How to Make the Celtic Knot Soda Blank

[@gillianscott8969]

I'm not a pen maker but I am playing with timber and fibres for pendants and you've given me a new idea... Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences with others!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Gillian, I'm glad you found inspiration in my video. Regards, Bob

[@Sweepy372]

The variations of this technique must be endless with all kinds of patterns and colors! Super creative and beautiful results. Can't wait to get back to my lathe and try!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

They are, I have made several different designs and my mind is full of ideas for new ones. Regards, Bob

[@SuperYtviewer]

I said it was beautiful before, but now I can see the genius behind this pen blank. Thank you for the video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are very welcome, I hope you give it a try. Regards, Bob

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

Great Project and idea Bob! A lot of work up front but what a great result! Chris

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Chris, Regards, Bob

[@paulbrady8107]

man's imagination and skill is what makes us different from other creatures not better but different, to see someone's passion for their craft or art is just awesome and inspiring. thank you for sharing. 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Paul Brady Thank you Paul. Regards, Bob

[@arthurloretti865]

Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You. I have been turning and teaching Pen Making for about 30 yrs. ALL your videos are Very helpful to pass on to my students for their future projects. I have always had a problem with the various forms of preparing the blank for Celtic Knots and "Inlay Type" pens, and you made it MUCH Easier in your videos. Kudos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Arthur Loretti Thank you Arthur, One suggestion with soda aluminum is to rough it up a bit before gluing. It will hold together better. Also, if you have the time for glue drying, epoxy may be a getter adhesive. I use C/A because of its speed drying. Regards, Bob

[@gardeningdianne]

Great job Bob. Some time ago I did something similar and i also used a small engineering square, just like you did. I found the stock was getting in the way, so I turned and used the stock for drawing the straight lines. By holding the blade, it made it much easier to work with.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That little square is an awesome tool. I’ll have to try holding it by the blade some time. Regards, Bob

[@warrenwells8905]

I watched the first video. This is a great follow up. I will be trying this soon as well as playing with the size and number of knots. Thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Warren, I'm glad it helped. Regards, Bob

[@fredgraber9385]

Thanks for the follow up Bob. Can't wait to try this out. Thanks again, Fred

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Fred. Regards, Bob

[@duncanwaddington3519]

Hi your celtic pen is something else, I am only a beginner so I have a goal to look forward to, thanks for your chanel I also use Carl Jacobson regards Duncan for Lancashire England :-)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Duncan, I truly appreciate the comment and you'll be attempting pens like this in no time. Regards, Bob

[@duncanwaddington3519]

Hi if I can get as good as you and my brother I will be more than happy take care Duncan

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You will Duncan, Soon we will be looking to you for projects and inspiration. Regards, Bob

[@ronh9384]

An excellent pen and tutorial Bob! Nice work! Ron

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ron. Regards, Bob

[@Stioall]

Very good video & very nice pen. I MUST figure this out without a scroll saw.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I'm sure it can be done without a scroll saw, you just need to match the blade kerf with the filler material. Regards, Bob

[@frankgonzalez4397]

Great video Bob. I gave it a shot. Looks like I need some scroll saw practice. Those corners are a "b" but I got it done. I also had a little trouble with chipping at the ends the closer I got. I think the next one I do I will sand both sides of the aluminum to get better adhesion when I glue it down. All in all I am pretty happy with it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That great Frank, I'm glad you gave it a try ad I hope you go for it again. Regards, Bob

[@larsstrohmeier2320]

came here because of the title - stayed for the very interesting tutorial and spectacular result! Thank you very much indeed for this video!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Lars, I'm very happy that you liked it. Regards, Bob

[@daletprescott3458]

Looks like it will take a little time but worth it. I like what you did with that pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dale, it was definitely worth the time. I love the soda can pens and they have been very popular, especially when made with Mt. Dew cans. Regards, Bob

[@dennismedeiros5125]

bob great job on this video. I had a ton of questions that were answered in this video. thank you very much for your hard work. keep the videos coming always enjoy them.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Dennis. Regards, Bob

[@gerardlawlor8803]

Hi Bob. I have to say from the land of the Celtic Knot, you have done a brilliant job. It is the best tutorial i have seen on youtube. Please keep up the good work and i hope borrow some of your expert knowledge. Well done from the Irish...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Gerard Lawlor Thank you Gerald. Regards, Bob

[@davidwinch7997]

Good job Bob. It's a while since you put this vid up and all the gumpf is still current in 2019. I will use a Soda can in my next pen for an insert but not to the degree that you have shown. Would imagine the CA smears stayed on your fingers for a good while going through the gluing and clamping. Thanks for sharing. Buddha, Beachmere Australia

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you David. Epoxy would work better and he sure to rough the cans up. Regards Bob

[@davidwinch7997]

@@RJBWoodTurner Thanks for the tip Bob. Will try Epoxy as u suggest. With the CA I really made a mess of it in trying to quickly put the wood and aluminium together and alas the alignment didn't turn out as good as I wanted. Epoxy would be more forgiving.

