Blank Preparation
1.
Cut the blanks about 1/8" longer than the Brass Tubes
to allow for “blow-out” or hole elongation. Maintain grain
orientation of the two blanks for turning by placing an “x”
on either side of the cut line.
2.
Drill the blanks with a 7mm drill bit at a speed of 900
to 1200 RPM.
3.
Polish the Brass Tubes with 220 grit sandpaper to remove
oxidation and roughen the Tubes for better adhesion. This
can be done by hand or by chucking them in a drill press
or portable hand drill.
4.
Prepare to glue with medium CA (cyanoacrylate) glue or
two-part fast drying epoxy.
5.
Apply the glue to the outside of one Brass Tube with a liberal
amount around the end that is inserted first. Do not apply
glue to the inside of the blank, as this will cause the glue to
get inside the Brass Tube and ruin it.
6.
Insert the Brass Tube with a twisting motion into the blank
until the Tube is equidistant between both ends of the
blank. Wipe off any excess glue on the ends of the blank.
Allow the glue to dry. Glue the second Brass Tube using
the same method.
7.
Using a barrel trimmer, disk, or belt sander, trim the ends
of the blanks until you can just see the bright brass ends
of the Tubes. The faces of the ends must be perpendicular
to the Brass Tubes and parallel with each other. It is
imperative to match the length of the trimmed blanks to
the original length of the Brass Tubes and that the insides
of the Brass Tubes are clean and free of any glue.
Turning the Blanks
1.
Assemble the blanks on the mandrel with the bushings
placed to either side of the blanks. Keep the grain orientation
of the blanks in line when mounting. Note that all of the
bushings are the same size.
2.
Tighten the tailstock and then tighten the mandrel nut that
holds the blanks. Do not over-tighten the tailstock or mandrel
nut as this may cause the mandrel to flex, causing the blanks
to go out of round.
3.
Turn the blanks to the desired shape, making sure that the
surfaces next to the bushings are turned to the same
diameter as the bushings.
4.
After turning, sand the surfaces in progressive steps of
220, 400, 600, and 1000 grit. If a higher finish is desired,
micromesh sandpaper may be used.
5.
Apply the finish of choice and polish.
6.
Remove the blanks from the mandrel, keeping the blank
orientation and grain patterns in line.
Gold Slimline Pencil Preparation and Turning
61254
© Rockler Companies Inc. 2012
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Upper Tube
Nut
Slimline Bushing Set
Mandrel “A”
Lower Tube
