Celtic knot pens

[Shambam1962]

I wanted to attempt having a go at making a Celtic knot pen.

 I did my usual search on how to make one, on YouTube, and watched many different video’s, some good and some not so good.

Whilst searching the videos I came across a guy making a Celtic knot pen and using old credit cards for the infill design instead of contrasting wood, which looked very effective.

I’ve tried both types and was impressed with the effect, when using the credit cards.

The first 2 pens I made are Oak and Mahogany, and the credit card type is made from Ash and Walnut.

I plan to do a few different variations and will try making one using a coke can cut up and the aluminium strips inlaid in the wooden pen blank.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Very nice, quite intricate, but well worth the effort.   

[Duckandswing]

I only wish I had these types of skills. They look beautiful.

[Shambam1962]

Thanks TIGHTCHOKE and Duckandswing for your comments.

They are a bit fiddly to cut and glue and it’s easier to make a few together.

The first 2 Celtic knot pens I did on Sunday was time consuming because I had to cut the slivers of wood to fit the saw cuts, on the bandsaw.

The credit cards fit the saw cuts perfectly once glued and clamped and left for the following day to cure, before turning.

The cuts are just 45 degree angles cut on 4 sides, and cut in a sequence of 1,3,2,4 and I made a jig for the bandsaw for future pens.

The jig is perfect for cutting precise segments for pens, which I’ve made quite a lot of lately.

 I have also tried different pen kits and I’m pleased with the 2 style of kits I’m using and seem good quality.

[Shambam1962]

After the success of my 1st credit card inlay Celtic knot pen last week, I ordered 4 different coloured cards for upcoming pens, which arrived this morning.

Just completed another stepped segment pen, and pleased how it turned out.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

I think you are missing an opportunity here, look at the current Express Cartridge Cases Symbol.

[Shambam1962]

Thanks TIGHTCHOKE, I knew I’d seen the symbol elsewhere.

This is my Double English Sporter pen, I made 2 weeks ago !

 

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Yet another little masterpiece.   

[Old Boggy]

Wow, your skill never ceases to amaze.

Those pens are masterpieces.

Many thanks for sharing your skill with us.

OB

[Shambam1962]

Thank you TIGHTCHOKE and Old Boggy for your comments.

They are definitely getting better, the more I make !

[steve1066]

On 01/11/2023 at 19:21, Shambam1962 said:

I wanted to attempt having a go at making a Celtic knot pen.

 I did my usual search on how to make one, on YouTube, and watched many different video’s, some good and some not so good.

Whilst searching the videos I came across a guy making a Celtic knot pen and using old credit cards for the infill design instead of contrasting wood, which looked very effective.

I’ve tried both types and was impressed with the effect, when using the credit cards.

The first 2 pens I made are Oak and Mahogany, and the credit card type is made from Ash and Walnut.

I plan to do a few different variations and will try making one using a coke can cut up and the aluminium strips inlaid in the wooden pen blank.

Hi Shambam

just bought a record 305 to have a play with and about to buy some turning chisels, what is the best system for sharpening your chisels. Many thanks in advance.

[Shambam1962]

Hi steve1066,

I’m relatively new to wood turning and not the best person to ask regarding the best sharpening system for wood turning chisels.

I’ve watched a video on YouTube by The Welsh Woodsman ‘How to sharpen wood turning tools for beginners’ and found this very useful.

There are more experienced woodturners on PW than myself, the likes of Stimo22 and many others.

The only advice I can give you, is don’t buy cheap Chinese chisels as they are s—t and a total waste of money.

I have recently purchased a few second hand Henry Taylor Diamic wood turning chisels, and the metal is very good and keeps a good edge and will add to these as my turning skills progress.

Buy a decent roughing gouge and a spindle gouge, and a skew chisel and add others at a later stage.

[moondoggy]

2 hours ago, steve1066 said:

Hi Shambam

just bought a record 305 to have a play with and about to buy some turning chisels, what is the best system for sharpening your chisels. Many thanks in advance.

People really swear by the Robert Sorby Pro Edge, but they ain’t cheap.

I use a Tormek, again, not cheap.

Edited November 23, 2023 by moondoggy

[Shambam1962]

I sharpen my chisels on a little Clarke CBS1 bench disc/belt sander, and fitted a ceramic 6” disc, which works well for me.

Adjustable angle table which is useful for the chisels and correct angle.

 I think it cost around £100 2 years ago, and quick and easy to use.

[steve1066]

On 23/11/2023 at 21:59, Shambam1962 said:

Hi steve1066,

I’m relatively new to wood turning and not the best person to ask regarding the best sharpening system for wood turning chisels.

I’ve watched a video on YouTube by The Welsh Woodsman ‘How to sharpen wood turning tools for beginners’ and found this very useful.

There are more experienced woodturners on PW than myself, the likes of Stimo22 and many others.

The only advice I can give you, is don’t buy cheap Chinese chisels as they are s—t and a total waste of money.

I have recently purchased a few second hand Henry Taylor Diamic wood turning chisels, and the metal is very good and keeps a good edge and will add to these as my turning skills progress.

Buy a decent roughing gouge and a spindle gouge, and a skew chisel and add others at a later stage.

Brill, thank you for the advice.

On 23/11/2023 at 22:32, moondoggy said:

People really swear by the Robert Sorby Pro Edge, but they ain’t cheap.

I use a Tormek, again, not cheap.

Thank you Moondoggy