Custom Centerbands for Slimline Pens

by William (Bill) Young

Many woodturners make pens! Most of us use slimline pens (7 mm) for some (or all) of our pens. These are very inexpensive pen kits and offer substantial opportunities for customizing.

Here is one of the first custom skills to learn! By using a custom centerband on your slimline pens, you are freed from having a narrow pen. You no longer have to meet the size of the bushings in the center of the pen. However, we've found that a maximum centerband of 1/2 inch is important if you are still using the pen clip.

You can make your custom centerbands from any type of material; wood, corian, plastic or you name it!!

This tutorial was created by Bill Young from Wynndel BC, in Canada. Bill is a talented woodworker. Not only does he enjoy turning on the lathe but also does wonderful scroll work. You can see some of his wood projects at his personal website: http://www.picturetrail.com/willyswoodcrafting

This custom centerband project was found on Bill's woodworking forums which are located at:
http://wmyoung.proboards107.com/index.cgi

 

Cutting center bands on bandsaw from 3/4 x 3/4 hard maple

 

Cutting blanks slightly longer than the brass tubes. Notice markings on each end to maintain grain pattern.

 

Gluing center bands to blanks that will be the top of pen.

 

A variety of woods used as center bands. The ones with holes in them are for floating center bands but I seldom use that method anymore because the ones fixed to the top barrel make for easier turning.

 

Drilling the center band and the blank all in one operation.

 

Brass tubes roughed up with sanding drum on Dremel tool prior to glueing them in the bkanks.

 

Surfacing the ends down square to the brass tube with a pen mill.

 

Blanks mounted on lathe ready for turning.

 

From square to round. Sanded to 12000 MM and first seal coat of lacquer appiled.

 

Pressing hardware into barrels with drill press.

 

These same two pens that I cut the blanks for here all finished off. Takes longer to explain it than to make them. That blue mahoe turned and sanded so nice that it only took about 5 minutes of turning on each one.

 

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