Turning The Apollo III Fountain Pen

Bulls Eye Turning - Apollo III Fountain Pen:
bullseyeturnin...
Instagram: @RJBWoodturner
E-Mail: [e-mail]
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Be sure to check out my second channel: WhatchaDoinBob, it’s a VLOG about what I’m doing at any given time.
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Preparing Acrylic Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Acrylic Blan...
Preparing Wood Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Wood Blanks ...
Below are links to the tools I used in this video, or similar tools that will perform the same job. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Blank Prep:
Rikon 10” Bandsaw - amzn.to/3eOULP8 (Craftsman not available)
Blank Cutting Jig - www.turnerswar... (Search for Blank Cutting Jig.)
Blank Centering Jig - amzn.to/2S4fC7r
Machinist Square - amzn.to/3gM6BQb
Deburring Tool - amzn.to/3UlMJ45
Drill Press - amzn.to/3cUrwJl
Drill Vise - amzn.to/34Yv4aC
Pen Tube Insertion Tool - amzn.to/3bLeGfW Play Doh - amzn.to/2xTUw4V
Epoxy - amzn.to/2VOaTYI
Craft Sticks - amzn.to/2KrrHQ5
Barrel Trimmer - amzn.to/36nUQpb
9” Delta Disk Sander - amzn.to/2yINGiA (Craftsman was not available)
9” x 150 grit replacement sandpaper disks - amzn.to/2Y1U0fO
Abrasive Disk Cleaner - amzn.to/3D3HtLX
Rafter Square - amzn.to/2Xo4bcy
2” C-Clamp - amzn.to/3aBstoj
Sanding Jig - www.turnerswar... (Search for Sanding Jig)
Jewelers File - amzn.to/3bRN5Jp
3/8” Bottle Brushes - amzn.to/3eNOhjJ
Turning Accessories:
#1 MT 60 Degree Drive Center -
#2 MT 60 Degree Drive Center - amzn.to/2TmpUzB
#160 MT Degree Live Center - amzn.to/38U6Sqs
#2 MT 60 Degree Live Center - amzn.to/36F27Qg
#1 Mandrel Saver - amzn.to/2Tu6LfZ
#2 Mandrel Saver - amzn.to/2XiEdYb
Tools:
¾” Roughing Gouge - amzn.to/2uGkpDM
¾” Skew - amzn.to/35ozkSV
1/8” Parting Tool - amzn.to/37H3W09
Detail Gouge - amzn.to/37Gmz4o
Chucks:
#1 MT Jacobs Chuck - amzn.to/38oxhfL
#2 MT Jacobs Chuck - amzn.to/38rwDOU
Collet Chuck Set - amzn.to/37e6gf0
Collet for 3/4” Stock (Not Included in set with chuck) - amzn.to/2RAikAv
26 piece set of E-32 Spring Collets - amzn.to/39GYI5K
Nova Chuck - amzn.to/2W3v1YG
Nova Mini Jaw Set - amzn.to/2vVzNN8
Bits Taps & Dies Starter Bits - amzn.to/36blqjN
27/64” Drill Bit - amzn.to/2VxDBOX
Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3apKt6d
M10 x 1 Die - amzn.to/33cd7EG
M10 x 1 Tap - amzn.to/33670S6
M13 x .8 Die - M13 x .8 Tap - Tap & Die Set - amzn.to/38oxFLf
#1 MT - Tap & Die Tool Holder - amzn.to/3awtFtY
#2 MT Tap & Die Tool Holder - amzn.to/2NJu4zK
Sharpening: Rikon Slow Speed Grinder - amzn.to/2TIq2LR
200 Grit CBN Wheel - www.woodturnerswonders.com (Call For Proper Fit: [phone])
Wolverine Sharpening System - amzn.to/2xMPZBp
Dust Collection: Dust Deputy - amzn.to/3cdxOUF
Dust Right Lathe Dust Collection - amzn.to/2Pvd2pW
Craftsman 16 Gallon Shop Vac - amzn.to/2T6Nz8w
Finishing:
Turning Sandpaper - amzn.to/2RziHLP
100 Grit Sandpaper - amzn.to/2zm5twl
Zona Paper - www.turnerswar... (Search for Zona)
Non-Stick Bushings - amzn.to/392M5l4
Penn State Thin C/A Glue PKCAFIN www.pennstateind.com
Starbond Aerosol Activator - amzn.to/3832Fjr
Starbond Medium C/A Glue - amzn.to/2T5zMif
Micro Mesh Pads - amzn.to/2GFigKU
Renaissance Wax - amzn.to/2I3Zb5O
Buffing Wheels - amzn.to/2teAz6D
Milescraft Pen Press - amzn.to/32zjn8Z
Metal Lathe:
0000 Steel Wool - amzn.to/30Mr9M0
½” Aluminum Rod - amzn.to/3at0Ej1
1/2” HDPE Rod - amzn.to/30EyTiU
Mineral Oil - amzn.to/2v7NQ1A
Brushes for Mineral Oil - amzn.to/2TCREl0
Digital Calipers - amzn.to/2NLuJ3t
HSS Cutting Steel - amzn.to/2RBM8Nm
HSS Parting Blade - amzn.to/3auoIC8
Punch Tool - amzn.to/2XXClpD
Metal Marking Tool - amzn.to/37o7Gnr
Other:
#1 MT Taper Mate Morse Taper Cleaner - www.woodturnerscatalog.com
#2 MT Taper Mate Morse Taper Cleaner - www.woodturnerscatalog.com
7/16” Wrench - amzn.to/3ePikr6
Acetone - amzn.to/2yovew5
Nitrile Gloves - amzn.to/2TIpNjV
Parker Ink Refill (Black) - amzn.to/2REsVux
Parker Ink Refill (Blue) - amzn.to/2TFsLp4
Parker Refills with Springs (Black) - amzn.to/319RW4O
Thin Rip Jig for Table Saw and Router Table: amzn.to/2wl3WFU
Pen Disassembly Soft Grip Pliers - amzn.to/32wWeUG

