Well I wasn't going to start this until Monday evening since I go back to work tonight but the dog got me up early this morning, so after cleaning the shop somewhat I started laying out the parts for the pen blank squaring jig for use on my disc sander. Lewis posted a link to a squaring jig and I used it for the starting point:  http://www.thepatriotwoodworker.com/forum/topics/wednesday-s-wisdom-for-woodturners-25  I made what I like to call improvements from the original design.

  I started with a 3/4" thick piece of MDF mainly because it won't warp. I machined the other parts from left over ASH. I dadoed the base and the cross members to lock all the pieces in place and everything square. I then drilled out a handle for the jig in the RH stiffener and rounded the edges. For the miter slot runner I used a piece of "T" track instead of a wood runner because of expansion and contraction. I routed a dado into the base to accept the "T" track.

  So far everything is dead on square and it only took about 2 hours to machine everything. Next I'll drill glue and screw all the parts together. Then I have to install the threaded rod and give it a test run.

I'll try to get a measured drawing into the patterns forum if you guys want after it's tested.

Thanks for viewing, comments & questions are always welcome!

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Cool jig Mike, Looks like it could be used to square up more than just pen blanks

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Charles Nicholls
Site Host
nicholls61@att.net
Proud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks

Thanks Charles. You probably could use it for stoppers.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Yea I could if i had a disc sander but I don't, It would be a great and easy fix if I did though . All I have is a pen chuck and a barrel trimming kit. For bottle stoppers, I mount it to my 4 jaw, and just use a parting tool to square it up.

Mike Dillen said:

Thanks Charles. You probably could use it for stoppers.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Wow, Mike, that turned out really nice!!

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Thanks Lewis, I just have a few steps to complete. I have a bunch of antler pens to turn which is the main driver for this jig. Odd shaped blanks are the most benefiting from this type of squaring jig. Thanks for the link!

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Here is the finished jig. Later today I'll post a materials list with measurements for those interested. The jig is easily built and way less expensive than the similar jig sold by PSI. I have tested it and it works very well for squaring pen blanks.

 

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Mike,

Is that a "T" track you used for the runner?

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Lewis yes it is a T track.

I've also provided a measured set of instructions in the Plans forum. I hope they are adequate. If not let me know and I'll try a different method. I used paint as I haven't learned to use Sketchup yet

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Here is a link to the instructions and pics with dimensions: http://www.thepatriotwoodworker.com/forum/topics/pen-blank-squaring-jig-plans

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops