FA - press that would be useful as a pen press or an embossing press

here is how I would use it as a pen press - remove the lower die (one screw), put a pad on the top die so you don't mar the pen - mount to edge of work bench - put small ledge at proper distance bellow - rest pen on ledge with pen body going through the hole that held the lower die and press together - if you want to smoosh a design into some wood, (like ripose') you can put a flat upper die in it and smoosh away.

The biggest problem I see is that it looks like it has less than 1 inch of stroke, which wouldn't surprise me given it's intended use. Furthermore, it has so much leverage due to it's design that you would not get good feel from it and could end up damaging pens.

I have never pressed designs in wood but I agree that it may work good for that.

Ok, so you got me thinking - I measured the stroke - it's just over 1 inch - the pens I have assembled needed about 1/2 inch max but some designs might take more

you are right that it has a lot of leverage but I use a similar type of setup (actually the one I use is designed for assembling connectors) and the feel is OK. on this unit, the leverage increases near the end of the stroke (it's based on the shape of the cam)

But these are all good points that one should consider.

Dick Sing, who I consider an expert pen turner and teacher, uses an arbor press to assemble his pens.. THAT'S pressure..lol

He advocates a press block for each pen kit, to control how far it's pressed.. I'm to lazy to use them, but can see how it would work well..

As to Stroke, IMO all you need is enough to press the pen together, (1/4" ?) and then to back off for pen insertion/removal.. That's why pen presses have adjustable back stops, isn't it? YMWV

mac

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