How I Make Bottle Cap Pen Blanks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- I had many requests to show my process for making Bottle Cap Blanks. Here is my process in detail.
Regards,
Bob
Preparing Acrylic Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Acrylic Blan...
Preparing Wood Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Wood Blanks ...
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E-Mail: RJBWoodturner@yahoo.com
Be sure to check out my second channel, WhatchaDoinBob, it’s a VLOG about what I’m doing at any given time. / whatchadoinbob - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
With all of your skills and talents, 2 shine above all the rest in my mind. 1st, your patience. You follow the instructions and you don't try to rush the process or take any unnecessary shortcuts.
The 2nd thing is your humility. You are human, you make mistakes. But instead of deleting them out of your video's you not only share and explain what you did wrong, you go the extra distance and tell us how you remedied the problem so we don't make the same mistakes. Please accept my sincerest "Thank You" from me and all the rest of the people out there watching your video's.
Thank you John,
I really appreciate this comment.
Regards,
Bob
I know I'm watching this a couple of years after you uploaded it, but I'm glad that you left in your 'mistakes'. It shows viewers what happens in certain situations and what you can do to solve issues. Bravo.
Thank you, just keeping it real.
Regards,
Bob
I can’t get enough of these videos. So many great ideas!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob for the instruction. Thanks for what you do and for sharing it with us!
Thank you Steve.
Regards,
Bob
Bob,
What a great idea. The pens look absolutely gorgeous. I always learn something new. Don’t stop making these videos 😀
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
you have started another learning curve, can't go back, good job, Jim
I know, it’s crazy.
Regards,
Bob
Great video! I am just starting this hobby and I always learn a lot from your instruction. Thanks so much for posting.
Thank you Ken.
Regards,
Bob
Once again Bob, we live and learn! But I tell you what, when you first took those blanks from the pot they looked fantastic. Get things warmed up a bit and you’ll be on to a winner!!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Loved the video just started turning and love doing pens. It's much appreciated.
Thank you Darren.
Regards,
Bob
Nice colours and I am sure wil be ended amazing finished pens Bob!
Thank you Kwstas.
Regards,
Bob
(First, a disclaimer - I've only got about a dozen casts under my belt, so I'm still learning myself!) But I usually do my casting in the evening, then bring my pressurized pot inside the house for the overnight. I figure the house holds a more stable temperature than any kind of a heating setup in the shop. Also I have the HF pressure pot just like yours that is rated for 60psi, but I only pressurize it to 40psi so I'm well within the safety margin.
Regarding my first statement - I appreciate your videos Bob!!! Thank you for posting!!!
Thank you Doug.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks again Bob for a really interesting and informative video, I will definitely try that at home folks. 👏😍😀😀👍
Thank you Eric.
Regards,
Bob
Enjoy your videos. This one has given me a lot of ideas.
Thank you Thomas.
Regards,
Bob
I don't know how I ended up on your channel, but glad I did! What a great idea for a pen! And, thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you Pam, welcome to my channel, I hope you stick around for more videos.
Regards,
Bob
Take a look at a carboy heater used to keep home brew at the correct temperature during fermentation. Its just a heat belt that you should be able to wrap around your pressure pot. Haven't tried it but that was my first thought. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Gary.
Regards,
Bob
Great video. Can’t wait to try this.
Thank you.
Thanks bob Ill have to try this after the holidays 😀
Thank you Tim.
Regards,
Bob
I learn something from every one of.your videos. Thanks
Thank you Charlie.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob, hope we get to see you turn them too, take care
Not sure if I want to turn or sell them. Been getting inquiries.
Regards,
Bob
Great job. I will try this.
Thank you Mark.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, once again thanks for all of the great videos. I have done several of these bottle cap pens now. I know the video is a couple of years old, but was wondering if anyone had come up with a better way of cutting the crowns off. This is where I make the majority of mistakes.
