New pens from the NEWB - Critique Requested

[Joe D'Attilio]

Slimline 24k Segemented Curly Maple and Afzilia Burl and Curly Maple

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/2136/slimline24ksegementedcumf2.jpg

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/443/slimline24ksegementedcune2.jpg

Slimline Rhodium Segmented Purple heart, Bloodwood, Curly maple and Ebony Cap

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/3654/slimlinerhodiumsegmenteuc6.jpg

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/206/slimlinerhodiumsegmentexe9.jpg

[curtis rosche]

are you sure you are new at this?
they look great. the only thing i can see from these is that you might want to wait a little longer before handling them after you finish it. the first one looks a little dull, alomst like its smudged, wait at least a day to touch them after you put on finish, if not longer.

[Greg Ketell]

I love the segmenting!! The second one looks just a hair overturned at the nib end. Could be a trick of lighting in the picture though...

With blanks that gorgeous you really should upgrade your finish. It looks like you used one of the friction polishes and they will never hold up to pen usage. Switch to CA or Lacquer to make the finish match the rest of the pen.

GK

[Bernie Weishapl]

Joe both look mighty fine. I really like the segmented one. I also think a lacquer or CA finish would make them really stand out.

[Don Nicholas]

I agree, you sure you are new at this??
Very fine job, this shows what can be done with out spending a lot of money on an expensive kit. Keep up the good work
Don Nicholas
Lakewood, WA

[robert hainstock]

go to woodturnerruss.com for a tutorial on CA finish. It will realy highlite a very nice product. :):)
Bob

[Joe D'Attilio]

I love the segmenting!! The second one looks just a hair overturned at the nib end. Could be a trick of lighting in the picture though...

With blanks that gorgeous you really should upgrade your finish. It looks like you used one of the friction polishes and they will never hold up to pen usage. Switch to CA or Lacquer to make the finish match the rest of the pen.

GK
Here is my finish process:

Sand thru grit 80,120,220,320- Whiping w/ DNA each grit.

Switch to MM 1500 - 12,000 again DNA thru each step. PSI MMESHPADS

A moderate coat of EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax

and my last step is Mylands High Build Friction Polish; allow to dry

Finish off with a light sanding of 12,000 grit again.

I have tried CA twice now but have not had "great" results, perhaps I need to envoke the virtue of patience.

MY problem I guess is I have never been properly trained with it and I'm a "hands-on" kinda-guy

feel free to comment, critique or tell me how to make it BETTER! :)