Coke Can Celtic Knot Version 2

I really liked the Soda Can Celtic Knot Pen that I made a while back. The only thing I didn't Like about it was I thought it was to busy. I wanted to have another go at the blank but I wanted to simplify it. I also didn't want two separate pieces that are a pain to align for gluing. Glue, even C/A, acts as a lubricant and the pieces move around and always seem to stick at the most inopportune time.
Here's what I came up with. I really like the simplicity of the design and the fact that I never sever the wood into two pieces.
Regards,
Bob

[@stevecorry2118]

Well, Bob, you donediditagin. (retired English teacher). Great looking pen. thank you so much for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steve. 😀 Regards, Bob

[@benmeyers2022]

This is a really cool idea and I tried it out and made a few improvements 1. If you want you can sand the color of the can 2. Glue four sheets of the aluminum together to make it a bit thicker

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I love when people expand on what I’ve done and experiment with making it their own. Regards, Bob

[@benmeyers2022]

Thanks. I tried again with a thicker sheet of aluminum so I didn’t have to glue it but the pieces flew out of the blank when the tool caught it so I think the softer pop can is better

[@nigelfrance3481]

Hi Bob I've been trying to do a Celtic knot. Then I remembered you did a great video on how to now I know we're I've gone wrong thanks for your help keep up the good work Nigel

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Nigel France Thank you Nigel. Regards, Bob

[@davejohnson9495]

I will give this a try for sure. I made a few using your other video with the aluminum and rubber sheet. I also laminated some different woods and used your techniques and the recipients of the pens love them. Thank you for the videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Tha k you Dave, It was great hearing from you and I hope your blanks turn out amazing. Regards, Bob

[@NoeprobleminTN]

I have got to try this! Your videos are a great help to this new pen turner. I have turned a fair number of bowls but now want to try my hand at pens. Thanks for all of the great ideas and tips!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome, Thank you for watching and commenting. Regards, Bob

[@fredgraber9385]

Nice looking pen Bob. You just solved a problem I was having with the last pen I did. Never gave a thought to the age of the CA, but makes sense now. Thanks for sharing, Fred

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Fred, One other thing to consider, softer woods seem to soak up more C/A leaving less on the surface for adhesion. Regards, Bob

[@christianpratt8158]

I watch a lot of your videos and I dont understand how you dont get CA al over you. I do even with gloves on .. really enjoy your videos!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, Christian, I do get C/A all over my hands. Many times my videos are filmed over several days due to limited shop time so I'll make the blank one day and by the time I get back to filming, I've picked the glue off my fingers. If it's a same day thing, you may notice I'll point with a pencil. I love C/A but it is terribly messy and so am I when using it so don't feel bad, consider it a badge of honor. Regards, Bob

[@kittycat01211980]

This looks amazing! I love how simple it seems, but it's quite intricate in reality. Well done! Love it! :D

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Sarah, This was a fun blank to make and has spawned numerous other ideas. Now if I can only figure out how to make all of them a reality. Regards, Bob

[@kittycat01211980]

Understandable... but if you can make a pen out of a corn husk, I'm sure you can bring those other ideas into reality just fine :D

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for your confidence, I will be working on it. Regards, Bob

[@williampeak8851]

Great job 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Sir. Regards, Bob

[@tomdoe6399]

Outstanding job. I am definitely interested and trying out for myself. I still have much to learn but your instructions make a very good lesson.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tom, I just explain them like I'd like to have them explained to me. Simple and detailed is best. Regards, Bob

[@taffythewelshman]

Brilliant! Excellent step by step tutorial

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@mitchgeloven1740]

i'm an Australian student and your videos have shown me how to turn pens and I've really enjoys going from turning bowls to being able to do pens as well.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mitch Geloven Thank you Mitch, If I can ever answer any questions for you, please let me know. Regards, Bob

[@mitchgeloven1740]

Thankyou RJB

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mitch Geloven Any time.