Hello Robert,
Hopefully someone will see this and have a better idea. I haven’t made any more of these since that video. Directions change in the shop all the time. 😃
Wow they look amazing what a really clever idea ,your pens are always very nice .Merry Christmas and all the best for your channel in 2019
Cheers
Tim from Wood 4 Nothing 🌲
Thank you Tim.
Merry Christmas to you too.
Regards,
Bob
Fantastic! I had a beer today and I noticed it had an interesting cap and I was thinking of asking you to show how you made yours... What a coincidence!
Thank you Anil. I hope you make one for your cap.
Regards,
Bob
I will definitely try!
Out of curiosity, have you tried degassing your resin before pouring it into the mould? Not sure if it will help but in theory it should reduce the amount of air in the resin...
I have not tried that yet.
Regards,
Bob.
This video inspired me to start casting. I've been on the fence for a long time but this idea was all it took. I now have a pressure pot and ready to start playing. Thanks for all your great videos.
Thank you Greg,
I’m excited for you. Once you’ve made a few blanks, you’ll start to get all sorts of cool ideas.
Regards,
Bob
I'm assuming the problem has been resolved, but I would say to check out brewing and gardening sites, both use a heated mat for temp control, and may be usefull for this issue.
Thank you,
I purchased a toaster oven and it solved the issue.
Regards,
Bob
I use a water bed heater that I set my pressure pot on to keep it warm. It has a thermostat so i can adjust the temp for what I need and it uses very little power . Works great
Cool idea, thank you.
Regards,
Bob
I have to admit I love that fact that you show your mistakes and not just the perfect end results! I’ve made so many mistakes turning, casting and all around. When I first started turning I swear I would get so mad at myself to the point of almost quitting because all you ever I ever saw was the perfect end result on whatever videos I watched. Thank god I didn’t give up because I love turning and as a wife & mother it’s hard to find the time for yourself let alone to do something you love! Hope more new turners tune into your videos to show that we all make mistakes! Thanks again for all your videos and showing the true way to make mistakes but keep trying inspiration!
Thank you, we all have issues, I just want to let people know they can overcome them.
Regards,
Bob
Wooow!!! Súper!!!!
Thank you Yolanda.
Regards,
Bob
For building composite homebuilt airplanes we had to keep our epoxy pumps warm essentially all the time. I built a 1/4 inch plywood box for the pump with a front door (no seals) and the heating element was a just 60 watt light bulb (not LED). Worked perfectly. You can try different wattage bulbs until you get the temp you want (my 60 watt kept it at about 90 deg F). Warning... A friend used a 10 watt bulb and a Styrofoam cover but when doing a layup the cover was removed and he would switch to a 100 watt bulb and no cover == one time the cover was replaced without changing the bulb and the 100 watt got it hot enough to melt the plastic epoxy containers which was a major disaster - be careful.
It seems the air trapped under the bottle cap is a problem. Maybe using some glue (or a pre-smear of alumilite) would eliminate that.
Thank you John,
I’m working on a box with a light bulb for the pressure pot.
Regards,
Bob
Great video. How did you keep the resin from filling up the tubes. If they were filled did you drill them out. Thanks again for the video
The molds have stoppers in the to keep the resin out of the tubes.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for the tutorial Bob I have been wanting to do them for some time BUT I was wondering how many times have you cut your Gut doing it like that LOL Thanks again Cheers
So far, not yet.
Just seen this vid. Great idea on a way to use caps on pen blanks.
Might I suggest though, using a table vice to hold the Dremmel tool. Hate for you to have an accident with a spinning cutting device. As far as the temperature in garage. Try adding a air duct from the home furnace into your garage. Don't forget to use a good vent that can close fully so you may close it tight when not working on your projects.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Love your video's. I'm starting to try to make pens. Does grinding the bottle caps on a CBN wheel damage the wheel by filling it up with soft metal.
I’ve had people tell me that it does but I’ve only ground a handful of caps and so far haven’t seen an issue.
It may be a good idea to purchase a cheap stone wheel for soft metals.
Regards,
Bob
Great video Bob. You may have addressed this in another video but I was wondering ... wouldn't a vacuum pot work better for removing air from the castings?
