Overall a nice pen and I compliment you on your modification.
Since you didn't ask for a critique I'll offer a couple of suggestions.
A few comments about the pen itself.The finish looks good but is hard to tell from the picture.
The middles scetion where the two sections meet seems too "blocky"
There appears to be a slight taper in the upper section of the lower barrel that "dissapears" into the center band.That may be a photographic "optical dillusion"
IT is accentuated but the sqaured off appearance of the CB. Try"rounding over" the bottom edge of the CB.This will serve two purposes.I believe the appearance will be enhanced and it will help prevent "chipping" of that edge.
Nice Dozer. How long at what power did you nuke the blank?
Tom-
multiple cycles at half power for about 45 seconds each.
Weigh the blank before you start and after each cyle, don't leave the blank in the nuke while it cools off otherwise it will reabsorb the moisture.
Whne the wiegth doesn't change the blank is dry.
If you don't have a diet scale, put the blank in a plastic bag while nuking.When the amount of condesation in the bag reduces, you are through.
Caution should be taken to use low power for short periods of time, blanks have been known to smolder on the inside.
Depending on the blank I have done this as many as 20 cycles.
ONe other word of caution.Cut the blanks oversized.Because you are ineffect "boiling" the moisture in the wood, the shape can distort and some checking may occur
Dozer, you wasted no time turning a pen out of the Holly. Very nice pen :eusa_clap Did you have any problems keeping the Holly clean while sanding???
Dave
One thing I have noticed about holly is that it is soft.
I use thin CA on the blank and bushings before sanding.
This "hardens the wood" so the fibers "shear" and there is no transfer of metal to the blank.
Contrary to misinformed people,clean MM will not stain wood.
