Soda Can Segmented Maple Pen

I decided to cut a soda can into strips and use it between segments of a Maple blank to create a very unique ink pen.
I love how this pen turned and you can even see some of the cans color in areas of the blank.
Regards,
Bob

[@bruceirving3394]

That is a great pen. I wouldn't have thought the color of the can would show through. I will be trying that.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Bruce Irving Thank you Bruce, I wasn't expecting to see the color either. It was a pleasant surprise. Regards, Bob

[@jameshunter5899]

And I appreciate you taking the time to post your videos on the channel

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James. Regards, Bob

[@rogerteaters8029]

Wow!!!! Bob, this was absolutely stunning. I know what I am going to be doing tomorrow!!!! LOL... Great Video... Thanks, Roger

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Roger, You'll love making these, they are a piece of cake and turn like a dream. It sure dresses up a plain blank. Regards, Bob

[@cmelik10]

This is pretty cool. I build a lot of fishing rods and we do quite a bit of the same type of inlays with EVA foam to make the same style of patterns. Its really cool to see it done in a different application with different materials. Very cool pen, well done sir.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much, I'd love to see your technique with the EVA in the fishing rods, do you make KZbin videos? Regards, Bob

[@cmelik10]

I do not have any pictures or videos Bob, I am actually just getting into doing the grips so my technique is not fantastic. Take a look at this site there is a bunch of them on there (none of them are my work at all so I do not want to take claim for them. Almost all if not all of them are done by Billy Vivona who has put ALOT of time and effort into developing different types of inlays and patterns. www.northeastrodbuilders.com/nerbsmembers/billy-vivona/decorative-grips-gallery/dec-grips-random-abstract/

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. My phone wouldn't allow me to click on your link so I had to wait until I was at a computer. Those fishing rod handles look amazing! Thank you for sharing them with me. Regards, Bob

[@cmelik10]

RJBWoodTurner what some of the guys are doing with grips is insane and looks awesome. A lot of the techniques I think could be easily transferred to wood working and pen making for those that have the ingenuity to make it happen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I agree, it is awesome and could be transferred. I may attempt some of the patterns myself. Regards, Bob

[@CharlesDearingScroller]

Turned out great! Very cool way of prepping a blank. Made many ideas go through my head.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Charles, I know what you mean about ideas, I have so many but never enough time to make them all happen. Regards, Bob

[@patrol681]

I have turned several pens over the years, and found it to be a fascinating hobby. I always did like the idea of doing laminated, or segmented pens, but your ideas and video have really peaked my interest again. I got fed up after turning a few acrylic pens that kept cracking or 'blowing out' as I drilled them, so I am happy to see a way of trying to make alternative pen designs. Your tips will be put to very good use. Thanks for sharing them, and I will of course, be subscribing. Ed

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ed, I truly appreciate your comment. Regards, Bob

[@ValioMadre7]

Thanks for sharing. I did mine with the king of beers a can of Corona. It came out awesome. I sold it the same day I made it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is awesome. They’re so easy to make, I hope you got a good price for it. Regards, Bob

[@icespeckledhens]

It's an excellent technique which will offer a multitude of designs for pens. Thanks James

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James. Regards, Bob

[@Rhinnoman1]

Great job. Have now subscribed and looking forward to more videos. Regards Dave

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave, More videos coming soon. Regards, Bob

[@sfhipchick1]

Your enthusiasm is wonderful! Great idea, ty for the show n tell! :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Janet Brien Thank you Janet. Regards, Bob

[@sfhipchick1]

I am having such a nice time watching your videos. My husband was telling me about a celtic knot pen and lol, it's YOUR video! :) We will definitely be following along like happy puppy dogs once we get the rest of the tools and such that we need for our pen making (you can see the intro I wrote on the IAP site: www.penturners.org/forum/f8/hello-southern-oregon-148571/ ) Anyway...great videos! They have me bouncing around in excitement :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Janet Brien Thank you, If you or your husband have any questions along the way please feel free to ask. Regards, Bob