Vacuum is for stabilizing and pressure is for casting.
Regards,
Bob
Great video thank you
Thank you Richard.
Regards,
Bob
Bob - Thanks for the great video. Is it possible to remove crimps from caps that have been opened with the corian squeeze?
I’m not 100% sure but it would be worth testing on some scrap caps.
Regards,
Bob
I want one!
Thank you.
Excellent idea where you buy silicone mold thanks.
Thank you, I purchased those molds from www.ptownsubbie.com
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob.. Just an idea for the skirt removal. Would love to know how it works if you try it.... Use the drill press with the bit that cuts holes.(forgot the name) :)
Interesting idea Mike.
Regards,
Bob
Hole saw, but they have a pilot bit in the middle so that wouldn't work
best way to do this is with a small lathe; used sherline before but now I've made my own, better cnc one; I just glue cap to a round piece of a wood and carefully machine the cap; pen maker has to have lathe but it is usually wood lathe which would not be a good choice to machine cap; I also use my cnc lathe to work on blanks - you can create much more complicated curves if needed and good if you want to replicate few pen bodies
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Oh wow, Bob, I like the idea of casting bottle caps. that is something I have yet to try and now you have motivated me. by the way, during the cold weather, I setup my pressure pot and resins in my family room only because I have the space. One question I do have is in your casting video you set the pressure to 80 PSI and your pot looks like the harbor freight model. I thought those only went to 60 PSI, just wondering. Thanks for the great video. OW.
what I meant was the harbor freight pressure pots were rated at 60 PSI max and that is what my pressure relief valve is set to. I usually go to 42 - 45 PSI. Thanks.
Hello,
I initially pressured the pot to 60 PSI. I have since modified that to 40PSI.
I think you were outside working on your kitless, but PG said what he does is keeps everything in a warmed cooler/ice chest at all times. I forget - I think he uses a lightbulb (like someone said below, but don't quote me) :)
Hello Joe,
I’m building a box with a bulb in it to keep things warm.
Regards,
Bob
hi bob, great video as always! i have a quick question if you dont mind? i was just watching an older video of yours "ring dish" and in that video you used a homemade tenon tool from a 10mm spanner, and i was wondering if you could do a quick video on your process for grinding it? i would love to make a couple of varying sizes as its a superb idea! but have no clue as to where to start.
no worries if not shop time is precious for all of us!
either way many thanks
jon
Hello Jon,
I hope this will answer your questions.
Regards,
Bob
Home Made Tenon Toolth-cam.com/video/CEqroK7qIRY/w-d-xo.html
hi bob perfect! thank you,i am working my way through all your videos,so would of come across it at some point lol again many thanks.
jon
Thank you Jon,
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, Wouldn't it also work to put the blanks under vacuum for curing or would that have a tendency to flatten the resin/mould?
Cheers,
Lyle
Vacuum is more for stabilizing and pressure is for casting.
Regards,
Bob
Great Thanks! Learn something new every day!
Is that a special mold for making the pen blanks you did? If so where'd you get it?
It’s a silicone mold for Sierra pen blanks from www.ptownsubbie.com.
Regards,
Bob
Love the CBN wheel. How about a sharpening video soon?
Maybe,
I keep starting one but it just isn’t working for me.
You'll figure it out Bob. You're a bright guy and I'm looking forward to seeing your vid. Keep up the good work.
Thank you.
I think step one should be find bottle caps that are unused. ;-)
I think I have heard techniques where you place something like a coin or washer on top of the cap and work the opener around the cap until its pried off.
Interesting idea, I’ve never heard that but it makes sense.
Regards,
Bob
Have you tried nail polish to paint the tubes
I have not but many of my turning friends have and they tell me it does work.
Another option for a heating element is a coffee warmer. Many times they're cheaper.
Also, are you wearing that denim or is that pad? Either way, denim is a great choice.
