My first pen

[bigsteel15]

Well here it is. My first pen.
Probably took about 1 hour if I don't include the screwing around becasue I didn't tighten the mandrel properly.
This is Bowling ball resin and what I like about it is no finishing.
careful when trying to sand/polish though. I used too high speed and burned 2000 grit paper right into the resin. That was messt to get out.
any suggestions on how to get a really nice polish on this stuff? Wax?

Man this stuff stinks when drilling and sanding.

[wardprobst]

I'd use a flannel buffing wheel, running about 900 RPM with white polishing compound, should work. Just keep the speed down as you have already learned.
DP

[kwgeorge]

I like using a micro grit polish. There are a couple commercial ones that use a wax carrier like EEE and Renaissance. I have also found that Rotten Stone powder and Paraffin oil work extremely well. I also use this method to rub out the finish on my flat work.

Ken

[Ken Massingale]

Brian, that is excellent work, first or not. Well done.
I think Micro Mesh through 12k would make that sucker shine.
ken

[mater]

That is a nice looking pen. I wish my first had looked that good.

[Stytooner]

Nice looking pen, Brian.
There is a learning curve with any new type material when making pens. What worked well for hardwood, won't work so good with softwood, antler or plastic.
The suggestions above are good ones. I sometimes use a stuff from Novus called fine scratch remover. It's specifically for plastic and works pretty well. You can't feel the grit with your hands. I typically apply it with a Dremel at very slow speed. The hidden abrasive in there will melt plastic if you turn it at a high speed. I can polish like glass with this stuff.
You still need to successively work your way through the grits, but when ready to finish, that stuff will do it.
I look forward to seeing many more pens rolling out of your shop.

[GeekMom]

Nice looking pen, Brian.

[Pappy]

Beautiful, I love the color.