now use old gift cards in some of my amature turning projects. Thanks for the video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Jeff Mundkowsky Thank you Jeff, Be sure to scuff them before gluing, that will give the glue something to stick to. Regards, Bob

[@roberthelveston5110]

Really nice work. Will try that this week. Great video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, Be very careful, you may get hooked on these pens, they are a blast to make and there is no end to what you can do with the patterns. Regards, Bob

[@williampeak8851]

You have inspired me to try thinking outside the box 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is awesome! I’m sore you will make some incredible pens. Regards, Bob

[@frehleycomet]

Awesome turn like always. You have inspired me so much. I have copied a few of your pens. I will soon come up with my own design. Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+frehleycomet Thank you, I'm glad some of my pens have inspired you. Regards, Bob

[@shaundowns493]

That pen is what got me into pen making, what a star why you don't produce more content is beyond me. Great content, great guy, love your videos, keep it going.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Shaun. Regards, Bob

[@shaundowns493]

Your welcome Bob, guys like you get guys like me, into the hobby

[@shaundowns493]

I made a pen after watching this, not has good has yours, but I am new to this. Tried to post a picture, but don't know how to had to my reply?.

[@athiker7209]

Bob, that pen turned out great. I wouldn't be surprised if Woodcraft didn't ask you to teach a class in one of their stores. It's amazing, the designs you are getting from all these different materials.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Ron, Woodcraft doesn't want some armature teaching pens, they want a professional like Carl Jacobson. :^) but thank you anyway. Regards, Bob

[@wt9h]

Bob, This is you friend from southern Illinois about half way between Evansville and St. Louis ... I love the pen so much I just had to try one so I went to the local wood turner's supply " Dollar Tree' and got one package of plastic picnic plates one $ for a large bunch. About the same thickness as a gift card and the package had red, blue, green, orange, and yellow. I used the yellow one for the pen (modified style) which was just great thanks for the video and the ideal!!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+kb9beh That's Awesome! Plastic plates, who would have thought that would work. I like that there are multiple colors, you can accent just a out any wood. Regards, Bob

[@brynphipps8374]

Awsome pen! I'm thinking of having a go at wood turning and make pens, the look of this pen exited me and makes me want to hurry up and get a lathe 😊👌

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Bryn Phipps Thank you Bryn, I hope you're able to get a lathe soon. You'll love turning. Regards, Bob

[@ericnelson1123]

Awesome pen! I love that you use different materials. Gives me ideas upon ideas upon ideas.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eric, That's thats same problem I'm having, I keep getting tons of ideas now I just need the time the pursue them. Regards, Bob

[@CarlJacobson]

Very cool idea Bob, the pen looks great. Take care, Carl

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Carl. Regards, Bob

[@wallygoots]

Great result and you really make it clear. I'm inspired.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Seth. Regards, Bob

[@thereeds0612]

I think after watching this, Im going to gather up all our left over cards and make a pen. A pen made entirely out of gift cards........we'll see how it goes. lol. Great video!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That's a cool idea Brad, Please send me a photo when it's finished as I'd love to see it. I think it would turn well because when the tool cut it, it came off in ribbons. Just watch the gift cards, I had several there were laminated, be sure to pull the laminate surface off before gluing them up. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Regards, Bob

[@thereeds0612]

Well I ran into a problem. My pen mandrel is 100% stuck in my headstock. I've tried the little tool that came with my lathe. I never tighten my tailstock that hard as to not bend the pen mandrel. Any suggestions? Thanks. I would post a video but haven't started a youtube channel.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Ouch, That's a tough one. If you've already tried the knock out bar and it didn't work, I'm not sure what else to try, that's what I use. When you do get it removed, I recommend a good cleaning of the Morse Taper inside and out. I'm sorry I can't be more help here but I've never experienced this issue. Regards, Bob

[@geraldlipchik8034]

