Shopsmith Forums

I tried another lazer cut pen set for my two sons who are LEOs. My first try blew out the bottom of the kit. The second kit was completed using 80 grit sand paper instead of a chisel, then finishing with fine papers and CA finish. I didn't want to throw out the blown kit, so after some trimming I added the wood base and turned the wood with a chisel then finished normally.
Unless I have a special gift to give I probably will not use lazer cut kits unless they start using a better base. JMHO
Anyway, these came out pretty good, so I thought I would share.

[ATTACH]13022[/ATTACH]

Those are awesome sir!

Gary;
I have done some lazer cut kits and have found that the most difficult part at least for me is assembling the kit. My kits turned out not so bad but the eagle pen was the most difficult one that I have done so far.

[ATTACH]13026[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]13027[/ATTACH]

Bill V

Bill, those are awesome. Filling in the eagle face must have required a steady hand. Were you able to use a chisel for turning or did you have to sand it all the way down to finish?
Nice work.
Gary

Gary,

Are you dripping superglue down the inside of the kit before putting the tubes in? (Let dry after dripping the superglue, then, run a dowel w/ sandpaper, or a needle file if the pen tubes don't fit).

Also, are you turning gently (light cuts)?

I recentely bought a carbide turning tool (use like a scraper). Somewhat expensive, but wow!!! Cuts like butter, and very forgiving of bad technique. Send me a PM if you want the source.

That said, I'm not doing a lot of laser inlay kits; mostly as presents for special occasions (retirements, graduations, etc.). I'm trying to play with making segmented blanks instead.

Best,

hdtran

Hi guys;'
Thanks for the responses. I did sand the rough edges off the eagle inlay (as per the instructions) and finished with a chisel. I recommend that the chisels be scary sharp and take very light cuts. The eagle pen takes a steady hand and probably a magnifying glass, at least for us old guys. The ends of the blanks were trued up using the SS belt sander with a 150 grit belt.
The eagle pens were made for a father and son Eagle Scout team.
Bill V