Herb Robinson wrote:
I've been assembling pens for several years and recently have developed a
problem that I cannot figure out. When pressing the top portion of the pen
onto the bottom, if I go so far as to have the decorative ring of the top
part cover the screw mechanism of the bottom part, the mechanism binds and
will not turn. The decorative part on the bottom side of the top appears to
be centered properly, but binds nevertheless. I buy my pen parts from Craft
supplies the one I'm presently using is the Americana style, so assume they
should be good. My lathe -- a Jet mini -- appears to be centered properly,
but with the close tolerance we're talking about, it would be hard to see if
it were off a hair. As I said, looking at the finished product, the
decorative ring does seem to be centered. If I press the top only to where
it just touches the screw portion located on the bottom part it works OK,
just does not look good. Would appreciate any suggestions.


On the rec.woodworking you said that the problem is with Americana pens.
I had this problem with one too. After reading the instructions (not
my normal work flow) I noticed they state to test fit the upper barrel
after pressing on the trim ring and removing some internal barrel
material with a file if it is not a LOOSE fit. The area with the trim
ring has to rotate around the mechanism without binding. Since I
started checking them I find about 75% need some filing to open them up.
It appears that pressing the trim ring onto the barrel causes the
barrel to loose some diameter and if there was any glue or such left on
the barrel to start with it will be to small to clear the mechanism.

Bill B