This is where we trim the ends of the pen blanks, the final preparation for turning them into a pen on the lathe.
"The Tool"
This is the the 5/8" end trimming tool with a 7mm pilot. I purchased it from Woodcraft about 10-years ago.
It is held in a Jacobs Chuck in the lathe, and running at about 500 RPM. This seems to be a good compromise between cutting well and not chattering in softer woods.
If chatter is a real problem, I will switch to the drill-press.
The same trimming tool can be held in the drill-press, and using the same clamp that was used for drilling the wood.
The drill-press works better on those woods where grain tear-out and tool chatter are problems because it is easier to control the feed pressure against the wood.
If this doesn't solve the chatter, I will go to the a hand-held trimmer, or just give up on that piece of wood.
The same clamp that was used for drilling the wood can also useful for trimming the ends in the lathe.
Being able to use both hands is an advantage when trimming hard wood, or wood that wants to chatter against the tool .
My first choice for holding the wood is usually a pair of pliers.
Push the wood over the "pilot" and into the trimming tool, cutting into the wood to where the tool is almost starting to touch the end of the brass tube. If there is any tear-out in the wood, stop the trimmer where the bottom of the deepest tear-out is still above the end of the brass tube.
Do the other end.
Wet the bottom of the hole around the brass tube with "Thin" CA glue. Puddle as much glue on the surface as will wick into the wood with one application. Second coats don't work.
Do the other end.
I do this with ALL wood, regardless of its hardness, because there will be less tear-out at the ends of the barrels while they are being turned in the lathe.
Hit both ends of the blank with a spritz of CA Accelerator.
Push the hardened ends of the blanks into the trimmer until the cutters just touch the ends of the brass tubes.
Clean out the inside and ends of the brass tubes to remove any burrs on the metal and all traces of glue. Glue residue will affect the fit and centering of the tube on the mandrel. I am using a 1/4" round file that is available from the chain saw supply store. Take a pen tube with you if you buy the file. It should be a slip-fit inside the tubes. Being straight, it is easy to remove any glue or burrs.
Glue inside the tubes will affect the fit and centering of the brass tubes on the mandrel.
