Blank Preparation
1.
Cut the blank about 1/8" longer than the Brass Tube to allow
for “blow-out” or hole elongation.
2.
Drill the blank with a 10mm drill bit at a speed of 900
to 1200 RPM.
3.
Polish the Brass Tube with 220 grit sandpaper to remove
oxidation and roughen the Tube for better adhesion. This
can be done by hand or by chucking it 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 the 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.
7.
Using a barrel trimmer, disk, or belt sander, trim the ends
of the blank until you can just see the bright brass ends of
the Tube. The face of the ends must be perpendicular to
the Brass Tube and parallel with each other. It is imperative
to match the length of the trimmed blank to the original length
of the Brass Tube and that the inside of the Brass Tube is
clean and free of any glue.
Turning the Blank
1.
Assemble the blank on the mandrel with the bushings placed
on either side of the blank. Each bushing has a step that is
designed to be inserted into the Tube for stability while
turning, as the inner diameter of the Tube is larger than
the mandrel. Note that all of the bushings are the same size.
Note:
Either Wood Spacers or extra Bushings may be used
to fill the extra space on the mandrel.
2.
Tighten the tailstock and then tighten the mandrel nut that
holds the blank. Do not over-tighten the tailstock or mandrel
nut as this may cause the mandrel to flex, causing the blank
to go out of round.
3.
Turn the blank 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 blank from the mandrel.
Gold Bullet Cartridge Pen Preparation and Turning
43450
© Rockler Companies Inc. 2012
Brass Tube
Nut
Mandrel “A”
Wood Spacer
Bullet Bushing Set
Mandrel “A” Setup:
Nut
Adjustable Mandrel
Brass Tube
Adjustable Mandrel Setup:
Bullet Bushing Set
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