To sand a pen, specifically the turned components (barrels) while they are mounted on a mandrel, you use sandpaper with specific techniques to smooth the surface before applying a finish.
Key Steps for Sanding Turned Pen Parts
Sanding is a crucial step in pen making after turning the blanks to shape. It prepares the material, whether wood, acrylic, or other composites, for finishing by creating a smooth surface. Based on guidance for beginners sanding pen parts:
- Begin the sanding process using 150 grit sandpaper or finer.
- Position your hands holding the sandpaper underneath the mandrel and the pen barrels.
- Apply light to moderate pressure as you sand the parts.
These steps describe the initial or an early stage of sanding the pen components while they are still on the turning equipment, focusing on how to apply the sandpaper effectively and with appropriate pressure. The goal is to remove tool marks and start creating a smooth, uniform surface across the pen barrels. Progressing through finer grits of sandpaper is typically done after this initial stage to achieve a highly smooth surface ready for polishing or applying a protective finish.