Hi Bob, I am glad you liked my credit card idea for contrasting colors and use of scraps. I just saw something interesting on pinterest that I am going to try and maybe you would like to also. Put a steel wool pad in a quart jar and add white vinegar. Let it set overnight and then it turns dark and can be used as stain on maybe light colored wood blanks. I also like the coke can aluminium idea and will try that also. All of your ideas are nice and very creative. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Gerald. I've seen the steel wool & vinegar done, it works great with oaks and other woods high in tannins. It also will turn your fingers black for a long time so use gloves. :^) Regards, Bob

[@CMRWoodworks]

That's awesome. I wouldn't have thought you could use things like plastic cards in turning. I just ordered a lathe so I'm getting ideas. Thanks for the idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Chris, You're going to love turning. You can create all kinds of great stuff and make items to enhance other projects. If you decide to try pen turning let me know and I'll put together a list of wha you need. Regards, Bob

[@CMRWoodworks]

Thanks for offering help! I think I know what I need right away to get started, but if I have any specific questions I may shoot one or two your way. Thanks a lot!

[@icespeckledhens]

Fantastic pen. I love it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@davene4507]

Hi Bob, a really nice looking pen and one I will try and make in the future, one thing I have noticed in a lot of pen videos is the lack of cleanliness when using glue. everything we touch is covered with grease which is how finger prints are taken, glue will not adhere to grease which might have caused your failures, as an ex clock maker I am aware of what a stray fingerprint can do to your work. I use cut down pencils to hold my brass tubes when sanding and then a dry brush to clean the work before gluing. the same with any inserts I use, etc etc, cheers Dave

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Dave, You make a good point, I try to be aware of cleanliness in the shop but I know there is always room for improvement. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

Bob, when I use plastic card I always scuff it up first to give it a key for the glue. That pen looks really cool, Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Eric Milligan Thank you Eric. Regards, Bob

[@GeneralBoboDK]

Thumbs up! :) Thank you for taking the time to do these fantastic videos! :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching. Regards, Bob

[@kenhack1748]

Hi Bob, enjoy your videos. Turned for many years but always the results. Going to try my luck by combining 2 woods. Hope I can do my results like yours.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ken, I’m sure you’ll do great. Regards, Bob

[@thebudkellyfiles]

This is the coolest looking pen on You Tube. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+thebudkellyfiles Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@inchman656]

Great pen, you're on a roll with these segmented pens

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I have a ton of ideas, all I need is more time. Regards, Bob

[@Mrjrich37055]

I use my lathe to drill blanks and it hasn't failed me yet. Very precise.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@dannymoore4225]

Nice job Bob, looks real neat. I think we just shared a conversation about drill bit walking last week. It happens to all of us. I don't thing the recipient of your pen will worry one bit about the line being off just a tiny amount. We would never have know if you hadn't of told us!LOL.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Danny, I ended up giving that pen away to a young man who has been a mentor and somewhat of a role model to my kids. He was blown away with the pen. Regards, Bob

[@stevebrown1132]

Very cool Rob! I like it alot. I will be trying this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steve, These pens are very fun and easy to make. Regards, Bob

[@houch7640]

Stunning pice of work Bob!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Huntsville Houch Thank you very much. Regards, Bob

[@josepellicermorant5836]

Good work and lovely pen, congratulations.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jose. Regards, Bob

[@timv.4938]

loved it, I like to work with scraps I get some great looking pens that way. It always a surprise

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Tim V. It's about time to make another, I'm accumulating quite a stash of cut offs. Bob

[@boldido]

I am a huge fan of your channel and I love this design. I used plastic hotel key cards to make pens with this design as souvenirs for chaperones of a recent school trip to D.C. and they were a huge hit. (I used Jatoba for the center and Black Walnut for the ends.) I notice that on some videos you use CA glue for your segmented blanks and Tightbond2 for others. Obviously speed is an advantage for the CA and time to work with the Tightbond. What are the deciding factors for you when deciding which glue to use for your segmented blanks?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use Titebond for wood to wood. I use epoxy for mixed materials I use C/A when I’m prototyping because it dries quickly. C/A dries hard and brittle. If you drop the pen, it can shatter at the glue lines. Regards, Bob