[@Trees2Pens]

Very good instructions for a celtic blank. I will try one for sure. Thanks Bob :-)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@wsherratt5159]

Well explained and a great piece of work. Thank you very much Bob. I intend to give that a go.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Wayne. Regards, Bob

[@DKWalser]

I've been putting off buying a scroll saw. Now, I see the saw is essential. New tool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

The scroll saw and the lathe are tied as my favorite tools. I just needed a way to combine the two for more enjoyment in the shop. Viola. Regards, Bob

[@ELToroPoopoo1]

you need to use a rubber shelf liner or shammy to set your pieces on so they don't move while marking. love it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sunshines' Shadow Good tip, thank you. Regards, Bob

[@frogblossom]

or put in vice or between bench dogs

[@MrDilmaher]

great tutorial watched a few of your pen jobs brilliant and a left hander too i will try some pen making myself now

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Good to meet a fellow southpaw. Regards, Bob

[@pennavecreations3752]

Thanks for the tutorial it gives me a good base to start making some cool pens to maybe start selling one day.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sawdust Trails (Jonathan Heaton) Your welcome Jonathan, If I can answer any questions please feel free to let me know. Regards, Bob

[@dreadcat7756]

Beautiful. I can think of some other things to use the pop can for in wood turning. Thanks .

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@dreadcat7756]

I think I'd get interested in turning a pen after watching this video. I mostly turn mugs and I think I could try this method on a mug very soon. Thanks again.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

If you do, use epoxy, the C/A works ok for small items but a bigger chunk of wood will not hold. I’m sure you knew that but I wanted it out here in case someone else reads the comment. I’d hate for someone to get hurt. Regards, Bob

[@jackleather2812]

Thanks for a great video. I am trying to make a Celtic Knot pen and am looking for some material. I am looking for a laminate that is aluminum/acrylic (a variety of colors) /aluminum (3 layers) that totals 3/64-1/16 thick. That would fit the bandsaw cut in my pen blank and give a Celtic Knot that is not really thick. The different colors is so that I can have contrasting colors in the variety of woods i.e. Walnut, Maple, Cherry and Ebony.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Check out Guitar Pick Guard. You can buy it on eBay. It’s multi color and looks cool. Regards, Bob

[@cortezwoodworksbob568]

A very cool and creative idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much. Regards, Bob

[@airdakota]

As usual great work. I like your little square too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I can't remember where I got it but it is one handy little tool. Regards, Bob

[@purpleguitarpractice9413]

It's a Groz 2" square

[@starboi2099]

That was probably the most wholesome outro I've ever seen on KZbin; Nice Vid!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Hi Bob: thanks for the update information, that Celtic Knot pen was one of the nicest pens I have seen for a long time, Best wishes Harry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harry, I really appreciate that. Regards, Bob

[@Patricksworkshop]

Great tutorial Bob. Thanks so much for the lesson in this awesome design That pen is fantastic. Thanks Patrick

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Patrick, Regards, Bob

[@geraldlipchik8034]

That is very clever and you are so creative. thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Gerald, I appreciate the comment. Regards, Bob

[@0607dell]

Thanks for all your hard work. Love the video. Jerry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jerry. Regards, Bob

[@dawnjennings9809]

Great video and clear explanation. Thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dawn. Regards, Bob

[@mickdoherty8633]

Great instructional video. Spectacular results!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mick. Regards, Bob

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Pretty neat process Bob! Cool effect

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@stevecorry2118]

This was a great video and I have subscribed (maybe twice by mistake), but I look forward to trying it. You made it look fairly easy, but one thing turning pens will teach you is patience. Thanks much.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+steve Corry Thank you Corry, It does teach patience. In the end, it's worth it. Regards, Bob

[@roberthelveston5110]

