the Pen Jaws Worked.

[PostalTom]

Back in the April 11 Wednesday Wisdom, there was a link, which @lew credited @Gene Howe with providing, which detailed a procedure to make a set of pen turning jaws.  That looked like a fun project, so I gave it a try.  I found out that it was evidently designed for a bigger chuck than I have, as it would only capture a 1/2" square blank, instead of  the traditional 3/4" blank. I took some time to enlarge the notches, doing my best to keep them centered, and I think it came out OK.  The blank is the 1/2" blank I drilled to check the centering.  A little off, but not bad. Here is my effort:

 

 

 

I decided to try making a pen, only my second one, using the home made jaws, and I am satisfied.  I have since bought a commercial jaws from PSI.  Here is the pen.  Thanks for looking.

 

[Dadio]

Looks good to me,

Herb

[HandyDan]

Looks good Tom.  A lot of times the bit will drift and not be on center too even with the store bought chucks.

[lew]

Mighty nice jig, Tom, and the pen is beautiful!!

 

Mr. David Reed Smith really provides excellent instructions for his jigs. I've made several of his offerings.

[PostalTom]

46 minutes ago, lew said:

Mighty nice jig

Thanks @lew, when I make jigs, I try to approach them as another learning exercise instead of just cobbling something together in a hurry.  That way, I learn from the experience, and nobody else has to see any mistakes I make.

 

9 hours ago, HandyDan said:

A lot of times the bit will drift and not be on center too even with the store bought chucks.

Thanks @HandyDan.  I am using a brad point bit to try to minimize the drifting.

 

Thanks @Dadio.  Appreciate that.