[@sfhipchick1]

We will! And when the time comes, you'll be getting pictures! :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Janet Brien Thank you, I'm looking forward to seeing them Regards, Bob

[@sjscreations2608]

Your imagination knows no bound!!! Well done, congrats..Cheers Sean

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Monstrous Procrastinator Thank you Sean. Regards, Bob

[@GoingtoHecq]

After seeing your videos on pens, I am realizing that I need a lathe and a pen mandrel in my "workshop" (driveway, garage, you get the idea). It doesn't seem like it takes too long to make something really nice. Also, I wouldn't mind making myself an assortment of pens to show off.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

If you do get a lathe, you will quickly get addicted. Turning pens is a blast. The average pen take about an hour from start to finish so you really get a sense of accomplishing in finishing a project. Plus, you will have the coolest assortment of pens of anyone you know. Regards, Bob

[@j.d.ransom6721]

What a great idea Bob. Turned out great!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you J.D., It felt good to be back in the shop turning and I have been wanting to try this for a while. Regards, Bob

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

That is super cool, Bob! Awesome pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steve, I have been wanting to try this for quite some time. It was easy and fun to turn so I'll definitely make more. Regards, Bob

[@travissmith7471]

Thanks for sharing... I guess we can call this inlay... I had been meaning to add inlay to my woodwork... You just made me feel OK with going ahead with this idea...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Travis. Regards, Bob

[@BrainFizz]

That's sweet BOB! Nicely done!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Richard, I'm having quite a lot of fun making these. I can really dress up a plain blank. Regards, Bob

[@BrainFizz]

RJBWoodTurner mot only that, it'll dress up a cheap blank! :-)

[@ShopDawgWoodworking54]

Great idea. Looks awesome.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, It was a blast to make. Regards, Bob

[@antonygansler3124]

nice one having fun recycling and it looks good on my way to make some shavings

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Anthony. Regards, Bob

[@timothyfagan5725]

G'day Bob, just want to say super impressed and I will have to try this, Bob you make something that looks complicated so simple, thanks for sharing it, Tim.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tim, I hate complicated. I try to make videos that I would like to watch and learn from. Regards, Bob

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

I can't believe you cut that can without safety gloves on! OMG! Ok this is such a cool idea!! I would've been scared to dull my tools! Thanks for the review on finishing with CA, I was going to ask you about that, but think I have enough to try it on my own!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jason, You're gonna love this technique. It's easy, fast, won't dull your tools and turns an inexpensive plain blank into a real looker. Regards, Bob

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

I'll try it out soon!

[@candyqueenify]

Wow that was so creative and cool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Very much. Regards, Bob

[@Sport66Fury]

It is amazing what we will try to put in to wood to get a different affect. I have used roof flashing but haven't cut up a can. I have also used the thin molded plastic that some of my tools are packaged in. Great Vid!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I'm having a great time experimenting and this really got me thinking about many other things I could use in my pens. Regards, Bob

[@davidbaxter5132]

I have just 'found' Rob on youtube; great videos; inspirational. Thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+David Baxter Thank you David. Regards, Bob

[@valborchardt3596]

Really loved that, what an awesome idea

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Val Borchardt Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@davene4507]

Hi Bob, what a great idea and a really nice looking pen, its on my to do list. I am now filling a small knick on each middle section of each tube to aid assembly, cheers Dave

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Dave, That is a great idea for aligning the grain after turning. I may give this one a try. Regards, Bob

[@Kingstonsmac]

Came out great bob !! Great way to recycle as well !!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I plan to try mixing colored cans to change the effect since some of the color does show through. Oh yeah, the top and bottom of the can went into the recycle bin so none of it will hot the land fill. :^) Regards, Bob Regards, Bob

[@mooseberrycreations1408]

Very cool pen! I can't wait to give it a try. Take care, Rik

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Rik, This I super easy one that turns out great looking pens. Regards, Bob

[@PlaustrumWoodworking]

