Modified Mechanical Pencil From A Slimline Pencil Kit

[@billrobinson8939]

This 6 year old video is perfectly timed for me. I've been making the modified slimline and fun line pens for a while but have not tried a pencil kit. Saw an old friend tonight who loves purple. When I got back to my shop I dug out my last piece of purpleheart, A 3/4 x 3/4 x 12" and decided to finally try a pencil and make her a pen/pencil set. And bang, here you are with the instructions. Thanks for all the videos that are so excellent for a new guy.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

What a great gift. Your friend will love it. Regards, Bob

[@billrobinson8939]

If it wasn't for my screw ups, I'd never have an up. But, lucky for me I have a local sawmill 3 miles away that has started carrying exotics. Just picked up a 1" x 4" x 36" piece of purple heart for 20 bucks. Thats a lot of pen blanks. He also gave me a bunch of walnut 2 foot by inch and a half, a nice piece of quilted maple and a large slab of beautiful Hackberry. Hackberry is big enough for a charcuterie board. He has some outrageous slabs of sycamore, Hackberry, canarywood, flame box elder, everything at about 1/4 cost anywhere else. Got get some money together and get back to building big stuff, drop the pens for awhile.

[@angelasteinkamp6326]

I'm a little late to the modified pen/pencil game here, but thanks for walking through the process. I appreciate how straight, to-the-point you were on many of the steps. Explanations are always appreciated too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Angela, Here is a link to my playlist is mod pen & mechanical pencils. They are a blast to make. 😃 Modified Pens & Mechanical Pencils: kzbin.info/aero/PLd8OGJeP3PxlDjVHgTfpIYusnINeKy8e_ Regards, Bob

[@rcache4]

Beautiful pencil... Love the Yellow and Blue. Anytime you have fewer parts you have stronger construction. Side note, I was working on 3 pens this evening and my wife said she opened the side door, put a few items and the storage area of the shop. I had no idea she was even around. The lathes - they hypnotize!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Bob Stembridge They do, we have a woodworking show next weekend and I can't wait to watch the other turners. I learn so much from observing. It is hypnotizing. Bob

[@aprilthompson2853]

I just found this video. Perfect timing because I just got my lathe and it came with pen turning kits for slimline pens and pencils. I love mechanical pencils (use them everyday) so I am looking forward to making myself a nice one.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, this is by far my favorite way to make a mechanical pencil. I use them daily too. Regards, Bob

[@timhunter452]

Thank you for this, I have now made a couple of these for my pencil kits and I agree that keeping the whole blank intact looks great.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Orion Thank you Orion. Bob

[@UriValdez]

This is beautiful

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Uriel. Regards, Bob

[@c130steve]

Nice job again. Your videos are always appreciated. Thank you, Steve

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Steve Judd Thank you Steve. Regards, Bob

[@opasworkshop8373]

awesome pencil Bob. I think you chose the right word combination for this one

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Opa's Workshop Thank you Opa, I also made a modified Slimline pen to match. It's a great set. Bob

[@MelbourneAlan]

great pencil bob. I think I would have drill those kind of blanks off plumb. I think it would create a bit more of the interesting grain

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+MelbourneAlan That would look nice, They sell them precut at a 45 degree angle. Bob

[@rgoodleaf]

Nice one Bob! I'm going to have to try a one piece slimline pen/pencil soon. I like the way they come out. Cheers, Rich

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+rgoodleaf Thank you Rich. Regards, Bob

[@baconsoda]

Thanks for putting this up Bob, I have pencil kits but didn't want them to look like Slimline pens. Great job. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+baconsoda Thank you Brendan, I prefer this design to the manufacturers design. Bob

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

Good looking Pencil Bob, thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Lynn Lacey Thank you Lynn. Regards, Bob

[@drjbg230]

Bob, please let me know if I’m correct about this: 1) The Penn State Indust. Slimeline and Trimline PENCIL kits require an additional length added to the blank corresponding to the width of the center band (.25”) to allow for the pencil mechanism to work and fit properly. 2) The Slimeline and Trimline PEN kits do NOT require this extra length in the blank since the center band fits OVER the brass tube therefore does not “take up extra room”. Whereas the PENCIL kit’s center band fits INBETWEEN the two brass tubes and therefore DOES “take up extra room”. 3) I see that the Slimline Pro PENCIL and PEN kit’s center band fits in between the tube and so these pens (and pencils) WILL require a corresponding longer blank. I’m not sure if this will help anybody in the future, but I didn’t get this at first and had to do some digging so my compartmentalized brain could make sense of it. :) Thank you for your continued instruction, good nature, and support. - Jake