[@JSGilbert]

I don’t think this is the world’s best video for attempting to sell the Apollo III pen kit. Glad you were able to iron out all the bugs and kinks, but what a pain in the butt!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I think the pain may have been in my misunderstanding of the pen kit. I’ve done several more since and now that I understand them they are a solid kit worth the money and the time. I’m a huge fan. Regards, Bob

[@PennsPens]

Nothing's a mistake unless you can't fix it. As a new turner, I appreciate you showing the hurdles for us all to learn from. Wish I had the luxury of having as many different timber species and pen kits to choose from here in New Zealand. So pleased your back running this channel once again Bob, (my favorite on channel on KZbin!) Cheers Kev

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kev, I’ve been enjoying myself again with the channel. I got a little burned out before so I’m pacing myself to avoid that a second time. Regards, Bob

[@aw738]

That bit with the step in it is called a center drill. It's used to drill a tapered hole in the end of a shaft so you can support it with a lathe center.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@briandenham2156]

So glad to see you turning this kit! Kate at bullseye is good people and the apollo and artemis kits are a nice segway into the closed end pens without having to purchase all the stuff needed for bespoke. I look forward to seeing you do another one of these!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Brian, I do have two more kits to turn. Regards, Bob

[@alanmullock381]

Well done Bob,great bit of problem solving! Stunning result🤯👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎😎

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Alan, I couldn’t let this one get the better of me. I had to finish it. Regards, Bob

[@paulwaldrop]

Nice pen. It's great how you think on your feet, and fix issues. Have a great day.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul, I enjoy the pens more when I have challenges turning them. The problem solving is the best part. Regards, Bob

[@skyborne6393]

I like how you show the mistake and how to fix it. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, it’s all about teaching and none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes. Regards, Bob

[@CrossCutCreations]

I love turning the Apollo and hanging out with the Bullseye folks at shows. They're awesome. That's such a great looking pen. I've only turned resin-only Apollos and Artemis pens. The wood Apollo certainly had it's set of unique considerations, but turned out amazingly.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, I’ve been turning so much acrylic lately that I needed to make a wood pen to break the monotony. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@bullseyeturningsupply]

Great video bob! You made me realize that the instructions for the updated Apollo are on the website but lots of folks still have the legacy design. I’ll get the legacy instructions back up!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That would be amazing as I have two more of them to turn. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@bullseyeturningsupply]

@@RJBWoodTurner the new ones are made in the USA and triple start threads. I send some over for you to play with Kate

[@RJBWoodTurner]

@@bullseyeturningsupply Thank you Kate, That would be AMAZING! Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Kate, I received the new line of kits today and they look amazing. I can’t wait to turn them. I also want to say thank you for the Hemp blanks. I’m gonna have some Interesting videos coming soon. Regards, Bob

[@meawayfromhome]

Hi Bob, nice job on the pen, certainly some challengers there that you overcame.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Phillip, It was a challenging pen to make mostly because I was figuring it out for the first time. Now that I’ve made one, the next should be much easier. I enjoyed the challenge. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@Kelly-vr2hx]