Again another great video. You made it so clear on every step and I really think I might try that next. ? Again Thanks Postalbob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, I really appreciate your comment. Regards, Bob

[@paulwaldrop]

Great Job Bob.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul. Regards,, Bob

[@williampeak8851]

Great 👍,I tried my first one turned out ok,but one side was tighter than the other

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Glad you tried it. Do another blank, each one will get better. Regards, Bob

[@ErikAnderson1]

Great tutorial Bob you made a very cool pen from a can and a small piece of wood and I like it and might give this a try some time.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Erik, They are very easy and make some amazing pens. Regards, Bob

[@stevebrown1132]

Terrific! Thank you for what you do and for sharing it with us! I will be trying this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Steve, I hope you give it a try, these are fun blanks to make and turn. Regards, Bob

[@wranglersdad1953]

Thank you Bob! I did get my wish. GREAT video as always. Going to try it this week..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome, You're going to love just how easy these blanks are to make and everyone who sees one is amazed at how cool they look. Regards, Bob

[@hexahelix]

Thank you very much Bob, I will try that in a larger scale on one of my shift knobs. Greetings from Germany, Markus

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Markus, I'd love to see this shift knob when you complete it. Regards, Bob

[@WarrenKBell-or7ph]

MY DUDE ! THAT'S GORGEOUS !!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Kelly Bell Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@charleslewis2862]

Wonderful. don't turn, but this and the turning video may inspire me tho think harder about it. Possible suggestion: figure out a way to leave a small lip on the ends of the blank and use dyed epoxy instead of aluminum. have no idea if it is possible, but if so it would produce a really nice effect.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Very interesting Charles, That may be worth looking into. Regards, Bob

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Great video!! I wondered how you made the knots. Didn't know you did all 4 sides though. If you're ever looking to try something new try making a pen out of 1 piece of wood. The ink cartridge came out of a regular pen. I'll try to find the link to a video I saw on YT.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I'd love to see that video. I will have to give it a try, sounds interesting and challenging. Regards, Bob

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

RJBWoodTurner No problem. It is very interesting and there's no pen kit needed. Just the box of pens that you buy at the store.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I'm looking forward to it. Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

RJBWoodTurner No problem.

[@herbfogelberg6690]

Very......cool! Providing I could acquire it, is there any reason that I couldn't use copper or brass?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I think Copper and Brass would both work great. If I had either of them, I'd attempt to turn them. Regards, Bob

[@MikeWaldt]

Brilliant tutorial Bob, thank you for all the details....all that remains for me to do now is to drink a can of Diet Coke, get a pen blank and some CA and go and turn one! ;) Take care Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, Making these pens is addicting so be careful. Regards, Bob

[@emmanuelmarlon6]

instaBlaster...

[@leecook7672]

Super cool. Learning a lot from you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Lee. Regards, Bob

[@AlFurtado]

Great end product and instructions, Great tutorial thanks for sharing...........Albert

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Albert, Regards, Bob

[@robertmccabe8475]

I realize that this is a older video, but what a great lesson!! I am going to give it a go, I do not have a scroll saw so hopefully my bandsaw will suffice lol. I am a recent subscriber from Canada and I love watching your skills!! Cheers keep turning Bob McCabe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert. Use the thinnest blade you can. Aluminum cans are really thin. Regards, Bob

[@5j1o3h6n]

njce tutorial bob,will try it out for a stick handle,regards from the u.k.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John, I'll bet this makes a beautiful handle. One thing to mention, I cut side two 90 degrees from side one. It should have been 180 degrees for a more aesthetic looking knot. Regards, Bob

[@johnhorsfall3281]

Great Job bob that was a good instructional video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I had so many requests wanting to know how I made it that I thought a follow up was in order. Regards, Bob

[@georgeshaw8276]

When you are cutting your blank, are you using a scroll saw? if so what blade do you use so you can make the tight corners without rounding them off?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use a 2/0 skip tooth blade. Regards, Bob

[@nathanslacke1659]

Hi there, love the video. How did you get the angles so sharp on the cuts? My bandsaw would curve it more that cut that’s sharp zig zags. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I was using a scroll saw with a 2/0 skip tooth blade. You can make really tight corners. Regards, Bob

[@jerrybenoit8636]

can't wait to try this. thanks for the video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Jerry, Thank you for watching. Regards, Bob

[@ronaldwayne6159]

