I want to make a last minute gift this weekend so I can't order online. There is a Woodcraft near me and I have made a few of their slimline pens before which were nice. But I would like to make something that has a very nice writting feel to it, perhaps fountain pen. They have quite a few types and I was wondering which ones people liked the best. Something with a real quality feel, cost aside.
-Jim
Jim, Never bought a pen kit there, never would, so I can't help a lot. But I do know that they buy all their kits from someone else. There are only about 5 real importers. Woodcraft isn't one of them
That being said, look for Titanium finish, they tend to have the best wear factor and note which bushing and drill bit(s) you might need, as most use different bushings and drills then a 7mm slim-line.
Me, I buy kits from Craft Supplies, Hut Products, Brea and Arizona Silhouette
Jim:
The best pen kit I've found and used are the Majestic kits. Can't seem to find them at Woodcraft and Rockler seems to have gotten out of them. Penn State Industries has them here:
~Mark.
Jim, To answer your question within the parameters you've listed, I've had success with the European Style ballpoint pen. Get the best finish you can afford (#128260/62). About $12 in Woodcraft Gold with tax. Not a roller ball or a fountain pen, but the ball point inserts are pretty smooth. If 'smoothness' of writing if your prime requirement, go with the American Style roller ball in Woodcraft Gold, about $16 in Woodcraft Gold. I personally prefer the European(Mont Blanc) design over the American (Parker), but that's just me. Obviously others like the Parker style, since they're still making them, Good luck. Tom Weber in Merritt Island Florida (not too sunny at the moment!)
not one of the fountain pen kits you will find will have a quality nib - good nibs have palladium tips and a lot of gold, the nib would cost 10 X what they sell the kit for - you could get a decent nib from an art supply place, or buy a reasonable fountain pen (such as pilot) and turn a wooden back for it, but all in all, I'd go with a thin twist pen and buy a real cross cartridge for it instead of the cheap copy they give you with the pen. If you want to give a fountain pen, Pelican is nice, but I think the bottom end of their line is about $1000
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