Sanding Pen Tubes
Tom
Looking for speedy methods of sanding brass pen tubes for glue up! I have a lot to do and looking for the quickest way to get them done!
Sanding Pen Tubes
Posts
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#2Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
Ed Heuslein
Put them on a threaded rod about 3' long. Wing nut on each end. Sand & remove. Quick & easy. The size of the rod depends on the size of the tubes.
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#3Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
John K Jordan
I sand just to rough up the surface for the glue to grip. Hold a piece of coarse grit sandpaper in one hand, fold over one half of the tube and twist, then do the other end. Takes about seven seconds each.
If I had a 1000 to do I'd probably devise a rotating spring-loaded sandpaper "funnel" to push them through.
JKJ
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#480 grit flap wheel in the drill press
Dick Coers
You just have to be careful to not let your finger get over the edge if the tube spins. It cuts skin really easily in that mode. Otherwise, just seconds to sand the tube.
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#5Re: 80 grit flap wheel in the drill press
Tom
Many thanks for great and speedy responses!
I settled on a combination-7mm tubes mounted on a 1/4 threaded rod with wing nuts, 36 inches long -holds 17 tubes, then sand with right angle sander using 90 grit discs! Wahlah! I have over 400 tubes to sand so this will make it so much easier and faster!
Thanks again to all!
This is a great site!
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#6Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
Vince Welch
Funny, I was sanding pen tubes earlier tonight and was thinking about making a quick video... I used to sand them by hand. Today I just chuck up a back up pad with a piece of sand paper on the lathe. Now I can adjust my speed as needed and I hold the tube to the pad and sandpaper. I am done in seconds!!!
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#7After sanding tubes...
John Kaner
I found using nitrite gloves and alcohol (DNA), I get less glue failures with super glue. Seems the process of making and protecting the tubes involves oily substances. Super glue loves DNA. Just a wipe down with gloves on and a drying period on a paper towel. I glue up a bunch and wait until the next day to turn.
Super glue is funny about curing and I've wasted face masks covered with it when the lathe spools up. Centrifugal force and voila', uncured super glue flying... DAMHIKT! 
Re: Sanding Pen Tubes
#8Re: After sanding tubes...
Tom
Great idea about using DNA to "sanitize" the tubes before glue up! I already use the gloves to keep my fingers from getting glued together!!
More good advice from members of the site!!
