Show Us Your Oblique Penholders!

[MusinkMan]

Here's a new one from moi....classical turning shapes incorporated into the handle. The tapering curve located just over the grip section accommodates the webbing of the thumb very nicely. Comfortable little writer and classy to look upon. Midnite Blue flame maple handle, African Blackwood grip.

 

[MusinkMan]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is something of a departure. I was experimenting with the Salman design and wanted to try one with a little more girth in the handle area. I came up with this.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/IMG_3113_zps095c143b.jpg

 

It feels pretty good, but still felt a little small, so...

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/BulbEnd1_zps063cb936.jpg

 

 

 

Now this one felt about right. It looks like it would be cumbersome, I know, but the "bulb" portion of it fits very nicely in the web between the thumb and index finger and it has really good balance. It may be my imagination, but it feels more stable than the more narrow shafted pens I make. Thought it was a nice piece of wood too! At any rate, looking at it after I was done, and having been previously accused of making a holder that looked like a "duck", I couldn't help but make this one.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/Decoy_zps04803ace.jpg

 

I suppose if I can't write with it, I can always take it hunting!

 

Howard

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/Decoy_zps04803ace.jpg

 

I suppose if I can't write with it, I can always take it hunting!

 

Howard

 

 

 

Nice innovations, Howard. Don't worry if it looks like a duck or anything else...if it writes good, it IS good!

[mvarela]

Here is something of a departure. I was experimenting with the Salman design and wanted to try one with a little more girth in the handle area. I came up with this.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/IMG_3113_zps095c143b.jpg

 

It feels pretty good, but still felt a little small, so...

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/BulbEnd1_zps063cb936.jpg

 

 

 

Now this one felt about right. It looks like it would be cumbersome, I know, but the "bulb" portion of it fits very nicely in the web between the thumb and index finger and it has really good balance. It may be my imagination, but it feels more stable than the more narrow shafted pens I make. Thought it was a nice piece of wood too! At any rate, looking at it after I was done, and having been previously accused of making a holder that looked like a "duck", I couldn't help but make this one.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/Decoy_zps04803ace.jpg

 

I suppose if I can't write with it, I can always take it hunting!

 

Howard

 

Those look awesome, Howard!

[mvarela]

Here's a new one from moi....classical turning shapes incorporated into the handle. The tapering curve located just over the grip section accommodates the webbing of the thumb very nicely. Comfortable little writer and classy to look upon. Midnite Blue flame maple handle, African Blackwood grip.

 

 

Wow, dude!

[MusinkMan]

 

Wow, dude!

Thanks Martin!!!

[DanF]

Some very interesting variants being posted lately, fine work by all. I particularly like the blue necked duck by Howard.

 

Here is one I made a while back, along with a more recent straight holder. The oblique is curly myrtle, the straight is Koa.

 

============6666666666666666666666666666666666666 (My cat apparently thinks you need to see this)

 

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/DSC_1246.jpg

 

Dan

Edited February 5, 2014 by DanF

[MusinkMan]

Nice ones Dan! What did you use for the black segments on the straight holder? Ebony or acrylic? Nice koa and myrtle. I know from experience the photos never do justice to figured woods. I'll bet they REALLY look awesome in person!

[kingcobradude]

I still cannot figure out how you guys get the bands laminated without the thing breaking on the lathe.

[MusinkMan]

I still cannot figure out how you guys get the bands laminated without the thing breaking on the lathe.

You gotta glue a dowel through the center of everything, otherwise it won't hold.

[hzsimms]

Here's a new one from moi....classical turning shapes incorporated into the handle. The tapering curve located just over the grip section accommodates the webbing of the thumb very nicely. Comfortable little writer and classy to look upon. Midnite Blue flame maple handle, African Blackwood grip.

 

 

Very, very nice. I love the dye job!

[hzsimms]

Some very interesting variants being posted lately, fine work by all. I particularly like the blue necked duck by Howard.

 

Here is one I made a while back, along with a more recent straight holder. The oblique is curly myrtle, the straight is Koa.

 

============6666666666666666666666666666666666666 (My cat apparently thinks you need to see this)

 

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/DSC_1246.jpg

 

Dan

 

Terrific looking pens, Dan. I've got to get some of that Koa, really nice figuring. I'm with Brian, what did you cap that straight pen off with? Very nice.

[hzsimms]

I still cannot figure out how you guys get the bands laminated without the thing breaking on the lathe.

 

 

You gotta glue a dowel through the center of everything, otherwise it won't hold.

 

What Brian said. I promise you, though, some of them are going to break anyway! I've got a box full of holders that have gone home to pen heaven in multiple pieces to attest to that fact! Makes for a good parts supply, though.

[hzsimms]

 

Those look awesome, Howard!

 

I appreciate that!

[smk]

Wow - you guys have been busy.

 

Howard - these are very nice variations. I really like how you have made the design your own.

 

Dan - I really like that straight holder. I have been meaning to make one for myself but just haven't gotten around to it.

 

Brian - thanks for keeping us all inspired by your lovely selection of woods and designs.

 

- Salman

[MusinkMan]

Why thank you Salman! Here is another that I am just finishing up. (Needs a few more coats of clear).

