Our Faqs
The first step in constructing the pen is selecting material for the pen body and a pen style and hardware finish that compliments the design. Next the material is cut to size for the pen. For some materials this includes cutting to the correct diameter in addition to length. The sized pen “blanks” are now drilled to a diameter which will accept a brass tube. The brass tubes are sanded lightly to ensure a durable bond and are then glued with glue or epoxy into the blank. Depending on the material used for the pen, at times the tubes must be painted prior to gluing them in. The blanks must then rest for the glue to cure. When the glue has cured, the ends of the blanks are then milled to guarantee they are square and perpendicular to the tubes, and the inside of the tubes cleaned of any glue residue. The blanks are then mounted on a mandrel with bushings sized for the pen being made. The blanks and mandrel are then mounted on the lathe and turned using various tools to the proper diameter (the diameter of the bushings).
The final steps for finishing vary depending on the material used for the pen, but most blanks are sanded with progressively finer grits -except inlay blanks. Sanding of inlay blanks will result in sanding dust from the various color woods carrying over into other parts of the design, muddying the appearance. Inlay blanks must be turned to a very smooth surface prior to finishing. Once the surface is satisfactory it is cleaned of any dust and multiple coats of finish are applied. With most finishes there are an additional 9 steps of polishing with successively finer grades of micro mesh. These are the same products used to polish aircraft windshields. Final steps include buffing with compounds and two separate buffing wheels and then a coat of museum quality wax.
Your handcrafted pen needs the same care and precaution as you would with fine furniture or a musical instrument. Do not expose your pen to extreme temperatures or clean with solvents or abrasive materials. In extremely hot or cold climates do not leave your pen in the car. Periodically use a light coat of good furniture grade paste wax to protect your pen.
These designs are made from individual pieces of natural and dyed woods which have been cut by a laser to exacting specifications and then hand pieced together. To create an inlaid pen, first a brass tube of the correct diameter is lightly sanded and painted. The inlay pieces are initially dry fit and then glued together and also to the tube. After the glue has cured the tube with the inlay now attached is milled to the correct length to ensure the ends are perfectly square and the length is correct for the pen’s operation. Mounted to the lathe it is now turned to the appropriate profile and dimensions. It is important to obtain a smooth finish with sharp tools as sanding will create dust from the dyed woods that will carry over to other parts of the design causing streaks and dying portions of the inlay when the finish is applied.
While still on the lathe four to six or more coats of finish are applied, each coat drying before the next is applied. The barrel is then lightly sanded with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. The next step is wet sanding through 9 grades of progressively finer micromesh, finishing with 12000 grit. After a thorough inspection to ensure there are no imperfections the inlay is buffed with buffing compounds and two different buffing wheels. The pen is then assembled, coated with a museum quality wax and hand rubbed for the final finish.
Take the same care and precautions with your pen as you would with fine furniture or a musical instrument. Do not expose your pen to extreme temperatures or clean with solvents or abrasive materials. Periodically use a light coat of good furniture grade paste wax to protect your pen. Enjoy your new pen.
Scroll down to choose a font and color for personalizing your clear cast pens. Just let us know the number or the font name and also the color choice and we’ll get your pen order started.
Metal platings and durability
There are numerous choices available when deciding what type of plating to choose for your pen kit. The platings below are listed in order of durability starting with the most durable.
Rhodium
Rhodium is a member of the platinum family of precious metals and is one of the rarest metals used to plate pen components. It can sell for as much as $1,500 per Troy ounce. It offers supreme durability and brilliance and is extremely wear resistant.
Hardite
Hardite is a proprietary metallic finish more durable than titanium gold but with the same lustrous shine. It is compatible in durability to Rhodium.
Titanium
Titanium is available as both titanium gold and black titanium, black titanium sometimes referred to as gunmetal. Titanium-platings offer superior wear and scratch resistance and are extremely durable.
Chrome
Chrome plated pen are a rich silver white and very durable. Chrome holds up well for items that will be heavily used as in key chains.
Black Chrome
Black chrome is as durable as the bright chrome finishes
Black Enamel
Black enamel is similar in look and durability to black chrome.
10k gold
10k gold platings incorporate hard nickel or other alloys to increase the overall durability of the pen. 10k gold pens have a traditional gold look.
Copper
Copper is naturally a soft metal. To increase the wear and tarnish resistance, components are coated with a durable epoxy finish.
24k gold
24k gold is also called fine gold and is greater than 99.7% pure gold. To increase the wear resistance, a durable epoxy finish is used over the gold platings.
My mother was left handed. Very left handed! Growing up I watched her live in a right handed world before the advent of companies catering to southpaws. So, why left handed pens? Well, a right handed pen will write perfectly well for a left handed person, of course, but pens with designs that are only on one side of the pen should be oriented for the lefty. If not, the beautiful inlay or engraving will not be visible when writing, or will be upside down as viewed by the user, or the pen clip will rest uncomfortably against their hand. Acknowledge their leftiness, show you care! Give them a left handed pen! All pens are available for lefties by special order.
For you Mom. Hook ’em Horns.
This pen uses Parker style refills and accepts both ballpoint and gel cartridges. Refill by unscrewing the copper bullet portion of the pen. Hold the tip firmly as there is a long spring inside which activates the retraction mechanism.
The Executive pen uses a Parker style refill. A gel insert may be substituted for the ballpoint that is included with the pen. To change the refill unscrew the finial (decorative top portion of the pen) and remove the refill. Place the spring on the new refill, insert into the pen and screw the finial back on.
This pen uses Cross style refills. Change the refill by gently twisting and pulling the top and bottom portion of the pen apart. The refill then unscrews from the bottom portion of the pen.
To replace a rollerball refill unscrew the bottom portion of the pen and remove the insert. There is a small cone shaped spring in the finial end of the barrel. If it falls out it should be replaced with the small end towards the refill. Replace the refill and screw the bottom portion of the pen on to the barrel.
This pen uses Parker style refills and accepts both ballpoint and gel cartridges. Refill by unscrewing the bottom portion of the pen. Place the spring onto the new refill and reassemble. The refill has two notches on the end of the refill, ensure the notches seat into the body of the pen. If the refill seems too long do not force it into the body of the pen, doing so will force the transmission into the body and the nib will not screw back onto the pen. Instead rotate the refill and it will drop into place and seat.
This pen uses Mini Pen refills. Change the refill by gently twisting and pulling the top and bottom portion of the pen apart. The refill then unscrews from the bottom portion of the pen. The knurled nut on the top of the refill will then pull off the refill, SAVE THIS! Push the knurled nut on to the new refill and screw the new refill into the pen.