Celtic Knot pen....WOW!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ronald Wayne Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@sfhipchick1]

Super cool! Great explanation and very clear. Can't wait to make one! :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Janet Brien Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@samadm1994]

Question: I wanted to begin woodtirning pens and pencils.. where do I start? How do I start? What do I need in order to start?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

This should help: What Tools Do I Need For Turning Pens kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIbKp4ekqbSVY5Y Regards, Bob

[@ValioMadre7]

Awesome pen. How do you remove all of the CA from your fingers?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That was an older video, I now use thick C/A, it’s easier to manage and much cleaner to work with. Regards, Bob

[@Hmatza1]

great instructional video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@kengunnell6398]

I must guess that you used a scroll saw spiral blade to make fine cuts and change directions.. Very nice tutorial.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

No, Spiral bakes too wide of a kerf. I used a 2/0 skip tooth. Regards, Bob

[@scottie1769]

Great vid, thank you for sharing. Gonna try this on a single barrel pen to start out. I wonder if really thin wood veneer will work on this design? Thanx again

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Scott, Thin veneer works well too. You Just want to make sure the veneer is close to the same thickness as your blade kerf. Otherwise it will throw the blank off. Regards, Bob

[@byoung7754]

instead of cutting side 1 then 2 then 3 etc, I do side 1 then side 3 then side 2 then 4. for an even different look try it on an eight side blank.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@bigsabertoothbunny5986]

I would love to know how you managed to get such clean cuts with a scroll saw. How did you get that angle cut cleanly with that saw?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use a 2/0 skip tooth blade. Regards, Bob

[@adams.1945]

What scroll saw blade do you use? Id think a #1 being the smallest but will that cut through 3/4" hardwood? Or are you using a larger size?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

This was a long time ago but I believe I was using a # 2/0 skip tooth or crown tooth blade. Regards, Bob

[@adams.1945]

@@RJBWoodTurner excellent! Thanks for the info!

[@luisyvital]

I was at my local hobby lobby and they have thin sheet metal in the pinewood derby section

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Luis, I didn't think about checking there. I was looking at my Lowes. Regards, Bob

[@jasongriffin4165]

Wanting to get started in pen making. Will the Harbour Freight lathe work for this? and where is the best place to get the glue and turning blades?Thanks, Retiring in Fla. Larry.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Larry Apel Hello Larry, Sorry for the delay in responding, for some reason, your comment was in my spam filter. The Harbor Freight lathe is what I use and will do just fine for turning pens. The things I don't like about it are: 1.> You have to change the belts to change speeds and they are not super accessible. 2.> No Reverse so you will need to flip your blanks to sand in reverse. 3.> the motor is 1/3 hp so it struggles with larger items. For turning pens and small things it works great and the price is right. I don't use the carbide blades so I can't really answer that question. I like the C/A and Accelerator from Insta Bond. I purchase it from Packard Woodworks at www.packardwoodworks.com. I hope this info answers your questions and helps you.Regards,Bob

[@glenemery212]

great teaching... thank you....

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+glen emery Thank you Glen. Regards, Bob

[@adrianbutler2623]

great instructional video i cant wait to give this or a variation of a go. thank you,

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Adrian. Regards, Bob

[@mikeyow4206]

I have the same problem with the glue. How do you get the glue off your finger tips.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mike Yow Acetone or just keep peeling for about a week. Regards, Bob

[@hinahanta]

Could you use a thin copper instead of aluminium?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Copper would work great, just use epoxy instead of C/A. Regards, Bob

[@marathondude]

How much does it affect the drill bit by having to drill through the aluminum? Probably a bit more wear and tear ....

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Joseph Dunphy On a straight through, perpendicular, not at all. When the AL is at an angle it can drift so I recommend a pilot hole. Regards, Bob

[@outermostoutermost9418]

Hello i have been doing pens for about a year now and i fine it very claiming. Its my unwind time i love this ..but with the amount of time how much would you have to get to make it worth doing more them a few for friends and family...just found your channel and iam going to dig into it .hope u can get back to me ty bob from new jersey

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Bob, I’m happy you like the blank. I apologize but I don’t take commissions as I barely have time to do my own work. Thank you for watching my videos. Regards, Bob

[@ВладимирЕремеев-с9й]

Very,very nice!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@donwires5793]

HI RJ. Thanks for taking the time to teach! You mention placing the image on the can on the outside. How can you tell which side is out?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+don wires As long as you face them all the same direction, you'll be fine. Regards, Bob