I love that you filmed the "oops" for the casting. Some resins are very particular about the mix as well as the temp they cure at. Great choice for taking them into the house (as I'm assuming it's a bit cool in the workspace that you cast in). I've used JB resin and it's very, very particular about the 72 degree curing temp. A degree or two below, and it's still bendy 24 hours later. But if you demold and let it sit for an other couple of days, it does fully cure ... unless you're a tad off on the mix, and then it will never cure. Why did I try the JB Weld? Because it has UV protection that a lot of others don't.
Will I use JB epoxy again? Likely not. It's too particular and we can't get that kind of temp regulation in our 80 year old house. Read ALL of the temp and curing requirements on your resin before purchasing.
Also, the bubbles are a great way to demonstrate the difference between a resin that needs a pressure pot as compared to one that doesn't. I only use epoxy resin, like that you would use for crafting jewelry and the like. Bubbles come out easier without needing a pot, drills and turns without fear of blowout (unless you get a bubble, and then it tends to blow out a chunk you can CA glue back in place and continue turning). and tends to turn like butter. Still as strong. Still as brilliant of a shine when finishing. Just not as fragile because it doesn't blow out in shards like Aluminite.
Thank you April.
Regards,
Bob
Can you tell me where you bought your mold which I would like to purchase?
Www.ptownsubbie.com
That was a Sierra Mold.
Tell Fred and Tina Wissen I sweat you. There really good people.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob
in wine making temperature is an issue as well. if you haven't found a solution for heating the pot, they make a heating blanket for wine carboys that may do the trick.
Thank you Mikey.
Regards,
Bob
Did you make the mold? Where to purchase one?
I purchased a Sierra mold from www.ptownsubbie.com
Regards,
Bob
Is the Nova comet new? never seen you turn on that lathe before.
It belongs to Jim Zimmerman. It was on loan to me while my Turn Crafter was out of commission.
Regards,
Bob
Its a great little lathe, I really enjoy mine.
It was very nice to turn on while I used it. Very solid.
Regards,
Bob
Bob what type of mold and for what pens kits is that for if you don't mind me asking? also I learned from Zac that the mold blanks need to stay in the pot for at lease 24 hrs, the bigger casting don't have to be in there that long.
The molds I used were from www.ptownsubbie.com and they are for 27/64” sierra tubes. I use Alumilite and it only takes about 2 hours to cure. Larger castings do take longer. Zac is a true expert so for the best results, cast his way. I love his work.
Regards,
Bob
I see a Nova Comet II in the background of this video is that what your using these days? How do you like it?
No, the Comet was a loaner. I use a Turncraft Commander from PSI.
Regards,
Bob
Your Turncraft Commander lathe what size is it 10" or 12"? any issues with the lathe other then the board? I'm looking for my first & only lathe still can't decide which way to go. Also can you point me in the right direct for some good starter tools / chisels?
The Turncrafter is nice but the Jet at my club is 100 times better. There is no slip in the Jet.
what Jet model? also about the other question I asked, what is a good starter chisels set? Last question what grinding stones are you using on your grinder ?
I can’t remember the model
Of the Jet but we have the small one and the second to the smallest. Their both very solid.
Tools is a tough one. Every turner liked something different. I’m not aware of a good cheap set. Bare in mind, if you go carbon steel, they will need sharpening. If you go Carbide, the cut is not as clean.
Do you nave a club in your area? Even a Woodcraft will have a turning session on the weekend at least once a month. You could try either of those and you’ll get the opportunity to use several different tools. That will let you get a feel for them and form an opinion about what you like.
Do you have to pre-heat it?
I’ve been told you don’t have to but I do.
Regards,
Bob
Could you do this with a duck call barrel and maybe a dip or beer can
I’m sure it could be done. I don’t turn duck calls but if you do, I have a friend who may be able to make that blank happen for you.
Regards,
Bob
Bob set the pressure pot on top of your toaster oven that will warm up the pressure pot
LOL, that might just work.
