Closed-end Pen Mandrels
(Patented)

Please read the Shipping Terms & Information page regarding shipping charges before ordering.

Closed-end Cocobolo Baron rollerball pens made and photographed by Ed Davidson

What is a closed ended pen? The picture above illustrates two Baron rollerball pens. The normal Baron has threads on the end of the pen to allow for the posting of the cap when the pen is being used. The exposed threads are necessary but not overly attractive. The closed end design allows for the removal of the threaded portion allowing for a more streamline and finished appearance. The pen's cap will not post (screw on) when the closed end design is utilized.

This mandrel makes the creation of a closed-end pen a very easy process. Unlike 'pin' chucks, this mandrel expands to securely support the tube. This mandrel requires the use of a three-jawed chuck, a Jacob's chuck (see below) or a collet chuck (we do not carry the collet chucks).

An instructional video on how to make closed-end pens!

We sell expandable mandrels (shown below) to make various closed-end pens. We did not have a set of instructions to accompany these mandrels because everyone who made this type of pen had their own way of doing them - until now. We are please to introduce an instructional DVD produced and distributed by us and filmed and narrated by Mr. Ed Davidson who is, in our opinion, one of the best wood turners around. If you know anything about Ed you know he does not 'cut corners'. He is very precise and through.

This DVD covers the Baron/Sedona/Jr. Gentleman pens, the Jr. Gentleman II/Jr. Statesman II pens, the El Grande/Ligero pens, the El Presidente rollerball pen and the El Toro fountain pen. "Closed-End Pens Design & Turning Techniques" runs approximately two hours and will show you the turning techniques developed by Ed to complete the very unusual pens and pen stands shown on the cover. We also include a printed supplement that illustrates all of the diagrams and drawings shown in the DVD.

The cost of this DVD is $10.95. This production is available in VHS by special order for $10.95. Click here to order the VHS tape.

To order the "Closed-End Pens Design & Turning Techniques" DVD Click Here

Special Offer!

Purchase any 2 or more closed-end or
cap end closed-end mandrels and
receive the Closed-End Pens DVD free!
(two mandrels must be ordered at the same time)

You will not see this DVD offer in your order confirmation.
We will add the free DVD to your order when your order is processed.

Closed-end Mandrels

Baron or Sedona Rollerball and Fountain Pens

To order the Baron / Sedona closed-end mandrel Click Here . Cost is $19.99

To order an extra bushing for the Baron / Sedona mandrel Click Here . Cost is $4.29

Example of a cherry burl Baron cap end closed end pen made and photographed by Bob Altig
To make this pen you need a Baron cap end closed-end mandrel and a Baron closed-end mandrel

To order the Baron / Sedona cap end closed-end mandrel Click Here . Cost is $20.89

To order an extra bushing for the Baron / Sedona cap end closed-end mandrel Click Here . Cost is $4.29

El Grande and Churchill Rollerball and Fountain Pens

To order the El Grande / Churchill closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $24.70

To order the El Grande / Churchill cap end closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $26.40

To order an extra bushing for the El Grande / Churchill mandrel Click Here . Cost is $4.29

To order an extra bushing for the cap end closed end El Grande / Churchill mandrel Click Here . Cost is $4.29

Craft Supplies USA Jr. Gentleman II and Jr. Statesman II Rollerball and Fountain Pens

To order the Craft Supplies USA Jr. Gentleman II / Jr. Retro closed-end pen mandrel Click Here .
Cost is $21.30

To order an extra bushing for the Craft Supplies USA Jr. Gentleman II / Jr. Retro mandrel Click Here .
Cost is $4.29

To order the Craft Supplies USA Jr. Gentleman II / Jr. Retro cap end closed-end pen mandrel Click Here .
Cost is $22.10

To order an extra bushing for the Craft Supplies USA Jr. Gentleman II / Jr. Retro cap end mandrel Click Here .
Cost is $4.29

El Presidente Rollerball and El Toro Fountain Pens

To order the El Toro closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $24.70

To order the El Toro cap end closed-end mandrel Click Here . Cost is $26.40

To order an extra bushing for the El Toro mandrel Click Here. Cost is $4.29

El Toro Closed-End Pen

Stabilized Madrone burl and Redwood burl with custom Ebonite couplers
Crafted by Dan Symonds, Houston, Texas

The entire pen weighs sixth-tenths of an ounce!