[@athiker7209]

A very good video covering the procedure. Are you using a spiral blade on your scroll saw? Those corner cuts look pretty sharp.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ron, I wanted as thin a kerf as possible so I used a 2/0 Crown Tooth blade from Olsen. Regards, Bob

[@trashboi-bk]

Wonderful as always RJBWoodTurner! Thanks for the detailed video. :D

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Branden, Regards, Bob

[@ernieg1415]

hi Bob, I am new to turning pens. I was following the directions that come with the pen kits and they read that you are to add a 1/16 th of an inch to the tube which is 2 1/32nd of an inch. i am wondering why you and others are cutting the blanks down the middle ? instead of doing like the directions say ? does it work out to the same or is it easier? thank you, and i am going to try this Celtic knot when I get better at turning. thank you Ernest

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ernie G Hello Ernest, I hope I can do justice to this explanation. The 1/16" of an inch is added to the blank so that it can be properly squared prior to turning. The reason we cut them down the middle, and mark them is so we can match the two pieces of wood back up in hopes of having a continuous grain pattern from top of the pen to the bottom. We insert the brass tube at the center cut mark so we can trim off as little as possible from the middle of the pen, once again hoping for the continuation of the grain pattern. The opposite end of the blank will have much more wood left, more than 1/16". We barrel trim that away. Sometimes if it is a really large amount, I will lop it off at the band saw then barrel trim. Regards, Bob

[@ernieg1415]

Hi Bob, Thank you for your reply on my question. i understand it now, and to be honest i do get tired of measuring out each blank according to the directions lol. thank you Ernest

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ernie G LOL, I know what you mean about all the measuring. It does get tedious. Regards, Bob

[@john196719670]

Is it possible to use super glue from the big name stores or is it better to get it using the scientific name

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You can in a pinch but I have had exponentially better results with C/A formulated for own finishing. Regards, Bob

[@luisyvital]

have you tried this with any other soft metals like copper and brass?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Not yet but you can believe I will. I was looking for thin sheets of copper locally. No luck yet. Regards, Bob

[@dunlaoghaire40]

+RJBWoodTurner Try an art supply shop. A couple years ago a local art store, not a chain store, had 8 1/2 by 11 " thin sheets of copper, brass, some silvery metal. It was nearby the copper lattice type screen used for kitchen, other cabinets, over window glass, etc. Luck.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great tip, Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@timffoster]

+RJBWoodTurner You can get sheets of brass and copper from Hobby Lobby. I think an outfit named KS Metals.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+timffoster I recently picked up a sheet of brass. But I haven't had an opportunity to use it in a project yet. Regards, Bob

[@kristinhegazi3444]

What do you use to cut the staircases?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

2/0 Skiptooth blade.

[@darrellsr0526]

Lovely!!!🎉❤

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@ronoastler3775]

How did you cut the blank so that you don't go through the bottom

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I stopped about 1/8” shy and turned the blank at the blade to cut back in the opposite direction. The outer 1/8” gets turned away anyway so the aluminum doesn’t need to go all way through. Regards, Bob

[@SilverBack.]

Great tutorial Bob, I might give this a go.Is CA better than epoxy for this ????????

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Epoxy would be better if you have the time. C/A isn’t a long term adhesive either. It will get brittle and break after a while. Regards, Bob

[@SilverBack.]

Thank you for the information Bob, I will look at making a jig to hold the parts in place. 👍👍👍👍

[@romneydodd9227]

Very cool! I was trying to figure out what the final pen would look like and my imagination didn't even come close. Thanks for the video and the fantastic instructions. I'm a subscriber now.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Romney, I truly do appreciate that. Regards, Bob

[@walshjp17]

Thanks for the videos, Bob. I have two demos coming up in May and guess who I'll be copying ; >) ... with due credit of course. Well done, sir. Well done.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John, I truly appreciate that. Here's to two fantastic demos. Regards, Bob

[@davidfrazier4566]

Wish I knew type of saw you used...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Dewalt DW788

[@lafranced]

What did you use to cut out the blank?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Donald LaFrance I used a scroll saw with a #5 Olson Blade. Regards, Bob

[@StreetLore]

