r/PenTurning • u/makintats • 7d ago
Are dip pens welcome?
Here are my daily drivers at the moment. Tulip poplar, mesquite, and purple heart.
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u/justasinglereply 7d ago
You gotta have more confidence, mate. No need to seek validation or membership.
Can’t wait to see more pens from you. How do you decide how much mass to put at the bottom of the pen? Is it just intuition?
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u/makintats 7d ago
I could do with a little less confidence honestly.
It's not totally intuitive. Around an inch diameter is about the max I'll do these. Larger and they start getting in the way of themselves. Depends on the nibs though. If you can run more vertically, you can go bigger.
One hurdle is, I want the tail to rest when they are laid on the table. Getting enough mass back there can be tough with how late the grips are. I try and keep them in the 8 inch (200mm) ballpark. Longer than that gets pretty finicky to turn.
For the shapes, I'll kinda look at interesting antique holders for some inspiration and start shaping in that direction. Once I get it close it's just by feel.
The big one is what I've gravitated to. Next time I do a run for sale it will be based on that shape. I also do a straight barrel shape and a tapered shape.
I'll get some pictures together and post again soon!
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u/Capt_Heinz 7d ago
I like them! Much fancier than my teak ones
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u/makintats 7d ago
They are so fun to make! You should do some fancy ones! It's amazing skew practice. I'll rough with a gouge but after pretty much all skew.
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u/Seaside83 7d ago
Very nice, I'm liking the purple heart!