Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

As noted above, I had to perform minor modifications to the stripes. After they were glued into place, following directions (I have made several of these)the stripes separated from the tube. After modifications all went well.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

The red tube bore is too big but the white stripes actually slide through the cutouts and allows you to center the tube in the bore. After turning you will notice how thin the red tube really is at the nib so centering the brass tube is important. The stars are a very tight fit. I found a dip in soapy water and finger press the star in until snug. Wait about 30 seconds and lightly tap with a small brass hammer. A few will set flush but most required a flat punch the size of the interior of the star. This allows you to tap on the star only thus reducing the possibility of the blue tube splitting. If you do split the blue tube either wait until finished with all the stars and clamp the split with a spring clamp prior to gluing or set several stars around the split and clamp putting only a small drop of thin CA at the end of the split in the blue tube. The thin CS will wick quite a way so if you glue the split this way, either remove the brass tube or make sure it is properly located as the thin CA will surely find it's way to the brass tube. Make sure the tubes are centered correctly. Once centered satisfactorily I applied thin CA liberally to all the stars and stripes. The thin CA penetrates through the joints onto the tube so you not only fill the joints but glue it to the tube at the same time. The result is a beautiful pen you can be proud of.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

Make product for sales

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

This is a very nice pen kit. After I put the stars and stripes in place I glued the tubes in with epoxy. let dry overnight and soaked the two barrels with thin CA glue. When completely dry I squared the ends on my disc sander. I then put them on the lathe and sanded them to shape. This worked out beautifully and the pen is great.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

I am a legaly Blind OIF VET, I like the challenge of the detailed assembly, I use a power magnification system for the assembly, the finsihing was a snap, used only sandpaper, coarse to very fine to reduce the chance of the stipes or stars breaking off the brass tube.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

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Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

Take your time when making this kit. The recommendation to sand the body down to size is an excellent one. I sanded the tubes down to 0.10" short of the finished size then finish sanded as usual. Be aware of the center bushing orientation. I used PPP as a finish and it works and looks great.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

I was frustrated by how many blew out. Because the inlay is cut all the way through, you're left with the choice of either a blank that is barely holding itself together or barely held on to the brass. The result of following the directions to the letter is a blank with poor lateral structural integrity [the 14 pieces that make up the lower part are decently attached to the brass but aren't well attached to each other]. If you glue as you go [first gluing the brass in place to the red blank, then gluing each white inlay in place as you insert it] which is contrary to the directions because it causes the dye to bleed. It helps a little, but the bleeding detracts from the design. If you use either of the above methods and add additional glue for stability, it causes the dye to bleed and it's still not that strong. But, either assembling then gluing or gluing while assembling, shaping only with 120-180 grit sand paper [forget about chisels] at low turning speeds and even if you are very careful, you'll probably lose a percentage of these to blow out. As these are the MOST expensive blanks going, it's just not worth it. I was enamored by these pens and bought a ton of them when they were on sale. I've turned hundreds of cigars even with very delicate unstabilized burls. These are way too fragile. I think the exterior design is really cool. The price just really isn't [even on sale]. **The attached picture shows both kinds of blow outs.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

This pen is fun to assemble and I find that sanding the parts once assembled works best. Once completed and polished it sure catches the eyes of all around me.

Comments about Pen Inlay Kit - Stars and Stripes Flag - for Cigar and Ultra Cigar :

I challenged myself to make this product and found it not quite as hard as anticipated. When used it catches the eyes of all around me and many have asked me to make ones for them. Upon completion they have all been pleased.