Regards,
Bob
Walmart sells a chicken light used for keeping baby chicks warm. It has a huge reflector dome. Put a heat lamp or flood lamp in that and put it right on the pressure pot. I had rather try that instead of taking my pressure pot into the house. If you don't want to buy that just use a heating pad to sit under the pressure pot to raise the temperature.
Thank you Wayne.
Regards,
Bob
Robert, where do you find metal caps anymore. All the soda we drink here have plastic caps. LOL
I drink the craft sodas, there small batch sodas like craft beers and they use metal caps for nostalgia.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner I thought of a place that's a maybe. Next time we go to Cracker Barrel I'll have to look.
Question,... Does the pressure pot need to stay out in the shop? Pour your blanks in the shop, but after you put the pot under pressure carry it back into the house. Even if it sits by the shop door it has to be warmer than out in the shop near the roll up door
Yea but if the pressure pot explodes and puts a hole in the ceiling you are never going to hear the end of it. :-)
I have been drawing up plans for a Pressure Pot warmer. That will fix the problem all together.
Regards,
Bob
LOL.
RJBWoodTurner all day I've been looking at stuff like heating pads on my various sites. I just know regular heating pads turn off after maybe 15 minutes or so.
I’m thinking a 60 watt bulb in a box.
Newbie question: What are these tubes used for?
They are spare Sierra tubes I purchased from the Classic Nib. You use the size tube of the pen you plan to turn once the blank is cast.
Regards,
Bob
Have you tied using a vacuum instead of using positive pressure in the pot?
Pressure compresses the bubbles. Vacuum is to pull the resin into the voids of the material.
Regards,
Bob
I would leave the bubbles….makes it look like carbonated soda:)
Thank you.
I really appreciate your videos some of the best I have seen, but i wish you would turn up your volume . Sometimes its very hard to hear what you are saying. I have my volume all the up. ty keep up the great work
Thank you Dick,
Im having all kinds of mic/camera issues and that something I don’t know much about so I’m having trouble sorting it all out.
Regards,
Bob
Couldn't you fit your piece of wood in your drill and have it spin while spraying your paint.
It sound to fast.
Regards,
Bob
use a seedling mat with a thermostat
Thank you,
Good idea.
Regards,
Bob
That was a different idea. I haven't seen anyone make anything like this
Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
Couldn’t you do the same process with wood as far as putting the caps on them and use CA glue to attach them to the wood and then use the CA glue over top ov the whole pen
I’m sure you could but it would take a lot of C/A to level it out.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner but if it is towards the top of the pen where you aren’t touching it would it matter just courious thanks so much for the reply
I’d say give it a try, that’s the best way to see how well it will work. I’m just speculating and it make end up looking amazing.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner just getting a mini lathe from a friend for 50 dollars never used one so I was courious but I will give it a try when I get time between both my jobs
Isn't Nehi carbonated?
Yes it is, and a wonderful soda, I love Nehi.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner I would think a few bubbles would have been appropriate. I fondly remember Orange Nehi. Now you having me thinking on how to place bubbles next to the tube, so when turning you don't hit them and make voids. And I don't even make pens. P.S. what type of wheel is that on the grinder? Looks like a diamond surface?
That it a 220 grit CBN wheel. I got it from www.woodturnerswonders.com.
Cool idea about intentionally adding bubbles. If you figure that out. I’d love to hear how. Maybe clear micro beads would work.
Regards,
Bob
HI BOB say this is something a little different that i seen and it reminded me and i thought i would pass it along to you nothing MAJOR i put 2 strong magnets one on each side of my grinder switch and they will stick in place and they will catch a fair amount of the shaving that comes off of your tools and the more they build up the better they will catch the other shaving you probably all ready knew that i was just thinking that and that was all not being a no it all like i said just something different talk to you later my friend and GODBLESS larry
Thank you Larry,
I Han not heard of that but it sounds very promising.
Regards,
Bob
You did this already
I wanted to try it again. I find better/easier methods.
Watching you cut off the skirt was genuinely terrifying.
Fully agree! I enjoyed the video and the process, but cutting the skirt off the caps made me cringe a little bit!
😃