Wow Bob that looks awesome - what a great idea Thank you for sharing and inspiring Cheers Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bob, I know you will give this a try. It's a great way to dress up a plain blank. Regards, Bob

[@dogwoodtales]

WOW! Lots of possibilities come to mind from this. Good stuff.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I know what you mean, I have a ton of plain blanks and I was thinking last night about all the designs I could make. This is a lot of fun and incorporates my two favorite tools. It doesn't get much better than that. Regards, Bob

[@kyserwallace]

I tried something like this with a small piece of aluminum flashing I got for 50 cents at a hardware store but stopping another can from going to the dump is just great. thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Stephen, With all the great colors soda cans come in, I'm looking at mixing cans to accent the pens. Regards, Bob

[@WoodworkingManiak]

RJBWoodTurner This is great! I love the way it came out. I makes the boring Maple have some really interesting character in it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Timothy, I had a blast making it. I am currently making several more and am trying to control the pattern on them. Regards, Bob

[@chootrain57]

Awesome idea, Great job! will give it a try

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You're gonna love how it looks after turning, these pens are a blast to make. Regards, Bob

[@sigguy1361]

VERY cool! I have a couple dozen slim line kits and I really didn't want to do a bunch of the same woods on it. This is a great idea! Cheers - Chris

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sig Guy Thank you Chris, Check out my video for a four blank pen blank. It's easy and looks amazing. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sig Guy 4 blank pen blank video link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpjHk62cqcqXnM0

[@brockdion2593]

I truly enjoy your videos and Carol Jacobson's videos. Glad to see him comment on this video. That turned out amazing. Can't wait to try this with a budlight can.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Brock, Carl is a cool guy, it always blows my mind that someone I look to as a teacher / mentor watches and comments on my videos. Regards, Bob

[@matt_williams1015]

That's a really cool idea, and the pen looks great!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Matt, I love that I can dress up an inexpensive plain blank. It really pops and you can even see some of the original can color. Regards, Bob

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

I really liked how that turned out. Very cool idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, It was a blast to make and I love how some of the red from the can peeks through occasionally. Regards, Bob

[@frankperry4068]

Fantastic ( or should I say Cantastic ) idea. Thank you!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Frank Perry LOL, Thank you, love the pun. Regards, Bob

[@barbmulle9863]

We loved this idea and had to make one. I managed not to cut myself on the can, but I got CA glue everywhere. Glued the blank to the table, my shirt, my fingers and somehow managed to glue a freeze pop to my bottom lip! And of course it was at a time when we had company over and I'm sure someone got a picture of it. It would seem that some things should not be attempted if you have fumble fingers mixed with rum LOL

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Barb Mulle Barb, Thank you, you made me laugh out loud. I love this story. How did the blank eventually turn out? Regards, Bob

[@barbmulle9863]

I don't see where I can add a pic here but I just posted it on our facebook page, treasures from the heartland.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Barb Mulle KZbin dropped that feature for some reason. I just looked at your page and the pen looks amazing. Bob

[@barbmulle9863]

Thank you Bob! I have learned a lot from watching your videos, like how to apply a good CA finish, and I love many of your ideas. Not quite brave enough to make my own videos, but maybe someday.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Barb Mulle Thank you, Videos are fun to make but they steal a lot of time. They really slow you down.

[@donaldcarbone2073]

Cool looking pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Donald Carbone Thank you Donald. Regards, Bob

[@MikeLehikoinen]

Fantastic job! Love the idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, This was a fun project. Regards, Bob

[@moyperezwoodshop1722]

Wow the pen turned out looking awesome.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much, It sure turned a plain Maple blank into a unique pen. Regards, Bob

[@gunterschone8402]

Nice Video. The idea with the Coke can is not bad and is a nice pattern for a pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much. Regards, Bob

[@AlFurtado]

Beautiful pen RJB

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Albert. Regards, Bob

[@SterlingsWoodcrafts]

that is a new one for me Bob, Looks Great, Aluminum must be the theme this week lol, Great Job !!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Sterling, That's what Carl Jacobson said. Neither of us had any idea the other was using Aluminum. Show this one to your son, I'll bet he'll want to give it a try. Regards, Bob