[@icespeckledhens]

Excellent pen, thanks for the tips. James

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James. Regards, Bob

[@pettigrewwoodworks]

Beautiful outcome. Thanks for sharing the technique. Alex

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Alex, Regards, Bob

[@donb4847]

Loved the video. Since I've done dozens of celtic knot pens, using a variety of insert materials, it's really entertaining to compare techniques. I never imagined flipping the blank or cutting alternate sides to help maintain symmetry. I do know it is helpful to match blade width to the material you use as an insert. That can throw off the symmetry real quick. the thinner the insert the easier it is to control symmetry. Again great video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Don, I said in the video to flip 90 degrees. 180 degrees gives more accurate symmetry. Regards, Bob

[@joelnickerson6739]

I like that pen and am going to have to make a couple. Totally awesome.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Joel. Regards, Bob

[@canadian.scrollworks]

As always, a very nice pen, Bob. I have to agree, this one is an improvement over the last one, not that it was really bad either though. Thanks for the tutorial. Regards, Chuck...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Chuck, I liked the last pen, I just thought it was to busy. This one has a cleaner look. Regards, Bob

[@trevorvesey6742]

Great pen Bob I enjoyed watching keep up the good work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Trevor. Regards, Bob

[@peterhendriks1972]

Very good video..... And very usefull tips. Thanks bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Peter. Regards, Bob

[@oaksho]

Hi Bob I'm trying to catch up on videos after another holiday break. Excelent job on the celtic knot the pen looks fantastic. All the best Tony

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tony, This was a fun pen. I'm glad the idea to not cut all way through the pen worked out. I wasn't sure when I started but it made clamping easier too. Regards, Bob

[@SCCFORUM]

Hi Bob. A wonderful looking pen. I like the odd bits of red that have come through. Regards Paul

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul, I love seeing the red, I only wish more would show. Sanding really takes the majority of it away. Regards, Bob

[@joeharney3802]

another gorgeous pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Joe.

[@Guntherz88]

Really awesome 👍 Would like to try 😉

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@muziqjazz]

Nice pen. Thanks for the tutorial. Marc

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Marc. Regards, Bob

[@sjbl1962]

Great looking pen Bob.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Scott. Regards, Bob

[@wt9h]

I have been using brass shim stock and had not thought of soda can, thinks Bob great work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+kb9beh Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@baconsoda]

That's a good job. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Brendan, I really like this one. Regards, Bob

[@justtouseutube]

very nice job. great idea

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+justtouseutube Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@sharonluebker3252]

Truly awesome........Thank you so much for sharing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

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

[@j.d.ransom6721]

Fantastic as always.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you J.D. Regards, Bob

[@hansolavpedersen5521]

I have to try this, just bought me some cans so start tomorrow tryinh. hehe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Hans. I used C/A. I recommend epoxy. It will hold much better. Regards, Bob

[@matthewswart1071]

Hey Bob, Love your coke can Celtic. Would love to see you do one with coke can as cardiac rhythm pattern, which would appeal to nurses drs etc.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Matthew. Regards, Bob

[@dynapig]

Great Job as always Bob! I fully intend to give this a try, however I have some sheet copper I want to use, might give a nice effect as well. Thank you for sharing. Jim

[@TheTacos4life]

I was thinking copper as well!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jim, I think copper would look amazing! I have been told Hobby Lobby carries thin sheets so I may need to pick one up. If you make one with copper, I'd love to see a photo. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I completely agree, copper would look amazing. I have been told Hobby Lobby carries thin sheets. "Road Trip." Regards, Bob

[@davesloansnakehunter]

I am really enjoying watching and listening to you while you explain everything. How are your young adults doing? I don't remember what grade they are at. Your oldest must be about ready for graduation and hopefully planning what college to attend and what to major in. Life is getting ready to accelerate for the whole family.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave, My three youngest all started college this year. The wife and I are empty nesters. Regards, Bob

[@SuperYtviewer]

It is a much prettier pen than your first go around. I think the preparation really paid off in this pen. Great job. As you turn the pen I saw two shapes - Celtic Knot, and the electron orbit of an atom. (science geek) - Good job. - Annie

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Annie, You may have given me an idea for a pen. I'm kind of a science geek too so let's see if I can make an electron orbit pen. Regards, Bob

[@SuperYtviewer]