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Jake, I had to read this a couple times but the information is 100% correct. Thank you for posting it. Regards, Bob

[@roncoleman4017]

do you know of a kit that looks like a Gatsby/Wallstreet but is thin like a slimline?I enjoy all of your videos but I enjoy the kits that fight you the most. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You can always turn the blank walls thin. This kit uses a large diameter brass tube. I don’t know of a slimline pen with similar characteristics. Regards, Bob

[@earlrumble1692]

I really love your approach to the modified concept. I don't like the thin in the middle slim-line design, as I feel that the wood is more attractive than the bling encrusted standard slim-line.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Earl Rumble I'm with you on that. This design really opens up to creative design and shows off any blank. Bob

[@donnapresley966]

thanks bob will make one of them later also. great video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Donna Presley Thank you Donna. Regards, Bob

[@sc6882]

Thank you for the video. Would you mind telling me how you got those metal fittings?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

These fittings are from the kit calls Funline. I purchased it from www.pennstateind.com Regards, Bob

[@robertevans6481]

great pencil there Bob..man I miss my lathe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Robert Evans Thank you Robert. Regards, Bob

[@turnersparadise8368]

That is a good looking pencil. Did you have a matching pen? It would be a killer set. Love that blank.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger I think I did now that you mention it. Yellow and blue are the high school colors here so I thought a set might sell well. Regards, Bob

[@kevincostelloe4463]

You make it look soooo easy! I retired from the Air Force a few years back, and I’m trying to fill the void with fun things...one of which is woodworking! I’m enjoying myself very much, and I recently came across a pretty good deal (I think) on a used lathe. I’d like to be able to turn some pens, but I’m having a hard time with a few of the details. For instance, what are you using on your head & tail stocks? Is everything pretty much standard? (The mandrel, spacers, things like that.). Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!! 😊

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You need to know it your lather is a #1 or #2 Morse taper. Then you can purchase a mandrel to fit. I like the mandrel saver from www.penstateind.com. The mandrel diameter is 1/4” and that is the inside diameter of the bushings so no matter the outside diameter, they will all fit the mandrel. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

very nice again Bob, you didn't elaborate on the blank you used, I think you mentioned plywood.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Eric Milligan Sorry Eric, Its Spectra Ply. Bob

[@Aandare]

I like this modified kit. I am going to have to give it a try. On a side note maybe you can help me with an issue I am having with modifing a pencil kit. I have a request from a family member to make a desk set. He sent me the funnels and some ebony to make them out of. He wants a matching pen & pencil set, slimline sized and twist mechanisms. Also the end will be modified and closed in with no clip. Pretty much just like a typical sling pen. I can modify the pen kit and just use a slimline kit no problem. The issue I am having is finding a way to modify a pencil kit with a twisting mechanism to match. I thought for sure I could find a kit somewhere but I have had no such luck. The only twist kits I can find in pencils are very large and will not fit in the funnels which are designed for slim lines. I actually thought maybe someone would a kit where the nib twisted to advance the lead (anyone remember the old Rose Art mechanical pencils that the nib twisted instead of clicking like the Bics?) Any thoughts on a possible solution to this would be greatly appreciated!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Joshua Oehler hello Joshua, I have never seen a twist pencil kit for a Slimline frame. That only thing I can think of is to buy a couple of the Rose Art pens and deconstruct one to see if you can rebuild the shell to work with the brass tubes. Sorry I couldn't be more help on this one. Regards, Bob

[@petrusscott3038]

Nice job. After turning the kit you used the hut polish. Would polishing it with the buffing wheels add anything? Or using the hut polish negate the need to buffing the blank?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hut was a product I used a long time ago. I don’t know if polishing would help Hut. Then again I never tried it. Regards, Bob

[@BlackCat_2]

That's a beautiful pencil. :) - Heidi

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+BlackCat2 Thank you Heidi. Regards, Bob

[@oldcodger3509]

Thanks Bob for another great video! I've been looking for a method for making a single tube mechanical pencil and your method looks perfect! My only question is, how do you drill the blank all the way through the entire length without drift? You must use a longer drill bit and if so, any idea where we can purchase these? Thanks in advance for your advice and SAFE turning to you and yours ALWAYS!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello and thank you. I purchased a 7mm pig from Penn State. I believe it’s PK-7MM. Regards, Bob

