Well, I finally got around

[Blake McCully]

to firing up the powder coater. I got the powder coater from Harbor Freight when it went on sale. I bought it primarily cause it was on sale but I plan to use it to coat tubes of pens that I want to use translucent acrylics with. You pen turners know where I'm coming from. Well the dang thing sat on my work table for a couple months. I had all kinds of excuses why I hadn't used it yet, but the main reason was because I was slightly intimidated by it.

Well, yesterday I got to thinking that a holly pen with black appointments might not look too bad. So, after a bit of thought as to how I was going to set the nib, centerband, clip and finial up to spray them I jumped in.

The first attempt was, well, not professional to say the least. I attacked it again this morning and got somewhat better results. I used an old Woodcraft Euro pen. I used that style cause I don't do them any more, not since I started making the Berea double twist Euros.

At any rate I finished it up and thought I'd throw it out here. I know that it is probably not terribly original, and I'm really glad that you all can't hold it in your hands cause the coating still ain't the best. But with the miniscule experience I know have I at least have a base to begin refining my technique.

I submit, for your evaluation the results.

[Jim Ketron]

looks Good to me

[Tyler Howell]

It was worth the wait. Thanks for sharing.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

It looks great from here! I am sure as you refine your technique that the finish you achieve will match the looks you have already achieved! Having the power coater should add a whole new dimension to your pens.

[Blake McCully]

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks. Yep, now that I have an idea, however slim, this will take off. I told SWMBO not to sit still too long she may finder herself....

[Robert Cox]

I wonder if you can coat the tubes like we do jigs.

Heat 'em, dip 'em, and bake 'em.

You'd need to plug the ends, of course.

[Philip Duffy]

Looks great.
FYI, a buddy of mine used some wood bleach on holly as he wanted to make it pure white (he's like - -pure). Anyway, the bleach did a great job of taking out the stains from minerals/etc. and he ended up with the most pure white pepper mill you can imagine. So, learning from him, I turned some angels as per the AAW cover and they look very angelic. Phil

[Blake McCully]

I wonder if you can coat the tubes like we do jigs.

Heat 'em, dip 'em, and bake 'em.

You'd need to plug the ends, of course.

Robert,
Interesting. Let me see if I got this correct. You heat the part to be coated, any special temperature(?), then dip them in the powder, and the bake them as you normally would?

Wow, if that is what you mean, I can see where that would save a bunch of time. How do you handle the parts once they've been dipped? Does the powder come off?

I'd like to hear more of this.