 

 

Closeup of grip section

 

 

Crazy wood colorings...natural Cocobolo Rosewood, but premium grade and even at that this one is magnificent.

I love the way mother nature can paint things when she gets a notion...even the deep insides of a tree trunk!

Actually the colors of the Cocobolo are more pronounced and magnificent in person...just can't capture that in a photo.

 

[DanF]

Thanks for the kind comments.

 

Brian and Howard --- The black segments are ebony, which is really a little easier to work with than acrylic, and I think it's an easier transition to go from wood to wood than wood to acrylic. For obliques, where you cut the slit to seat the flange, I'm sure the wood would have more strength than acrylic, due to the fibrous structure. I usually turn a short tenon on the ebony, then drill the other wood for gluing together.

 

The Koa was an interesting piece I got some time ago, cut at about a 45 degree angle to the end grain, which makes it a real bear to turn compared to standard long grain orientation, but gives it amazing figure. On top of that, I think he said it came from a root, but my memory may be off on that. Regular Koa turns very easily, and can have some really nice curl.

 

Here is another little thing I did, a base for an ink jar (elm), along with a bocote and ebony straight holder. I'm not wild about the gaudy gold lid, but the jar is about the perfect size and the cap has a water tight seal. Next one will be an end grain lidded box, which will hide the gold lid, and generally look better sitting on the desk.

 

Salman --- Hope you "get around to it" and post it on this thread.

 

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/DSC_1247.jpg

Edited February 6, 2014 by DanF

[MusinkMan]

Thanks for the kind comments.

 

Brian and Howard --- The black segments are ebony, which is really a little easier to work with than acrylic, and I think it's an easier transition to go from wood to wood than wood to acrylic. For obliques, where you cut the slit to seat the flange, I'm sure the wood would have more strength than acrylic, due to the fibrous structure. I usually turn a short tenon on the ebony, then drill the other wood for gluing together.

 

The Koa was an interesting piece I got some time ago, cut at about a 45 degree angle to the end grain, which makes it a real bear to turn compared to standard long grain orientation, but gives it amazing figure. On top of that, I think he said it came from a root, but my memory may be off on that. Regular Koa turns very easily, and can have some really nice curl.

 

Here is another little thing I did, a base for an ink jar (elm), along with a bocote and ebony straight holder. I'm not wild about the gaudy gold lid, but the jar is about the perfect size and the cap has a water tight seal. Next one will be an end grain lidded box, which will hide the gold lid, and generally look better sitting on the desk.

 

Salman --- Hope you "get around to it" and post it on this thread.

 

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/DSC_1247.jpg

 

Awesome Dan! I thought that was probably Gabon Ebony (which I use very often), but the extreme mirror polish you achieved made me wonder if it wasn't acrylic. Nice nice nice! The inkwell turning is also very cool. As to curly koa, I am well versed in turning that stuff as well. It's soft and light and turns like a dream, but it's so dang expensive that I get nervous every time I put it on the spindles. It never fails to impress though...that stuff is always amazing when finished up!

Nice work Dan! Very nice!

[hzsimms]

Thanks for the kind comments.

 

Brian and Howard --- The black segments are ebony, which is really a little easier to work with than acrylic, and I think it's an easier transition to go from wood to wood than wood to acrylic. For obliques, where you cut the slit to seat the flange, I'm sure the wood would have more strength than acrylic, due to the fibrous structure. I usually turn a short tenon on the ebony, then drill the other wood for gluing together.

 

The Koa was an interesting piece I got some time ago, cut at about a 45 degree angle to the end grain, which makes it a real bear to turn compared to standard long grain orientation, but gives it amazing figure. On top of that, I think he said it came from a root, but my memory may be off on that. Regular Koa turns very easily, and can have some really nice curl.

 

Here is another little thing I did, a base for an ink jar (elm), along with a bocote and ebony straight holder. I'm not wild about the gaudy gold lid, but the jar is about the perfect size and the cap has a water tight seal. Next one will be an end grain lidded box, which will hide the gold lid, and generally look better sitting on the desk.

 

Salman --- Hope you "get around to it" and post it on this thread.

 

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/DSC_1247.jpg

Dan, the ink jar holder is a great idea. Gotta try one of those.

[kingcobradude]

You gotta glue a dowel through the center of everything, otherwise it won't hold.

thanks, I will have to try it when the weather gets warm enough to work in the shop. (though it will only be straight holders)

[hzsimms]

This is really bizarre, I know, but there's a method (or at least a semi-good reason) to my madness. I went to the post office to mail a package in a priority mail box. The guy told me that the box I had it in was no longer in use. Little did I know boxes had an expiration date. More importantly, what the he** was I gonna do with that huge stack of priority mail boxes that I had in the basement? So, I figured I'd try to make a pen with them. Why not, right, I mean what else am I gonna make out of them? This is constructed with priority mail boxes, CA glue, spray shellac and spray paint. I'm sure it's some sort of federal offense to improperly use an official post office cardboard box, but if they come after me I'll go with the "you guys told me they were trash" defense. The pictures are in order, left to right, top to bottom.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/IMG_3154_zpsaf35a928.png