{"id":1012,"date":"2022-10-28T13:17:05","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T13:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/penblanks.ca\/blog\/?p=1012"},"modified":"2024-05-14T11:25:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T15:25:08","slug":"why-you-should-stop-squaring-up-pen-blanks-with-a-disc-sander","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/penblanks.ca\/blog\/index.php\/2022\/10\/28\/why-you-should-stop-squaring-up-pen-blanks-with-a-disc-sander\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Stop Squaring Up Pen Blanks With a Disc Sander"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pen Mill & Cutter Head Vs. Disc Sander – Comparing 2 Popular Methods for Squaring Up Blanks<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Squaring up your pen blank can seem like one of the quicker, less important steps when it comes to turning a handcrafted pen. However, correctly squaring up the ends of your pen blank is one of the most important steps in ensuring your final pen works flawlessly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explore two popular methods of squaring up pen blanks; Using a combination of a pen mill and a cutter head versus using a disc sander. Discover the benefits of switching to a pen mill\/cutter head combo to square up your pen blanks as well as shop pen mills and cutter heads to get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Square Up Pen Blanks With a Disc Sander<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A traditionally popular method of squaring up pen blanks is by using a disc sander. Many pen turners square up their pen blanks by gently sanding each end of the blank down on a disc sander until the brass tube inside the blank is just visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While using a disc sander is quick, easy and requires little setup, there are a few issues with using this method to square up pen blanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Squaring up a Pen Blank Using a Disc Sander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Lack of Precision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When squaring up a pen blank using a disc sander, the pen turner must hold the blank and slowly press it against the sanding disc manually. While many turners secure a flat block of wood perpendicular to the sanding disc to create a 90\u00b0 angle on the end of the blank, this isn’t a perfectly precise method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it important to square up your pen blanks on an exactly 90\u00b0 angle? Pen kits are designed with very specific measurements in mind, and your final pen may not work correctly if these parameters are not exact. This means that, if you square up your pen blank with a disc sander and achieve anything less than a perfect 90\u00b0, there are likely to be gaps in between your blank and the parts of the pen itself, where more or less pressure was applied during sanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gap in Algonquin Pen Blank Squared up with Disc Sander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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As you can see in this photo of one of our Algonquin Pens<\/a>, which was assembled using blanks squared up on a disc sander, there is a clear gap between the coupler and the blank itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does this impact the final look of your finished pen, but having gaps in between the parts of your pen can result in malfunctioning. As previously mentioned, pen kits are designed using incredibly specific parameters, and if there is a gap of even a few millimetres, the mechanisms involved in the function of the pen, most frequently click mechanisms, may no longer line up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this being said, all wood turners have a personal preference. With time and experience, you may find using a disk sander is the better method for you. However, we here at William Wood-Write prefer another method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Square Up Pen Blanks With a Pen Mill and Cutter head<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another very popular method to square up pen blanks is by using a pen mill and cutter head mounted on a drill press!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

William Wood-Write carries Premium 3\/4 Pen Mill Cutter heads<\/a> that are interchangeable with any size Premium Pen Mill<\/a> you may require. Simply slide the cutter head itself onto the narrow end of your chosen pen mill shaft, tighten the cutter head into place using the included hex key, mount your pen mill\/cutter head combo onto your drill press, and you’re ready to get squared up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Regular Vs. Premium Cutter heads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever wondered what the real<\/em> difference is between William Wood-Write’s Regular and Premium Cutter heads? Look no further! Premium 3\/4 Cutter heads<\/a> are designed with much sharper blades. As the name states, these are a more premium tool compared to the regular pen mill. Keep in mind these two styles are not compatible, meaning you cannot use a regular pen mill with a premium cutter head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exceptional sharpness of our Premium 3\/4 Cutter heads also means a number of exciting pen turning benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n