I am interested in getting into turning, where should i begin?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, I mostly turn pens so I'll answer your question from that perspective. You will of course need a lathe. If I were starting over again, I would probably go with the Easy Wood Carbide tools. There is a set with a square cutter, round cutter, and a diamond shaped detail cutter. These tools are fairly easy to master and when they get dull, you just replace the cutters, no learning to sharpen or expensive sharpening systems. I'm going to assume you want to start with ink pens and tell you what you need for that. When you purchase a pen kit, the seller will tell you what bushings and what size drill bit you will need to make that pen. Bushings can be used over-and-over and bits only need to be purchased once. The first pen is expensive due to this overhead. Medium C/A glue, or Epoxy for gluing tubes into Acrylics blanks. Both work on wood too. You do not need a Pen Insertion tool, you can use a screw driver. They are nice to have but not a necessity. Purchase a barrel trimmer set with the four most common sizes: 7mm, 8mm, 3/8", and 10mm. This is a must have. You will need a mandrel, I personally like the Mandrel Saver setup that Penn State sells. A mandrel is a must have. For Acrylics, the easiest was to an amazing finish is Micro Mesh pads. Sand paper is to coarse for Acrylics and should be reserved for wood. Get a box with 4 or 5 different grits. You will need a finish for your pens. Finish for Acrylics: I like Hut Ultra Gloss. It's quick and the results are great. Finish for wood: Thin C/A is my favorite. Shella Way is nice for beginners, as is Hut Friction Polish. C/A is the toughest to master but looks the best and lasts the longest. A pen press is nice to have. You can use a clamp or the lathe to press your pens together. Laney Shaughnessy has a video on his channel that shows how to build one. It's really good. Otherwise, purchasing a press can be expensive. That is pretty much everything I can think of. I hope this helps. Regards, Bob

[@mr.mickles]

You seem to have gotten a little glue on your fingers. Seriously though, this is wonderful. Thank you for showing this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mr. Mickles LOL, when I get started on a new idea, i get rolling and I sometimes forget to put on my gloves. Thank you For watching and commenting. Regards, Bob

[@ramaroodle]

Gorgeous! :-) Great as always! Why use 2 pieces of aluminum as opposed to one long piece??

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Andy, Only reason I used two was the can wasn’t tall enough. A tall boy can would be perfect. Regards, Bob

[@michaelhibbert4393]

What pen kit did you use please Bob.....thanks in advance.....regards Mick

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It’s been a while but I believe that was a Penn State Fun Line Kit. Regards, Bob

[@garyshirinian]

Amazing. Thx for sharing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Gary. Regards, Bob

[@garyshirinian]

@@RJBWoodTurner you're making me think to get another hobby here . I'm thinking to make a straight line machine for guilloche just for fun when I retire, then I'll make pens out of bronze, and guilloche finish. I'm a ex jeweller and past over 30 years a tool and die maker.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds amazing, I’ve never seen a pen like that but I would love to.

[@garyshirinian]

@@RJBWoodTurner they look very nice also .

[@garyshirinian]

@@RJBWoodTurner kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqK3c6lrgduoiNk

[@IBDaddyO]

Bob, are you using a spiral bit scroll blade? Mark

[@RJBWoodTurner]

No, I'm using an Olsen 2/0 Crown Tooth Blade. The spiral blades are nice but the kerf is to big for my liking. Regards, Bob

[@markduggan3451]

Very nice.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Mark, That video is an oldie. 😀

[@brianpruitt1015]

If you the strips of aluminum around the circumference instead of from top to bottom you wont have to use two strips per glue up.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Good idea Brian. Regards, Bob

[@donb4847]

Really nice work. I've been turning celtic knot pens for a few years now and they always fascinate people. Awesome job of explaining the process. Just curious, why did it matter where you positioned the color on the can? I might have fine sanded both sides to improve the glue joints. I've worked with metal in pens and it can be fussy.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Don, Sanding both sides would guarantee a longer lasting hold and a better glue grip. I was hoping to see some of the colors from the can in the knot after turning. There was plenty of color until I sanded. Sanding removed almost all of it. I think the pre sanding I'd your best bet. Regards, Bob

[@binnsbrian]

Why are you concerned which side the pained aluminum is placed if you only see the edge of it when you are finished? Maybe you can avoid the joint by using a tall boy beer can. Great job on the blank.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Brian, You're right is doesn't matter on this design, some of the others I have been making show a little of the colored Aluminum. I guess I just had that on my mind. A tall boy would be a great idea. I picket up a Monster can that is tall and want to give it a try. Regards, Bob