That is one of the most challenging pen turns I've seen in a long time. Loved the troubleshooting and problem solving. Excellent video! Thanks much K.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kellÿ. It was challenging but in the end it was worth it. Regards, Bob

[@youngfilmmaker9622]

Great kit from Kate. What also interests me was the dry sanding micro mesh, followed by the Aussie Oil finish. I have a love hate relationship with using CA and I think my next turning I will try this. You achieved a beautiful and natural (even somewhat glossy finish) without the negatives I find with CA (ridges, too plastic looking, fumes, etc.). Look forward to trying that. 👍🏼

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I love Aussie oil, only issue is if you use the pen every day it will wear the finish off quickly. Regards, Bob

[@cjs_hobbies]

The Artemis and Apollo are nice kits and I have made several and the cap liner should be drilled and inserted 1/8 inch deeper than it says to reduce the compression and fit issue. I use the mandrel to insert the cap liner to get that extra 1/8 inch. Also put a pin hole in the end of the liner before gluing to make inserting easier since you are trapping air behind it. CJ

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great info CJ, Thank you. I have two more kits to turn. Regards, Bob

[@pcbn2u]

Another great, well put together video full of useful information and encouragement. Thank you!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching and am happy you enjoyed the video. Regards, Bob

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

Wow! That was quite an epic journey! I love the fact that you included all the challenges you faced and the work arounds you had to do to complete the pen. Persistence pays off and the pen looks beautiful. One great aspect about this pen is that all the beauty lies in the burl itself, uninterrupted by exterior components. Blessings, Glen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Glen, this was a challenge to turn but it definitely was worth it.

[@bobh64]

Great learning video. I to yearn for the more challenging kit. Thanks for sharing this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bob, This kit is a challenge but it’s a good challenge and we’ll worth the effort. Regards, Bob

[@digrat]

I turned my first Apollo this week and it WAS challenging. In fact, it came out a mess, but I expected a few issues on my first one. No way I would sell or even give it away, so now I've got another nice fountain pen! Good think I bought several Apollo kits!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, My first was a Wreck too. I haven’t forgot about sending you the blanks to stabilize, I’ve just been crazy busy. Regards, Bob

[@tommiestrydom973]

Love this video.. Great looking pen. Great problem solving. Good old Aussie oil. I love the smell of it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tommie, I’ve used the Aussie oil on several projects, I really like it. The finish is easy to use and looks amazing. Thank you again for sending it to me. E-cards, Bob Regards, Bob

[@adamc3474]

I'm just getting into turning pens and it is the most beneficial getting to see and learn from mistakes. Thanks for showing them. Stay awesome.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Adam, we all make mistakes, no matter how many pens we turn. Learning to fix those errors and move on is the real lesson. Regards, Bob

[@derekdd5229]

Wow, that was a challenge. I wouldn't have thought to have trimmed down those threads. Nice save. Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Derek. Regards, Bob

[@nothereorthereoranywhere]

The first pen made is always frustrating as you are learning. Thanks for letting in your shop to watch. I have been looking at these kits and even the kitless.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Adam. I’m much better prepared to turn the next one of these. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@larryblankenship8104]

Great job buddy im still learning as I go I learn alot from you thank you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Larry. Regards, Bob

[@angim8984]

I'll have to give that a try. That is some pretty wood.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Angi, Not sure what it is other than dates burl. Regards, Bob

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Bob, That certainly was a challenging pen to make. I really like the end result and it's up there with my favourite pens I have seen you turn. Take care Bob. Cheers, Huw

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Huw. Regards, Bob

[@_zhawkeye_9808]

...wow!...was that a lot of work!...but in the end, it made a gorgeous pen...very well done...👍 Matt

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Matt, It was worth the effort. Regards, Bob

[@Sweed1of3]

Love how you think through issues and explain solutions !

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bob, This was fun and challenging pen to turn. I really enjoyed making it. Regards, Bob

[@KweAK47]

Man Bob that is an absolutely stunning blank! Fantastic work as always.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kevin, I was excited to turn this blank because I couldn’t tell what it would look like from the outside. Regards, Bob

[@jaySean0000]

Bobby B always pulling out the tricks for fixes!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jay. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

I've used the ausie oil on most my wooden blanks it works really well for me.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Aussie Oil is good stuff. Regards, Bob

[@pesto12601]

thx for sharing your challenges and pitfalls... and how you overcame them to create such a nice pen!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for watching. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@georgewilmore7599]

Awesome looking blank. I was surprised by the look of the bank. I had no idea it would look the great because of what it looked like before turning.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It always amazes me how a horrible looking blank can turn so beautifully. It’s one of my favorite parts of pen turning. Regards, Bob

[@russellrouton8538]

Bob, great troubleshooing skills and wonderful results! I didn't catch what type of wood that was. It almost looks like a reverse flame box elder. Keep turning!! Slim

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It’s a piece of dyed burl. The guy I got it from didn’t know what wood it was. Regards, Bob

[@youngfilmmaker9622]

Looks like either Box Elder or Black Ash…dyed of course.