[@stoney1rj]

Great Job,Love to Have Those

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+rick stoner Thank you. Regards,, Bob

[@martinwebb5403]

wow that's amazing looks great keep turning.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+martin webb Thank You Martin. Regards, Bob

[@MikeWaldt]

What a great idea Rob, the pen looks superb, great work my friend. Take care Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, I am now experimenting with deliberate designs. If this works out, there might be a follow up video to share what I learned. Regards, Bob

[@MikeWaldt]

RJBWoodTurner Hope it does work out well Rob, as I will look forward to that videoCheers Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike. Regards, Bob

[@georgemccombs5070]

Very nicely done and an interesting concept. I think I'm going to have to try this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you George, It's very easy and the results are awesome. I hope you do try it, I think you'll like pen you make. Regards, Bob

[@derekdodson5623]

What an interesting idea. Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Derek. Regards, Bob

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Great job, Bob, Another beautiful piece, I would never thought of using a Coke can, cheers Harry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harry, I have been wanting to give this a go for quite some time. It turned out much better that I ever expected. Regards, Bob

[@marian3747]

Love it. Great idea, staightforward, inexpensive and good video too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Marian, Your comment mean a great deal. I plan to make many more pens this way and even try to turn out a few with intentional designs. Regards, Bob

[@paulwaasdorp1811]

Amazing idea to add a new dimension to a piece of wood. Thanks for this video. Paul The Netherlands

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul, I appreciate you watching, and especially the kind comment. Regards, Bob

[@paulwaasdorp1811]

Hi Bob, last week I tried to make some of these blanks. In stead of aluminium I used copper, very thin. To cut a long story short, the sawing, glueing went just fine, but during the drilling, the blanks did not survive. Will make another attempt using alu now. The result is just too nice. Paul

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Paul, I'm surprised it did not work. If you decide to try it again, really rough up the copper with sandpaper. If the blank looks smooth after cutting, rough it a bit too. If you used C/A give epoxy a try. I think this pen with copper would look amazing, I hope you do try it a second time. Regards, Bob

[@paulwaasdorp1811]

+RJBWoodTurner Hi Bob, I did rough up the copper before glueing. I will for sure give it a second try, bought some epoxy already. Let you know about the result.Thanks,Paul

[@oaksho]

Great to see you again Bob and another really cool pen. I have experimented with alloy before and you are right no matter what wood you use you don't even know the alloy is in it. I have been working on a new pen design for the last month or so but it's proving to be some what of a challenge. I hope to be able to get it posted in the next week or two if I can master the materials? Thanks for sharing this one. All the best Tony

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tony, I can't wait to see what you come up with. I have been so busy with remodeling our house and have really missed my shop. It feels good to be turning again. Regards, Bob

[@ChewTerr]

Another easy-to-understand tutorial on a cool pen design. I suppose this would work as well with two different woods by taping two blanks together before you scroll saw them, then mix and match when you glue in the aluminum. I suppose the downside of that is that you would show off the aluminum less well?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, I'll bet that would work, the Aluminum might get lost a little but overall I'll bet it would look pretty cool. Regards, Bob

[@dogtiredguitars]

That was really fantastic! I love your creativity.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Dog Tired Guitars Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@MrPip25]

Love it well done, from the UK

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Philip. Regards, Bob

[@ZacHiggins]

Awesome technique Bob! That pen turned out amazing, great way to add a little spice to plain blanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Zac, Regards, Bob

[@safecracker45]

great design.. I will be using that on some "hackberry" a Texas wood that is very white and clear,, Thanks for the video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Check out the video I just posted, it makes a Celtic knot from the Aluminum. Regards, Bob

[@rickg9242]

Looks good Bob, I've done this but not so many segments. I've got some sugar maple that had been scheduled for floorboards in trucks for the Canadian military in WW2 that I use for pens that I send to our military personal. I think I will do some more like that. I like to use thin CA for the first 2 coats it soaks into the wood more and helps to stabilize it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds like some special Maple. I'll bet the recipients love them and appreciate the history. Regards, Bob

