celtic knot pens

[Clayton717]

Here are a few of my latest pens. These all have celtic knots cut into them. this is a fairly simple process but takes a little extra time. All pens are labeled as to wood used. The last pen has some sap wood in the paduak, making half of each piece cream colored

[amazingkevin]

they are real beauties How much does something like that sell for?

[Clayton717]

Thanks Kevin. I've been selling the knot pens for $20 each

[Dan]

Nice job on the knots! I tried it a few times but could not center them. Did you make a jig to cut them?

 

Dan

[Clayton717]

Nice job on the knots! I tried it a few times but could not center them. Did you make a jig to cut them?

 

Dan

 

Thanks. No jig Dan. I just use my table saw with a thin kerf blade. on these I used a 35 degree angle. I just cut the knot in close to the end of the blank then trim it to lenght.

[Travis]

Those turned out great. I've always like those knot pens. You did a great job on them. I'm sure they're really good sellers, too.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Clayton

 

Nice job on the pens.You are close. May I suggest you try making some sort of jig. The reason is you are not consistant with the cuts. When the pattern is complete it should have equal sized pieces in the pattern all around and the veneer should be symetrical. This also comes from the drilling part of the pen making. They must be drilled dead center of the pattern. It is not as easy to make these perfect as stated. Now I know this maybe a little harsh but a pen maker that does these will notice but probably a layman will not. You want to strive for perfect. Also your price is too low. Too much work in them for that price.

[Clayton717]

Thanks for the advise John. I will get a jig made up. I did notice my cross cut guide is a little loose in the table saw slot. so there is a little movement side to side. What would you suggest as a price?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Thanks for the advise John. I will get a jig made up. I did notice my cross cut guide is a little loose in the table saw slot. so there is a little movement side to side. What would you suggest as a price?

 

 

 

I know they are only slimlines but if they are a better plating than in the range of $30- $35. I would never do that much work and put them on a cheap 24K gold plating. What makes this style of pen is the knot. Also try using veneers to even dress it up even more. Try also using acrylics and it will change the look even more. So many possibilities when it comes to pen turning.

 

 

 

Notice how the north and south and the east and west triangle pieces within the knot are the same size basically???? That is what will determine a good knot. Just some thoughts. Please don't take it the wrong way. I cut mine on a tablesaw with a jiog that will give me repeatable and reliable cuts.

[Clayton717]

Nope, I appreciate the advise John. I am fairly new to penturning. The only reason I tried a know was because I saw a video on you tube showing the process. I said there had to be more to it than that so I tried it. I don't sell a lot of my pens, I do here and there. My main interest is in scrolling right now intarsia. Turning is just another "hobby" to keep me busy in the shop. Again John thanks for the advise, when I make more knot pens I will make me a jig.

I know mine will never be as fancy as yours though. Those are some great looking pens. Are they sierra?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Nope, I appreciate the advise John. I am fairly new to penturning. The only reason I tried a know was because I saw a video on you tube showing the process. I said there had to be more to it than that so I tried it. I don't sell a lot of my pens, I do here and there. My main interest is in scrolling right now intarsia. Turning is just another "hobby" to keep me busy in the shop. Again John thanks for the advise, when I make more knot pens I will make me a jig.

I know mine will never be as fancy as yours though. Those are some great looking pens. Are they sierra?

 

 

 

Yes Clayton. The yellow is a sierra vista and the red is a sierra. Good luck in all ventures.

[ellio174]

Clayton, how did you use multiple inlays on the pens it looks like 6 or 8?

[Clayton717]

Clayton, how did you use multiple inlays on the pens it looks like 6 or 8?

 

On the pens I made it was just one type of wood for the knot. the post by John (JTTHECLOCKMAN) has multiple inlays. I have not tried multiple inlays yet.

[wombatie]

Wow Clayton I think they are terrific.

 

Marg

[Helenm2807]

John T's pens are beautiful and perfect but I, personally, prefer yours Clayton. The 'imperfections' add to the character of each pen and show that they have been hand made. They make each pen a unique piece of art. If you get something too perfect people start to think its been machine made.

 

H.

[Clayton717]

thanks Marg and Helen

[wombatie]

Ditto Helen I totally agree.

 

Marg