Just for fun I thought I would document the process of making a laminated Stripey Swirly Twist Pen.
Start Here
![Stripey Pen - Start Here](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7734/17169833843_dfab83a4e0_z.jpg)
At the table saw, I ripped a bunch of thin strips from these maple and walnut scraps I had lying around.
Watching Glue Dry
![Stripey Pen - Watching Glue Dry](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5335/17787451522_79207cecea_z.jpg)
The maple and walnut strips were alternately glued together and clamped up to dry overnight.
Laying Out the Blanks
![Stripey Pen - Laying Out the Blanks](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7683/17167682984_671fbfa24f_z.jpg)
Using an acrylic blank I had nearby, I layout the blanks at an angle. Should be able to get two or three pens out of this.
Ready to Cut
![Stripey Pen - Ready to Cut](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17603921809_a7887e28e6_z.jpg)
Shows the lines for cutting at the bandsaw.
We Have Pen Blanks
![Stripey Pen - We Have Pen Blanks](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7662/17602643030_1da9aefd41_z.jpg)
Blanks were cut at the bandsaw. Two full length ones, for sure, and I can probably use the other bits for something, at least one more pen I think.
Ready for Brass
![Stripey Pen - Ready for Brass](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7745/17602642380_bbf9ee6735_z.jpg)
Blanks were cut to just a bit longer than the tubes, a 7mm hole drilled through each at the drill press, and now the tubes can be glued in.
Tubes In and Trimmed
![Stripey Pen - Tubes In and Trimmed](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5457/17790137835_dae12c2c34_z.jpg)
Brass tubes are glued in place, and the ends trued up with the barrel trimmer.
Ready for Turning
![Stripey Pen - Ready for Turning](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5460/17602373198_7b63f7bf71_z.jpg)
Now comes the fun part. Shields UP!
Turn Turn Turn
![Stripey Pen - Turn Turn Turn](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7735/17763889216_28cd45e62f_z.jpg)
Only with the flat-bottomed Easy Wood Tool, and only after the initial rough turning to round, would I attempt the one-handed lathe action photo.
Turning Done
![Stripey Pen - Turning Done](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8736/17603917729_e808f2da1c_z.jpg)
Ready for final sanding, waxing, and polishing.
Final Wax
![Stripey Pen - Final Wax](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8886/17603917289_9932f37324_z.jpg)
After numerous rounds of sanding, followed by the Australian part of the operation (EEE Ultra Shine and Shellawax Polish, “Australian and Proud Of It” – them, not me) I apply a final top coat of Liberon wax stick.
Final Polishing
![Stripey Pen - Final Polishing](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5324/17790134305_2716a414a4_z.jpg)
Buffing up the last coat of wax.
Finished Finishing
![Stripey Pen - Finished Finishing](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7791/17602370388_08a897cc25_z.jpg)
Finished with the lathe, ready to come off and be put together.
Ready for Assembly
![Stripey Pen - Ready for Assembly](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8698/17602636300_b49083449a_z.jpg)
This kit has a manageable number of pieces, unlike some of the fancy schmancy kits, like rollerballs.
Flattened Bolt
![Stripey Pen - Flattened Bolt](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8755/17790615881_0efa1a32ba_z.jpg)
Grinding a flat spot on the head of a bolt and chucking it in the drill press makes for a pretty solid pen press.
Pressing the Nib
![Stripey Pen - Pressing the Nib](https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5461/17602368488_a296b1e3e4_z.jpg)
And if you’ve ever had your nib pressed, you know how painful that can be.
Stripey Pen – Final
![Stripey Pen - Final](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7757/17602366198_af996ca668_z.jpg)
(Click any photo to view larger on Flickr)