[@dwainhartwick4323]

Very beautiful work!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dwain. Regards, Bob

[@Sweepy372]

Very nice video and a great pen! Never thought of using scrap kredit cards that way - very smart. I use what we call Vulcan fibre as layers between pieces glued together. It is available in a number of colors and thinknesses.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Fredrik, I'll look in EBay for some Vulcan fiber. Are the layers different colors? Regards, Bob

[@Sweepy372]

RJBWoodTurner Yes, they are available in White, red, black, green...probably more. The good thing with these are that they will not compress or shrink so they are very stable when clamping. I will check sites in the US because I am sure it is available over there. It is used a lot in knife building with layered handles.

[@Tonym112262]

Nice Job, I think I will try one for myself. Totally awesome

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tony, Once you try a pen like this, you'll start having ideas for all types of materials you can incorporate into your pens. Send me a photo when your finished, I'd love to see what you come up with. Regards, Bob

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

What can I say Bob, they just keep getting better, cheers Harry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harry, I hope to try many more ideas and give all my turning friends ideas they can use. I love seeing other turners run with my simple ideas and have seen some beautiful pieces. For me, this is all fun and I'm having a blast. Regards, Bob

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Bob, Just found this one from 8 years ago. I will be making one of these and give you a shout out for the idea. Take care Bob. Cheers, Huw

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Huw, It works well, be sure to peel any layers off the card, sometimes they have laminations on them. Regards, Bob

[@WoodenItBeNice]

@@RJBWoodTurner Thanks for the tip Bob, I'll check for layers.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Never would have thought about using credit cards in a pen blank. So cool.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I had seen people use pic guard and I was looking at a spend gift card thinking it sure is a waste to use and toss this thing and the idea hit me. Regards, Bob

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

RJBWoodTurner Very neat idea. I really liked the soda can one too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. I hope to have my temporary shop up and running g soon so I can start turning again. Regards, Bob

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

RJBWoodTurner What happened to your regular one?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I sold my house and we are building a new one. It will probably take 4 to 5 months to finish. I'll be using this temporary shop until then. Regards, Bob

[@DragonGateDesign]

Looks awesome, reminds me of a basketball court

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Shaun Kennedy LOL, It kind of does. Regards, Bob

[@Henry-n7n8]

very cool, thanks for showing how to make this pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@frankperry4068]

Another great pen idea! Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Frank Perry Thanm you Frank. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Frank Perry Thanm you Frank. Regards, Bob

[@EdPitts1933]

Nice, the lathe drill will make perfect. Think I will try one.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ed, Regards, Bob

[@PENFOLD1962]

A brilliant video and stunning looking pen thamks gor sharing. Does it matter if soft and hard wood is used on the same blank? Plus does it matter if one wood grain is 90 degrees to the other wood? so the grain is head on and the other side on!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

When placing grains 90 degrees to each other you will need a sharp tool otherwise it will just push the grain over and can cause tear out. It can be a tad difficult to turn but will give beautiful results when finished. The other thing I like to do with end grain is start sanding it in reverse and alternate forward and reverse between each grit of paper. Regards, Bob

[@SilentSoundGuy]

Inspiring. I'm definitely going to give this a try! I just made a black walnut and curly maple pen with a 45° a few days ago. It would have been even better with a gift card in between. It just looks like a professionally mad inlay. I think I would just avoid the straight cuts perpendicular to the length of the pen because you do have to be so precise with the drilling and cutting.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Those perpendicular cuts are a real tough challenge but when you get them right, they really set the pen off. I hope you do give this a try, if you do, be sure to watch the gift cards, some of them have a laminate over them and you want to be sure to pull that off. Regards, Bob

[@ΣπυροςΠουλιασης-γ9ω]

Excellent Pen!!congratulations!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+σπυρος πουλιασης Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@iansabin2052]

Looks great Bob. I've had the same issues with dividing pieces not being square. So annoying. Plan to do more with better precision.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ian. Regards, Bob

[@mfwoodshop]

Very cool pen Bob the gift card idea is top notch

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike. Regards, Bob

[@Mitchiedean]