+RJBWoodTurner I will be looking forward to watching it being made. Another thought - Pen/Pencil Hydrogen and Helium. :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Very interesting, I'll have to put some serious thought into just how to make these designs. Thank you for several excellent ideas. Regards, Bob

[@johnbittner8964]

looks awesome Bob..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@scollier2826]

looks great

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Shane. Regards, Bob

[@MikeWaldt]

Excellent work Bob, the pen is a stunner. Is there no end to your innovative flare.....I hope not ;) Take care Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, I'm just having some fun. Regards, Bob

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Nice job mate, take care Harry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harry. Regards, Bob

[@Lee-qp6gf]

absolutely beautiful piece. I wonder what a pepper mill would look like doing that with veneer as the filer piece.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Lee, I'll bet it would look awesome. All you need to do is match the veneer to the thickness of the blade Kerf and your in business. Photos if you attempt it please. Regards, Bob

[@kdocproductions]

I really enjoy your videos! Would you consider doing a video on how you sharpen your tools? Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Kevin, I use the Wolverine sharpening system from OneWay. I purchased it from Craft Supply. I could make a video but it would be specific to that system. Regards, Bob

[@kdocproductions]

Thanks Bob, I just purchased a grinder with the Wolverine OneWay jig from Woodcraft. I'm still trying to get the hang of it. I've been using the carbide inserts for a while but they get pricey, and I think it will definitely save me money in the long run.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I'm no expert on sharpening but I'll see what I can do. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

Thank you Bob, that helps.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eric.

[@silvanopozzolini8177]

Great job !!! thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Silvano, Regards, Bob

[@adrianbarber7490]

nice pen mate from new Zealand

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much Adrian, It's great to hear from another New Zealander. Regards, Bob

[@nathanast7036]

I probably would have sanded the can to make that joint just a little stronger when glued, Though it could have made issues with bleeding. Turned out great

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Nathan. Regards, Bob

[@lindamiller-plumley2923]

Beautiful learned a lot want to do knot with segmented wood instead of aluminum let know how it turns out

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Linda, that would be great. Regards, Bob

[@deanthomas5466]

I watched the video and was particularly drawn to when you fitted the aluminum and squeezed that it seemed as though there was extra room in the slot. Could you have put two slices of metal in the kerf? Nice video, nice narrative.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dean. Yes you could put two pieces in there. Regards, Bob

[@tayfan2]

Just beautiful. Have you considered using a green can like from a Mountain Dew to get green tinged celtic knot pens?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+tayfan2 I hadn't thought of that but it's a really good idea. Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@robertacrowemobilehomework6309]

hi RJB this is nice i have been wanting to do some handles like this. well this morning i am trying this pen. I had some alum. flashing and found that it is .090 " where coke is only .045 and my bandsaw kerf is wide enough to glue two pcs of the flashing together to give me .180 I started will post some pics of how it turns out Robert Crowe Mobile Home Workshop

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Robert, Be sure to rough up the flashing, you'll get better adhesion. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos. Regards, Bob

[@robertacrowemobilehomework6309]

I did it seems to be working great it really filled the kerf good letting dry. little busy today may finish in morning will post pics using black walnut with black pen kit should be nice contrast

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds nice, in looking forward to seeing it. Regards, Bob

[@charleswarnol2236]

Great job as always, Bob! I wonder if gold leaf would be too thin to show up? Just a thought. The pattern really looks great. It is amazing how the appearance changes when it is turned.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Charles, I don't know about gold leaf, it may be to thin. It would be worth a try though. You never know. That's my favorite part about these blanks, their so ugly when you start turing them and they morph into such beautiful pens. Regards, Bob

[@robertevans6481]

looks great I haven't seen a bad one yet from you...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, I appreciate that. Regards, Bob

[@bradturbo44]

Hi bob, love the pen the only thing i can see some of the red from the coke can ,. sorry john uk

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s ok John, I think it adds character. Regards, Bob

[@robmc7203]