Our trademark CNC'd into the cap
(the pen's clip is on the opposite side of the logo)

To order the El Presidente closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $24.70

To order the El Toro cap end closed-end mandrel bushing Click Here . Cost is $4.29

To order an extra bushing for the El Presidente mandrel Click Here. Cost is $4.29

Craft Supplies USA Gentleman and Statesman Rollerball and Fountain Pens,
Majestic Rollerball & Fountain Pens

To order the Gentleman/Statesman/Majestic closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $22.65

To order an extra bushing for the Gentleman/Statesman/Majestic mandrel Click Here. Cost is $4.29

Cigar Ballpoint Pens

To order the Cigar closed-end pen mandrel Click Here . Cost is $22.10

To order an extra bushing for the Cigar Closed- End mandrel Click Here. Cost is $4.29

Spalted maple closed-end Cigar pen
made and photographed by
Robert Hoenisch

Both closed-end cigar pens made and photographed by Ed Davidson

Want to learn how to make a closed-end Cigar pen? Click Here

7mm Cap End Closed-end pen mandrel
The bushing supplied will make a cap end closed-end 7mm European pen
To order the 7mm cap end closed-end mandrel Click Here .
Cost is $19.99.

To order an extra bushing for the 7mm Closed- End mandrel Click Here. Cost is $4.29

Drill Chuck

We now carry a heavy duty 1/2" drill chuck and arbor to hold the different
closed-end mandrels. This chuck can also be used for many other projects as well.

Click here to order the drill chuck with #2MT arbor. Price is $36.95

Click Here to order the drill chuck with a #1MT arbor. Price is $36.95

Using Arizona Silhouette's Mandrel To Make A
Closed-end Baron Pen

The following photo tutorial will describe how to prepare, turn and finish a closed-end Baron rollerball and/or fountain pen using this mandrel. In this example we'll be using Tulipwood.

The very cool thing about this mandrel is the expansion nut design. Its main feature is when the nut is tightened the opposite end of the mandrel expands in two directions keeping the blank perfectly centered relative to the mandrel. Alternatively, common pin-chuck designs lock the blank in place by rolling a loose pin up against one inside surface of the blank's brass tube, often causing an out-of-round turning, where one side of the finished blank's wall is thinner than the opposite side.

To make a closed end Baron pen, you'll need a blank that is at least 3" long. Drill a 25/64" hole down the center of the blank, exactly 2 7/8" deep.

And here's a special tip...the lower barrel hole is drilled deeper than normal so you've got clearance for the rollerball innards, resulting in the stock brass tube not bottoming out in the hole. In fact, the stock brass tube is almost an inch shorter than the hole's required depth. The problem is that when you go to press fit the ring and threaded end-piece into the finished lower barrel opening, the glue may give way and the brass will work it's way further down the hole, resulting in nothing to press fit into. My solution is to custom cut brass tubes to the exactly length of the hole's depth. That way the brass tube bottoms out at the bottom of the hole and will always be in the proper position for the press fit operation. Here's a link to longer 10mm brass tubes that can be purchased if you choose to adopt this alternative approach...gluing long tubes in the deep hole.

All photos z Ed Davidson

Make sure the mandrel is all the way in, with the bushing face flush up against the blank's end.

I'm using two box wrenches in this example to tighten the end-nut just enough so the blank is "locked" in position and will not spin around the mandrel shaft.

Next, mount the mandrel's exposed shaft in a drill or scroll chuck and tighten the chuck's jaws down snuggly against the mandrel shaft.

Here you can see that the mandrel has been mounted in a # 2 MT drill chuck so that about 1/4" of clearance between the end of the blank and the chuck is exposed...you'll need this 1/4" space to get your cutting tools in position for the finish cuts. Also note that the tailstock has been brought up to the opposite end of the blank, adding support for the piece while turning.

The blank has been turned into a cylinder, about 1/16" proud of the mandrel's bushing. In this example, I've left the blank extra long...about 4". Note that the hole inside the blank must be 2 7/8" deep to allow space for the roller ball's innards.

Using a sharp skew or parting tool, mark a ring on the blank that is at least 3" to the right of the headstock end of the blank's end. This mark indicates where the end of the finished pen will be and will help calibrate the shape and design of your finished blank.

I like beads...using a thin parting tool, make the first of two cuts, on the left side of the headstock end of the turning.

Here you can see the first cut that has been made at about a 45 degree angle.

Now using the point of a skew or thin parting tool, make the bead's second (right-side) cut.

Now I'll be using a 1/2" round nosed scraper to make some decorative cove cuts in the blank.

Here I'm using a skew to make decorative cuts in the lower barrel's end.

The thin parting tool is used to make a final end cut, separating the lower barrel form waste wood.

And here, the thin parting tool is used to clean up the end-cut.

While the piece is still on the lathe, sand as you normally would. I'm sanding with 180, 320 and 400 grit papers.

After sanding, apply a coat of Sanding Sealer with a brush or paper towel. Be sure to wipe off the excess sealer before it dries to avoid a clumpy looking surface.

Remove the mandrel from the chuck.

