Ken Salisbury
06-15-2006, 11:54 AM
I am starting a new thread to address problems brought to light by some folks in a thread started by Cory Hallagan
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=38166
I have made more than 500 Flat Top American (double twist) pens with a 99% (or greater) success rate. <O:pThere are 3 inherent problems which can happen. First, the length of the top blank is critical 1 13/16” + 0 – 1/32”. If the blank is too long the mechanism will not function properly. If the blank is too short the ring on the end of the lower barrel will show when the pen is assembled. Years ago I made a go, no-go gauge to insure the top blanks were within the tolerances specified. Berea now sells a gauge for use on this kit plus some other kits like the Round Top Euro which has similar problems. However it is simple to make your own. The top blank must clear the first step in the gauge and not go into the next step.
40941
<O:p
<O:pSecondly two things can happen that will cause a bind between the twist mechanism and the top tube which will cause a bind resulting in a hard to turn mechanism or an inoperable one.
1. When assembling the brass threaded insert into the twist mechanism excessive pressure can be applied causing a slight flare in the threaded end of the twist mechanism.
40942
40943
2. When assembling the center band to the top (due to part tolerances) a slight collapse in the upper tube can occur causing the same bind.
Solutions:
Make sure things fit before you assemble.
First, make sure your lower barrel will fit into the center band with room to spare. Then assemble the lower blank
<O:pSecond, put the center band on the top blank. Then assemble the twist mechanism/brass insert sub assembly. Test fit these two by inserting the mechanism sub assembly backwards into the top tube from the center ring end and turn to insure a free fit. If tight, slightly ream out the tube with a reamer or a drill bit to insure clearance. Then press the mechanism sub assembly in from the top.
Third, prior to any assembly of the lower part of the pen, test fit the bottom blank into the assembled top (center band) to insure clearance. If tight reducing it's diameter is required.
Flat Top American pens have been by far my best sellers. The problems are simply "operator errors" :) . "He who gives up - loses"
HAPPY PEN TURNING ! ! !
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=38166
I have made more than 500 Flat Top American (double twist) pens with a 99% (or greater) success rate. <O:pThere are 3 inherent problems which can happen. First, the length of the top blank is critical 1 13/16” + 0 – 1/32”. If the blank is too long the mechanism will not function properly. If the blank is too short the ring on the end of the lower barrel will show when the pen is assembled. Years ago I made a go, no-go gauge to insure the top blanks were within the tolerances specified. Berea now sells a gauge for use on this kit plus some other kits like the Round Top Euro which has similar problems. However it is simple to make your own. The top blank must clear the first step in the gauge and not go into the next step.
40941
<O:p
<O:pSecondly two things can happen that will cause a bind between the twist mechanism and the top tube which will cause a bind resulting in a hard to turn mechanism or an inoperable one.
1. When assembling the brass threaded insert into the twist mechanism excessive pressure can be applied causing a slight flare in the threaded end of the twist mechanism.
40942
40943
2. When assembling the center band to the top (due to part tolerances) a slight collapse in the upper tube can occur causing the same bind.
Solutions:
Make sure things fit before you assemble.
First, make sure your lower barrel will fit into the center band with room to spare. Then assemble the lower blank
<O:pSecond, put the center band on the top blank. Then assemble the twist mechanism/brass insert sub assembly. Test fit these two by inserting the mechanism sub assembly backwards into the top tube from the center ring end and turn to insure a free fit. If tight, slightly ream out the tube with a reamer or a drill bit to insure clearance. Then press the mechanism sub assembly in from the top.
Third, prior to any assembly of the lower part of the pen, test fit the bottom blank into the assembled top (center band) to insure clearance. If tight reducing it's diameter is required.
Flat Top American pens have been by far my best sellers. The problems are simply "operator errors" :) . "He who gives up - loses"
HAPPY PEN TURNING ! ! !