I made one of these using your idea here. The problem I’m having is the edges aren’t clean around the knot. I don’t have a band saw to make my cuts so I use a miter saw. Any idea on how I can keep the edges sharper when it’s finished? Love watching your videos by the way. Most of my knowledge comes from you. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Rob. Lay a piece of 100 grit sand paper on a flat hard surface. You can rub the blank on it to clean up the cut. Regards, Bob

[@jonlegato1620]

Was given a pen turning starter kit and stumbled across your video. Really nice!. Can you advise on the type of bushing, and source, used for applying the CA glue? They show up at about 11.01 in the video. Thank you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I made those Bushings, Here are a couple links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS7nYZubtagea8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5nQdYFoa5Jqo8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/jquml6OHo56Zock Regards, Bob

[@jonlegato1620]

@@RJBWoodTurner Thank you for the links! Now to find a good source for the rod (Amazon appears to have none at the moment).

[@RJBWoodTurner]

@@jonlegato1620 I got mine off eBay.

[@oldman719]

Excellent job. You do nice work. What method of chisel sharpening do you use? Your tools always seem very sharp. Keep those videos coming.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I use the Wolverine sharpening system. I purchased it from Craft Supply. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

Lovely pen Bob, well done sir. When doing a Celtic knot, if you cut the blank right through does the insert pieces have to be the thickness of the kerf? I know if you part cut they have to be.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Eric Milligan Hello Eric, Yes they do, otherwise the knot will not meet and flow properly. That's one of the reasons I use a scroll saw for Aluminum instead of my table saw. To much kerf. Regards, Bob

[@jamiewilson6555]

Bob - looks great, and your kerf line looks perfect...do you use a sled/jig or freehand it? If a sled/jig, have you shown it in a previous video (can't find)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Jamie, I use the scroll saw quite a lot for Intarsia so I just free hand the cuts. Regards, Bob

[@marykedykhuizen6902]

Wow, beautiful. What size blade did you use to cut the blank. Also, does the coke can dull your turning tools?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Maryke, I used an Olsen 2/0 Skip Tooth Blade. The aluminum is so thin that I did not notice any dulling of the tool. Regards, Bob

[@opusand2]

Great job on the pen Bob,I'm definitely going to try your way to make the cuts.Did you make those bushings yourself?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bryan, The metal bushings I purchased, I made the nonstick bushings. I have a how to video on my site if your interested. Regards, Bob

[@daveellingsen4854]

Nice looking pen/design Bob! But I also think your previous build with multiple knots equally had a great look. I'm curious, have you ever experienced wood/metal separation? (No exp. w/CA Glue)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave, I used some soft wood on a couple pens with random cuts and they seperated. I think the wood soaked up all the glue. I also think roughing up the cans will help with adhesion. Other than that, they seem to hold together pretty well. Regards, Bob

[@paultyler5989]

love it!!! :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul. Regards, Bob

[@SilverBack.]

Bob great pen, I had a thought would eurothane glue be better than CA or epoxy ??

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Epoxy would be the best. Polyurethane glues heave that nasty foam and it looks terrible when turned. I use to use it and got away from it. Regards, Bob

[@SilverBack.]

Thank you again Bob for the help

[@binnsbrian]

Bet you could made a beautiful gavel using this method.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Brian, I'm sure this method would work for a gavel. If you give it a try, please send me a photo. Regards, Bob

[@kevinsisk4504]

Great job Bob. What type of wood is this? Looks like maybe beechwood

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Kevin, I pulled the blank from a pile of maple. That doesn't mean I didn't have something else mixed in there. I'll have to take a closer look at the pen to see if I can figure that out. Regards, Bob

[@davidnelson4794]

nice jog Marc. Just have one question. How do you keep the dust from the can from penetrating into the blank?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello David, Harder woods. If the blank has lots of grain or is a soft wood, different medias can stain it. Tighter grained hardwoods don't have as much of an issue with this. Also, cleaning with denatured alcohol seems to help with some of the bleed. Regards, Bob

[@BryanDunlap]

wondering if you've ever tried to use copper? Would it be too hard to turn? It's not as pliable as aluminum.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I haven’t used cooper but I know plenty of other people who have. It turns really well. Regards, Bob