[@marcycooper6930]

sweet!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Marcy Cooper Thank you Marcy. Bob

[@lt852000]

you move it back and forth? i was informed not to do that because it could get glue inside the tube

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It can but you really need to spread that glue, especially onto the ends of the tube otherwise, the material will be like a fingernail, not attached, and can break off. Use something to plug the tube while inserting it, wax, Play Doh, or even a potato slice will work. Regards, Bob

[@daleparrott5265]

Nice job on the pencil Bob. I am assuming it was Spectraply in the Fighting Irish color. I tried some of that particular color but had issues with the DNA wipe down and the CA finish bleeding the colors. Any issues like that for you when you look really close?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Dale Parrott Hello Dale, Sanding really muted the yellow for me and I believe the DNA bleed it a bit. I don't know that the C/A did anything, if it did I didn't notice. Regards, Bob

[@andyrascoe4070]

What is the average you or other Woodturner sale their pens and bottlestoppers for? I’m a beginner turner,

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Andy, Go to www.pennstateind.com, they list average selling prices for all their pens. That’s where I start. Regards, Bob

[@itsstevesturnpensmore795]

Hey Bob, can't believe I am just now getting to this vid! One question: it would be ideal to use a custom cut tube, but is there any structural or functional reason not to use the stock tubes? (Carefully of course, so I don't end up burying one a quarter inch deep into the blank) I've got what may be killer prototype blanks just out of the pot that I want to showcase. Thought honing a new turning technique would be awesome on top of the casting! Best, Steve

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Steve's Turn - Pens & More Hello Steve. I think the single tube would be structurally stronger but I believe you could do it with the stock tubes. I’d love to see a photo of your finished pen and blank.

[@johnjohnsonjr5324]

I'm a new turner , you said to start with slimline pens. Thanks should I stay on them or move up with better quality?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Most people start with Slimlines because there cheap. As soon as your ready to spend a little more for a kit, I’d go fo it. Some of the one tube kits are easier to turn because you only have one blank to worry about. It’s all about your comfort level and your wallet. Regards, Bob

[@frankdellaria218]

Very nice. I've made several Pencil Kits for my Grand kids. None of them have lasted. The pencil mechanisms are junk, they just keep falling apart.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I agree, I buy them in bulk and swap out the mechanism of mine and the several other’s I’ve made for my wife all the time. Regards, Bob

[@frankdellaria218]

Thanks for your reply. What mechanisms are you using?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I jut use the cheapies from Penn State. Regards, Bob

[@cononeill2545]

Thanks for the video. Can you please give me the name of a store where I can get these kits?? In the Uk would be useful. Con

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Con O'Neill Hello Con, I am unfamiliar with the U.K. market but I will post a message on Facebook asking my U.K. friends. Search RJBWoodturner on Facebook to follow along. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Con O'Neill Con, Please check out the post on my FB page, the U.K. Turners have really out done themselves, there are numerous resources listed. Regards, Bob

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you Bob, that was very nice. Please tell me, what do you pay for pen kits over there, we pay about R1700.00 That is around $120

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Val Borchardt Kits start at about $1.50 and bonus from there. Bob

[@cejkwo100]

What kit is that Bob, interested in getting one.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+cejkwo Mass For this I used the Funline kit from Penn State. Any Slimline style kit should work. Regards, Bob

[@johnjohnsonjr5324]

Thank you for asking, can you name the ones that you would step up too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I like the Stratus click. I don’t make many clicks. Regards, Bob

[@williambidel9258]

I am entering this here on this video because on the one about building another pen using a figured red cedar blank the you got from dustydogwoodworks.com. I tried finding his website that you provided the link for. That is no longer active. My question is do you know where he is now. He is not on Amazon as far as I can tell. I can't find any figured red cedar anywhere. It seems as though it doesn't exist any more. I've tried PSI, Arizona Silhouette and several other locations with no luck. Bill

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+William Bidel I know his health wasn't the best, I'll look through my notes and see if I have a personal number for him. Regards, Bob

[@williambidel9258]

Thank you Bob, I look forward to your videos, they are the kind that inspire one to get out there in the shop. Bill

[@tugboat_actual]

should call this the blue angel pencil.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+RIVER_CITY_TACTICAL That would work. These are our local high school colors too. Bob