[@ianthompson7658]

very unusual what an imagination would never have thought of this in a million years 1st class cheers Ian

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ian. Regards, Bob

[@alanrodriguez3172]

RJB that's awesome, I am definetly trying that, thanks for the idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome Alan, It's super easy and you will love the results. Regards, Bob

[@drew856856]

that pen is truly amazing sir. thanks for sharing this beautiful experience and we appreciate all the hard work you put in to your wonderful craft. it shows that you really love what your doing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+drew856856 Thank you Drew. Regards, Bob

[@Fellerbuncher2010]

Looks great, I will have to have a go at this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Andy, There fun to make and everyone who sees them loves them, especially if there made from their favorite soda. Regards, Bob

[@RLB1018]

Love those pens.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Robert Bergeaux Thank you Robert. Regards, Bob

[@blackemmons]

Bob, That is really unique and a great looking pen. JimE

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jim, It was a blast to make. Regards, Bob

[@PaulDesmondimakewoodthings]

That's really cool. Came out way prettier than I would have expected. I haven't done my first pen yet by I think that day is coming soon.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul, I love making pens and if I can help out with any questions you might have about pen turning, pease do not hesitate to ask. Regards, Bob

[@MrPikeRider]

Nice job, really enjoy your channel and I plan on getting into pen turning in the near future.

[@MrPikeRider]

Do you have a recommended pen mandrel? I have a Harbor Freight lathe with MT2 taper.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Andrew Little Hello Andrew, I like the mandrel saver set from pen state. I think it's just under $28.00. They sell it as a #2 MT too. www.pennstateind.com Regards, Bob

[@MrPikeRider]

Thanks for the information. I think I accidentally reported one of your comments. My kindle acts a little goofy sometimes and it decided that I hit report instead of reply. So if you get something from KZbin I apologize. I look forward to more videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Andrew Little Thank you Andrew. Regards, Bob

[@RayVanDerMei]

Nice job! Love how that turned out

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ray, I was pleasantly surprised too. Regards, Bob

[@MakeSomething]

That's pretty creative! Good stuff!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you David, It was super easy and you Could make it even better by substituting your favorite beer can. Regards, Bob

[@MakeSomething]

ha! True!

[@rusate9382]

Absolutely amazing! I need to try this

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Anthony Rusate Thank you Anthony, If you do, send me a photo of you pen, I'd love to see it. Regards, Bob

[@jerrycarr8472]

great idea! Brass shim stock would look good too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Jerry, What about a thin Copper? The possibilities are endless, my mind is spinning so fast with ideas it's driving me crazy that I'm not in the shop right now. Regards, Bob

[@garyshirinian]

Beautiful.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Gary. Regards, Bbib

[@trashboi-bk]

Very cool design RJBWoodTurner! I love how it has accents of the colored label showing through I'd love to see a similar design with a Grape Soda can, because I imagine the hints of purple would be quite beautiful as well. :D

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Branden, I hope to make many more of these pens. I agree a grape can would look really cool, I also think the green from a Mt, Dew can would look pretty cool too. Regards, Bob

[@trashboi-bk]

RJBWoodTurner Agreed. You really have a lot of variety to explore. :D

[@Mitchiedean]

Another terrific project. And well executed also. This is one time where you definitely want the safety glasses as well as the face shield. One thing I've learned in the past year of taking Machine Tool Tech, is that with aluminum being nonmagnetic, its a pain to remove from the skin. Or worse, the eye. Luckily I work mostly with steel. Lol. But I know you are always safe in the shop. I'm only saying this for anyone else reading who might attempt this. As always, this has gotten my thought juices flowing.. How about mixing different sodas for a multi color effect. Maybe prepare some of the slivers by painting the backs white. Then mix Coke and Pepsi for a Red White Blue & Silver design. I also think it might look cool with the pieces in your brick pattern. Or perhaps just diagonal throughout, though that might prove difficult to glue up. Might have to start with a much much larger block, like a bowl black that can later be resawn on the table saw. Anyway, I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing. :-)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello ole friend, it's been a while. Good to hear from you. I love the idea of mixing colors, that hadn't even occurred to me. Thank you for that, I will give it a try. Also, I should have mentioned it, but I did wear a face shield while cutting with the Dremel and while turning. Regards, Bob