I'm using the mandrel's exposed shaft as a handle, buffing the piece with Tripoli and White Diamond compounds, using the Beall system.

Next, apply a coat of Renaissance Wax, wait about 30 seconds and buff the piece out on a third clean buffing wheel.

Then wait about 15 minutes, apply a second coat of Renaissance Wax and repeat the final buffing process. By the way, there is just enough time between these two Renaissance Wax applications to turn another pen if you have a second mandrel.

This photo shows all of the hardware included with a Baron pen kit. The four parts shown at the bottom of this photo will not be used and may be discarded or saved as spares.

Put a drop or two of medium thick CA down the center of the finished lower barrel, then drop in the tension spring. Let the CA dry thoroughly before going further in the assembly process. Finally, assemble the pen as you normally would.

And here is the finished Rollerball Baron made with Tulipwood.

The adjustable closed-end mandrel is available exclusively through Arizona Silhouette

Please read the Shipping Terms & Information page regarding shipping charges before ordering.

All photographs, images and material contained and displayed in this website are covered by international copyright laws and may not be reproduced anywhere, distributed anywhere or posted to any newsgroup, blogs and/or forum without the express written permission of Mr. William Baumbeck. Mr. Baumbeck is both the owner and author of all material contained in this website and, unless otherwise noted, is in line with new millennium international copyright laws. None of the material presented in this website can be used for any purpose, no matter if this is for financial gain or not, without the express written permission of Mr. William Baumbeck.

William Baumbeck and Arizona Silhouette Inc.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ and the American G.I.
One died for your soul and the other for your freedom.
By Danielle "A proud Army wife"

A friend sent me the following:

What is a Veteran? A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of up to and including his or her life.

Semper Fi! (1965-1974)

Until they all come home...

Freedom Alliance
Supporting the continued education of children whose parents were killed in the line of Duty.

Lt. Colonel Oliver North, Founder and Honorary Chairman

The Mission of Freedom Alliance is to advance the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States and promoting a strong national defense.

Freedom Alliance , a 501(c)3 educational and charitable foundation, was founded in 1990 by Lt.Col Oliver L. North, who now serves as the organization's honorary chairman. We will work to "keep America strong, keep America prosperous, and keep America free," said North upon the founding of Freedom Alliance. And so we have.

It was 113 here yesterday....

A friend and customer called the other day and in the course of our conversation he mentioned that he had a dog that was fourteen years old and was showing signs of age. I asked him if he had ever read "The Dog's Prayer" and he had not heard of it. As a courtesy to him and to others that have not read it I am posting it here. Kleenex will be needed.....

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Beth Norman Harris

The following is my own personal opinion...

I am a forty-two year resident of Yuma, Arizona. My home town is located on the Arizona/California/Mexico border along the Colorado River.

Our country has been invaded by foreign nationals for over the past 26 years and I am no longer willing to keep my head down and not say anything for fear of offending someone. I do not see this issue as political. This is an issue of abiding by current Federal law. Anyone from another country who is residing in this country without proper documentation is an illegal alien.

If my personal beliefs effect my business - I'm willing to live with that. If I have offended someone - I'm willing to live with that too.

I have lived in this great country for 63+ years and I am not going to back down from any threat directed at the United States - foreign or domestic. If you would like to see for yourself what Arizona and this country are up against take a look at these two websites: mexica-movement.org and mexica-movement . Take a look at the pictures shown below that were taken during a demonstration in Phoenix, AZ last summer.

If you would like to help out Arizona please consider donating to our state's Build The Fence fund by clicking on the link below. This is not just an Arizona problem - illegal immigration affects all of us. Should you believe as I do and want to help out then put your money where your mouth is. 70% of us living in Arizona approve of SB1070 and we certainly appreciate your support. Someday we might be able to financially support your state in accomplishing the same legislation Arizona passed.

$5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 donations are most welcome. Thank you for your consideration.

Update July 27, 2011 We are not giving up!

Build The Border Fence

Arizona Governor versus the owner of the Phoenix Suns Basketball Team

The owner of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, Robert Sarver, opposes Arizona's new immigration laws. Arizona's Governor, Jan Brewer, released the following statement in response to Sarver's criticism of the new law (SB1070):

"What if the owners of the Sun's discovered that hordes of people were sneaking into games without paying? What if they had a good idea who the gate-crashers are, but the ushers and security personnel were not allowed to ask these folks to produce their ticket stubs, thus non-paying attendees couldn't be ejected. Furthermore, what if the Sun's ownership was expected to provide those who sneaked in with complimentary eats and drink? And what if, on those days when a gate-crasher became ill or injured, the Sun's had to provide free medical care and shelter?"

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer

The following is an a example of what is taking place in Arizona. Have you seen these pictures on any the main stream media outlets?
This demonstration took place on July 31, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.