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

Hi from Britain, You mentioned that there was slight gaps between the aluminium and the wood. I have seen video's of people wet sanding with CA glue, this fills the gaps with the sanding dust and also glues it in. Have you tried this? I tried it once and it seemed to work. Just be careful not to sand to long as I did or you will glue the sand paper to the pen blank. NOT GOOD. Regards, Bill.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Bill, I haven't hear of this method but am very interested. Can you point me to a video, I'd like to learn more about it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Regards, Bob

[@JimE6243]

Great lookin' pen Bob. Have you tried this process on a dark(er) piece of wood? JimE

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jim, Now that you ask, I have made many Coke can pens but I don't think I've ever made a dark wood one. Hmmm, I may need to try this just to see what it looks like. Regards, Bob

[@timfoster5043]

How did you cut it with such a thin kerf?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I used a scroll saw and a 2/0 skip tooth blade. Regards, Bob

[@charlesreicks648]

Nice looking pen. Do you ever send them to our troops>

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Charles, I have but I don't like to advertise that because they deserve the recognition, not me. Regards, Bob

[@davebarbo5162]

What angles did you make the cuts? Thanks, Dave

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Dave Barbo Hello Dave, I measured off a 1" box and cut from corner to corner. I'd guess about 30 degrees. Regards, Bob

[@jwestskate1]

What saw did you use to cut the slots? band saw or scroll saw?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+jwestskate1 I used a scroll saw. Regards, Bob

[@digitalportfolio2012]

This might be a dumb question, but who Scroll saw do you have and what blade do you use to cut these blanks? I'm not having luck with my scroll saw.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Angie, I use a Dewalt DW788 scroll saw and a number 5 skip or crown tooth blade. Regards, Bob

[@digitalportfolio2012]

Thanks!

[@digitalportfolio2012]

Do those blades go smoothly through?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yes, they cut great. I use Olsen brand blades. Regards, Bob

[@digitalportfolio2012]

I will look it up now. May I please bother you and your followers with one more question.... Is there REALLY a difference between a 1.2 volt and a 1.3 volt Scroll Saw?

[@user-vk8uf2vb2u]

Добрый день! Скажите каким клеем нужно клеить. Спасибо

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Medium C/A with Activator to dry it quickly. Regards, Bob

[@user-vk8uf2vb2u]

@@RJBWoodTurner добрый, это понятно как называеться клей? Спасибо

[@user-vk8uf2vb2u]

Как называется клей

[@johnhorsfall3281]

Perfect !!!!!!!!!! ;o)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@johnhorsfall3281]

+RJBWoodTurner man you are on the ball tonight Bod that other fella is not giving you a hard time haha ;o)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks John, Regards, Bob

[@christophersweigart7007]

Dont have the time to make one :( wish someone would sell them lol

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Christopher, Make a post in the pen turning forums on Facebook. There are guys who make and sell all kinds of blanks. I’m sure you’ll find one of these. Regards, Bob

[@ralphhross]

Bob, I wanted to try the Celtic Knot inlay so I did find a video and then I also saw your video and both were very good. The other video used a Jig so I made one and that was a good thing (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z326mHeKaN2VmLc) Your idea with the aluminum can is great. I made pens two ways: cutting the sides in order 1,2,3,4. Then I switched and used your idea to cut sides 1,3,2,4. I tried to see the difference, but wasn't sure what you meant by '...more uniform if you alternate the cuts sides 1,3,2,4. In any event your videos are so well done and clear and who needs TV when I can watch the KZbin videos - Thanks, Ralph.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Ralph, The sides don’t make that much difference on the thin material. If you use thicker veneers you’ll want to cut opposite sides or the know will get off and look funny. Thank you for the link, I subbed so I can check him out when I have some time. Regards, Bob

[@robertacrowemobilehomework6309]

i finished it tonight.uploasd a video on my channel take look. it turn out great i like the wider alum. let me know how you like. let me what state your in also. i live in south carolina near clemson university. hope like god bless

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Robert, I live in Southern Indiana. Please send me a link to your video and I'll be glad to watch. Regards, Bob

[@robertacrowemobilehomework6309]

its on my youtube channel

[@robertacrowemobilehomework6309]

i also shared it on google +