[@raystevens687]

Don't forget to shake that Aussie oil really good I use this stuff and it leaves a nice shine.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ray, I did notice it separates and needs a good shake. Regards, Bob

[@missygeorge1315]

Love that pen. Thanks for sharing the whole process.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for watching Missy. Regards, Bob

[@chrisgriego549]

I don't think I want to do any pen that requires so many drill bits. But I really enjoyed your problem solving process.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Chris, It’s really not that bad, I bought a large set of bits a while back For Bespoke turning so luckily I had what I needed. Regards, Bob

[@davidbondi]

Thanks for another great video Bob. I have a few Apollos and Artemis kits (and the collet & mandrels) but haven't jumped in just yet. This video and the fact that you shared all the bumps in the road along the way is making me more comfortable thinking about making one. I gotta go into it knowing I'm likely going to have a few challenges, but your video has pointed out things I'm sure I would have gotten caught on and more importantly what to do about it. Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you David, You should definitely go for it and turn them. I waited over a year to turn this pen. Now I’m sorry I did. Regards, Bob

[@edwoodiancreations7353]

Just thinking that a 3 jaw chuck would work just as well as a collet chuck as we got our lathe my dad bought a 3 jaw chuck, i do use it to hold bottle opener mandrel

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I don’t see any reason why a 3-jaw wouldn’t work just as well as a collet chuck. I’d give it a try before considering spending the cash on the collet chuck. Regards, Bob

[@terrycrouch1390]

hi, I was wondering what type of wood the blank is? very nice job

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It’s a dyed burl. Not sure what the wood is as is was sent to me by a viewer. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

Hi Bob 👋 👋 👋 👋 its to bad you don't have some of the dyed CA glue I bought some a my local Woodcraft store today I bought the dark brown its almost black but they do have other colors I saw some red,blue,and I think they have yellow. So maybe you can buy for Future use I don't have any idea as of the Shelf life. Hope this is of use for you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I’m not a fan of the dyed C/A glues. They do seem to be catching on. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

@RJBWoodTurner ok thanks I'll try it out for you and let you know how it works.

[@raystevens687]

Bob you think that the manufacturer would use metal on all those parts that you have to turn down. Im wondering if you could complain to the man about what you encountered that maybe they could how they make them. Also you did a great job the pen 🖊.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Ray, The parts seem to be of good quality. Making them out of metal would be a price increase for the kit and may put it out of the buying range of many people. When I made a second and third of this pen, I didn’t have the same troubles so I have to assume I was part of the problem. Regards, Bob

[@Bob_H]

Question about the PSI collet chuck, would you buy it again, are you happy with it? That blank reminded me of the time I turned some spalted maple, and as I got closer to the final shape the spalting was almost totally gone!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I really like my PSI collet Chuck, I’ve had great experiences with it and would buy it again because the price Is right.

[@cobrapower3233]

Is there a reason why you didnt turn the entire blank at once? You mocked it up as one piece why not turn the whole thing at once? Your fit and finish would have been perfect that way. Would love to see a video with that method.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

There is a mandrel for the cap and one for the body. I guess you could turn it between centers. I just never put any thought into turning them that way. Regards, Bob

[@davidzindman]

You know what would stop that from happening is a soft plastic washer bet😢the pen cap and the mandrel stop it makes it so it’s not so tight on the mandrel

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you David. Regards, Bob

[@bnsba]

Green rotey

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Linda looks like it.

[@raystevens687]

Well Bob I liked the way the pen turned out but I wouldn't buy that kit because of all the things went through to get everything Aligned its just to much work for me. And again great job.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Most of what went wrong was my fault. These are wonderful kits. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

Wow Bob you they would of made those parts out metal instead of plastic.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

A metal cap insert would be nice. This is an awesome kit. I give it a 9.8 out of 10. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

Bob didn't you need to sand those components.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I didn’t but I probably should have. The epoxy would have had a better grip. Please do sand if you make this kit. Regards, Bob

[@raystevens687]

Its to bad you couldn't find a metal insert so it could take the place of the plastic insert.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Aluminum would be a cool option. I’ll be making another of this style pen very soon. I think it will go much smoother as I now have some practice. Regards, Bob