[@chartle1]

Mitchell Martin "mix Coke and Pepsi " no don't do it. Its like crossing the streams. You may get total protonic reversal. :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

To funny Cliff, I am a Coke, I can't drink Pepsi at all. Maybe a Blue beer can for color. Regards, Bob

[@chartle1]

RJBWoodTurner I'm neither now Mt Dew is another story.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That green from the MD can would look really amazing in one of these pens. Regards, Bob

[@carlorjj]

excellent thanks Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+carlorjj Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@ecrusch]

Really cool the way that came out. I have to try that. Thanks Bob. I've subscribed.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eric, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@willemkossen]

Thankfully you used the correct brand of Cola. What a lovely result!

[@chartle1]

Willem Kossen Nah RC Cola would have made it so much better. :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Cliff, Coal and RC are all I drink. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Willem, Coke is my #1 then I like RC. I never developed a taste for Pepsi. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That should have been Coke, I don't drink coal anymore. :^) Bob

[@willemkossen]

Coal could be interesting as a pen after stabilizing it....

[@baconsoda]

That looks great Bob. You might have saved my hide because the competition in the Irish Woodturners' Giuld, Ulster Chapter, next month is a 'segmented piece'. I might do this because I've never done any segmenting before. If I do I'll be sure to credit you. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Brendan, This was a breeze to make and I'll bet you could make a larger piece too with the same method. I would recommend roughing up the Aluminum for better glue adhesion. Regards, Bob

[@baconsoda]

RJBWoodTurner Thanks Bob.

[@Mauroiltornitore]

Great idea!!! Cheers. Mauro

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mauro, Regards, Bob

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Jumpin' up and down excited! Such a cool idea. Glad to see no brand placement in this video...j/k LOL! Good stuff Bob. I've found that the micro mesh pads will burn really fast and add the color of the pad in streaks to the blank. Then I have to go back several grits to take it back. Like you said...short bursts of micro mesh, and now I know why. My lathe is set at 2200 RPM with belts, and requires lots of time to change to slow it down. So that might be part of my problem.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I know those belts are a pain to change but I always turn at the fastest speed and sand at the lowest. Man do I want a variable speed lathe. Regards, Bob

[@paulalderton3187]

nice idea great vid toooo

[@RJBWoodTurner]

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

[@chartle1]

Like how you said it takes longer to get the paper towel ready than to use it. After just 5 pens I've figured out that paper towels use is the third highest cost to make a pen after the kit and blank. :) I've started a ritual where I pull off a single Select a Size sheet, tear it in 4 pieces and keep one while putting the other 3 on top of the roll out of the way to keep them clean. My house was built in 1896 and the ceiling in my shop is only 6' 1/4" high and I'm 5' 3/4" tall and space is at a premium so the roll of paper towels is in a paper towel holder directly above my head. So I can just reach up and grab them. Also is that just Blue painters tape on your finger? I've been using Harbor Freight nitrile gloves and I see at this point you really only need a fingertip.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your not kidding about the towels, I need to get Bounty to sponsor me. Yes that is Painters tape. I tried gloves but they kept sticking to the towel once it got C/A soaked and tearing the finger tip out. I use the painters tape with a slick finish and the towels will stick but peel right off. Give it a try, it's way better that gloves IMO. Regards, Bob

[@chartle1]

RJBWoodTurner Yea for this stage its probably better but will still use the gloves for glue ups. CA loves to stick to nitrile. A few blacks I had to go though the remnants of the glove with the pen mill before I got to the wood.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use a pen insertion tool when gluing up the blanks, it keeps my hands away from the glue and mess. A dowel rod is a good substitute. Regards, Bob