Wow. Another incredible project. Came out great. My first thoughts were that it resembles a basketball court. Maybe you could do another and sneak some Louisville or UK colors in. Lol If you do start drilling them on the lathe, try the metal method. Start the hole with a center drill. The geometry of a standard twist drill allows it to wander or drift. But a center drill has short flutes that are designed to start a perfect hole. I got some cheap at harbor freight. Once it starts the hole perfectly on center, drill it a size smaller than what you need. Then follow with a reamer. Its a lot of steps and bit changing, and would be excessive on most pens. But on those rare or precocious blanks that you want to take your time with... That's where it will pay off.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for the information Mitchell, That may be just what I need. I don't mind the drift so much on a solid blank but on something more critical like a segmented blank that takes a couple hours to make, it really stinks when I drill off center. I'm copying this info to my woodworking notes page so I'll have it on my next trip to HF. Regards, Bob

[@verarelerford8360]

Oh my god that is awesome you did a really good job on that pen I love watching you make it it was so awesome to see it

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Vera, Regards, Bob

[@verarelerford8360]

thank you so very much

[@MrRaghebha]

I thank you for this beautiful business

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome. Regards, Bob

[@encorecodes-codesandstanda1077]

Excellent Job....as always!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Encore Codes- Codes and Standards Thank you, I just found your comment today, evidently KZbin marked it as spam. I corrected that.Regards,Bob

[@JessHuennekens]

I think you'll have better luck drilling on your lathe. My drill press almost always wavers, but the lathe drills true. Love your videos thanks for all of the inspiration. I made a Celtic knot pen with the aluminium can for my new mother in law and she loved it. I wouldn't have even thought of it had I not seen your video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jess, I'm all set up to drill on the lathe now and I think that's the way I'm going as I move forward. Congrats on the Celtic knot pen, plus it never hurts to score a few points with your mother-in-law. Regards, Bob

[@10dutch]

Hi Bob. Absolutely staggering work and a genius idea, the pen looks stunning. I've just purchased a lathe so I may give this a go. What will I need? Thanks in advance. Regards Andy.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Andrew, Here’s a video I made that list everything. Regards, Bob

[@MattIannacci]

Nice job! One of the things that I have found is that wrapping the entire blank with painters tape or masking tape while drilling/barrel trimming helps to prevent separation of the sections. Hope that tip helps someone!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Matt Iannacci Killer Tip Matt, I'm going to try that. I'm planning to use up some cut offs and this tip may come in handy. Do you remove the tape or turn it off? Regards, Bob

[@MattIannacci]

I've worked both ways, but I tend to try and remove the tape (assuming it didn't get stuck on with CA/epoxy during the glue-up)... Not in love with the "THWAP THWAP" of the tape on my tool rest/hands during the turning. Thanks for posting the videos - enjoyed watching!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Matt Iannacci Thank you for getting back to me Matt, I appreciate all the information. Regards, Bob.

[@cmelik10]

Bob, Just thinking a bit about your bit traveling on you. What if you were to drill out the blank before you added the gift card and then redrilled it? That way you don't have the gift card kicking the bit off course? No idea if that would work or not it just kind of popped into my head while I was watching the video. Great job by the way that pen looks awesome.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It's funny you should mention that, I did exactly that when I made the segmented bolt action pen about three pens after this one. Great minds think alike. Oh yeah, it worked great. Regards, Bob

[@danielmetzler307]

Liked the video. Very nice design. Drilling on the lathe will help a lot. Also, do not use barrel trimmer. Use a disk sander with a 90' jig = No blow outs.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for the information Daniel, a pen blank drilling jig in on my list of tools I want. Regards, Bob

[@fredbush9459]

Very cool pen! I would like to ask which pen kits you use, I like the simplicity of the pen...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

This is the Funline from www.pennstateind.com Regards, Bob

[@rewardingly]

nice looking pen,, great work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Nabeel Raqtan Thank you Nabeel. Regards, Bob

[@kyliejane8294]

