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The Making of a Custom Snakewood Oblique Penholder for Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo by
Chris Held, Pen Maker
Images by Chris Held, PDF compiled and created by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo
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PiraFnera guianensis, commonly known as Snakewood
These two images were taken from the internet.
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12 ¾ x ¾" pen blank chosen to make this pen. This pen blank weighed a third of a pound.
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Set into a four jaw chuck and live end tail stock for balanced, smooth turning.
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The blank is first rounded.
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The end of the pen is determined
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Spinning at 1500 RPM some contours of the pen are being created.
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Rough cut is done. now it's Kme to add some flair!
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Some freehand flourishing done with the chisel to help decorate the pen and give it some style.
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A close-‐up shows the fine shavings from the wood being so dense. These shavings are not much thicker than thread.
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The pen staff is now sanded with 400 grit paper while spinning at 1750 RPM
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Excess wood is cut off at the tail stock to allow the finishing of the finial.
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Once cut from the lathe a slot is cut into the pen in order to receive a brass flange.
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The flange is glued into place with a dummy nib inserted to aid in the coaKng process.
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Here is the finished Snakewood oblique penholder aVer 10 coats of lacquer finish!
Close up on the intricate turning on the tail:
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Here is the finished Snakewood oblique penholder aVer 10 coats of lacquer finish!
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Here are some addiKonal oblique penholders made by Chris. Some were hand-‐painted by Chris’ wife, Penman and Engrosser Heather Victoria Held.
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Here are some addiKonal penholders made by Chris. Some were hand-‐painted by Chris’ wife, Penman and Engrosser Heather Victoria Held.