[@Trees2Pens]

Nice result.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much, It was a blast to make. Regards, Bob

[@regpeart8585]

very good video 👍👍👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Reg Peart Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@peterhendriks1972]

Hi Bob,Im new to penturning and i love youre channal..... learning alot.This pen is a great project... not so hard with a great result... right ?Greetings form Holland

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Peter, You are right, very easy to make and a great result. These pens are vet popular when made from the person's favorite soda or beer can. Regards, Bob

[@johnsimmons-grumpysworksho3373]

I'm r really impressed I will have a go to do one myself . John

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+john simmons Thank you John, I used C/A for its speed while filming. You may want to use epoxy. Regards, Bob

[@IBDaddyO]

Nice job.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much, I had a blast trying this and look forward to making many more. Regards, Bob

[@smeefamily54]

Very nice. I tried the other method of putting a piece every space between the wood. Have not turned it yet.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I have improved the process using epoxy. It takes longer to dry but the blue joints are better When turning. Regards, Bob

[@smeefamily54]

@@RJBWoodTurner Finally turned the project. Made a key ring holder. Looks really nice. Thank for the idea.

[@CC-gv6us]

very neat thanks for sharing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Collin. Regards, Bob

[@wbarnett22]

Amazing!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@MrCavemanDon]

Very cool project! My only suggestion would be to rough the aluminum up with course sandpaper for better adhesion ( the scratches would give the glue something to hold onto ;) )

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+MrCavemanDon Thank you Don. Regards, Bob

[@CarlJacobson]

Very cool Bob, it must be aluminum week.......:)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Carl, I was just killing time in the garage. Regards, Bob

[@dogwoodtales]

oh, now you just HAD to say that, didn't you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I'm a rank amateur, I'm always killing time. Regards, Bob

[@dogwoodtales]

I was referring to Carl's comment ;-)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Sorry about that, I wasn't sure. Regards, Bob

[@m24a68]

Awesome job, makes me want to purchase a mini lathe from HF.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, It is an addicting hobby. Regards, Bob

[@zachthomas3733]

I just made one of these and I love it!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That's awesome Zach, Wait till you show it off and tell everyone how you made it. It will blow their minds. Regards, Bob

[@MarkChristopherpens]

Wow that's really cool Bob,talk about upcycling aluminium!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mark, I hope you give this a try, it is very easy and makes a unique pen. I'll bet they sell well too. Regards, Bob

[@marklengal9990]

I wonder if we could do this with steel tin. After it’s turned to shape and polished. Soak in water for a while to get rust started. Seal with CA. And polish. We might get a nostalgic look

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Very interesting. If you have some you should give it a try. Regards, Bob

[@paggodiablo01]

Very, very nice

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+paggodiablo01 Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@robertnla70549]

Very nice job and idea. Shouldn't you have put some glue were the tin strips overlap?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Robert Authement possibly but it didn't seem to make any difference. The lady who has this pen carries it everywhere and uses it every day and it's holding up pretty well. It's always wood to over engineer just a bit, err on the side of caution. Regards, Bob

[@robertkutz]

cool pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert. Regards, Bob

[@kevindflowers234]

Do you turn the blank the same day as you glue it up? Do you wait 24 hours, and the glue holds strong enough to do multiple glue ups the same day, but you wait before you turn it? Using CA glue, even BSI, my pieces are "shrapneling" during center drilling and turning.... I've been using 2-part epoxy for everything but if there's multiple glue ups or complex glue ups, it's taking a day for each step and just seems like there has to be a better way.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Epoxy is better. You can give it a little time to tack up and hold then perform additional glue ups. I always like to wait overnight before drilling and turning.

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

RJBWoodTurner i know the tin was thin but did you see it dull your tools? Very nice pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Mike, I couldn't even tell it was in the wood and the tool was still razor sharp after turning. I guess it's so thin and soft the tools have no issue with it. Regards, Bob