Fantastic idea, looks so cool. Will have to try this :D

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kylie, Regards, Bob

[@jimmywburke5831]

I like your pen also I like your lathe too. I have one just like it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jimmy, I appreciate you watching and commenting. Regards, Bob

[@samuelsanchez6180]

Nice step by step video. Thank you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Samuel. Regards, Bob

[@johnhood7399]

two words.... Purely Awesome

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@joaoantoniosantos1433]

very nice pen and good idea use the card to separate de blank thanks to show us joao

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for watching. Regards, Bob

[@jerrybenoit8636]

my first thoughts were, :"no way is this going to work". I really thought that the plastic would have the same effects as wax paper and not hold at all. but you first showed the copulation that I expected. But you got it to work, and looks great. Amazes me how all you guys come up with these ideas. I wouldn't have even tried it for the reason I mentioned. Good JOB.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jerry, If you give it a try, you can rough up the plastic card with sand paper for a better hold. Also, be on the look out for cards with lamination on them, that defiantly peels off. Regards, Bob

[@opaquemango85]

Great video once again. Very informative.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@brendamartinez3068]

Beautiful work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Brenda Martinez Thank you Brenda. Regards, Bob

[@benjaminmorrison9098]

This was a great project Bob!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Benjamin, I can't wait till you get your lathe up and running. I'm sure you'll give this a try. Regards, Bob

[@benjaminmorrison9098]

I sure will. I thought about using a thicker and clear plastic which may result in something interesting.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I say go for it! Experimenting is so much fun and sometimes you really end up with something amazing. Please keep Me posted. Regards, Bob

[@warrenvannuil8401]

Very cool pen I just started turning pens myself and have learned a lot from you. I was wondering do you have plans for your table saw cut off jig?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It you’re talking about the sled I used before I got the Incra, I have disassembled it and will be using it to make a sled for a bandsaw in an upcoming video. Regards, Bob

[@gillianscott8969]

More Ideas! Awesome. I think they would look equally beautiful with black dividers between the contrasting timbers or even metal (Soda can's maybe?)... hhhmmm where can I get free black plastic to do that?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Gillian, Search "guitar pic guards" on eBay. They come in black and some have multiple colors sandwiched together. Regards, Bob

[@darrenwalter6882]

very nice pen can i ask how much it would sell for? if you didn't have any run out on the drilling. thanks again for the video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Darren, Before I'd try to put a price on one, I'd have to see just how much time I had invested. I would at least expect 1.5 times what I sell a single blank slim line for. They do take substantially more time and I need to refine my process to reduce that investment. Regards, Bob

[@IanMaude]

Lovely Bob, a great pen and I really like the lamination technique :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ian, This is a really fun direction and a very creative outlet. I'm enjoying myself. Regards, Bob

[@bill7453]

Very cool pen! I have switched to trimming using my sander after too many blowouts like that. Great save!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bill, I have been contemplating making a jig for my sander so I could ensure I was keeping the tube perpendicular. I think it would be much better for delicate blanks. Regards, Bob

[@bill7453]

RJBWoodTurner This is what i am using www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/images/PenBlankSandingJig.jpg

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That's a nice looking jig. I'm going to check the pricing on it. I may have one of those in my future. Regards, Bob

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

RJBWoodTurner that adds character to the pen we aren't made perfect....well that is what my wife keeps telling me.....lol. Great pen. when you do the barrel trimming how do you know when to stop? I did on my first pen and somehow the gold barrel showed so when i pressed the tip on you saw some of the barrel. The person i gave the pen to didn't notice but i didn't like.....

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, I trim until I see the brass of the barrel. I also make sure the blank all around the barrel looks like it's been scraped. If the barrel is inside the blank, this is never a problem but if you get it close to the end, you need to watch. I learned this the hard way and I try to never cut to exact length, I always leave a tiny bit extra and center the barrel. With that I know both ends will be flush. Regards, Bob

[@spencerbrown2594]

I really like the Pen! Great Job.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Spencer, I need to make a few more of this style, they've been very popular. Regards, Bob