PSI Woodworking PKPISTXX Piston Pen Kit Instructions
- June 12, 2024
- PSI Woodworking
Table of Contents
PSI Woodworking PKPISTXX Piston Pen Kit
Product Information
The PISTON PEN is a woodworking product manufactured by PSI Woodworking Products. It is a kit that includes various accessories for turning and assembling a pen. The kit features a mechanism assembly, refill, lever, spring, tip coupler, and a tube.
Required Accessories
-
PKTRIMSET with squaring jig on disc sander
- Barrel Trimmer or 3/8 barrel trimming sleeve with a pen blank squaring jig on a disc sander
Please refer to the parts diagram on the back page of the user manual for a visual representation of the components.
Product Usage Instructions
Preparing the Blank
- Use a Barrel Trimmer or 3/8 barrel trimming sleeve with a pen blank squaring jig on a disc sander to take the excess material down flush to the ends of the tubes. Do not trim past the end of the tube to avoid interference with assembly and mechanism operation.
- Clean the inside of the tube using a barrel trimmer.
Turning the Blank
- Set up the Knurled Nut by adding spacer bushings past the threads.
- Slide and lock the tailstock directly against the bushings and tighten the quill until the blank and bushings are secure.
- Turn the blank to a profile of your choice using a lathe.
Assembly
- Refer to Diagram D for the parts layout.
- Assemble the mechanism by attaching the spring and refill to the lever.
- Ensure that the tapered side of the spring goes on the refill first.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to cure the polish before using the pen.
Kit Features
- Easy to Turn with Straight Tube
- Minimal Parts–easy to assemble
- Available in multiple finishes
- Overall Length: 5-11/32”
Required Accessories
- 7mm Pen Mandrel
- Drill Bit: #PK-38BP for Wood, #PKEXEC-38 for Plastic
- Bushing Set(2pc): #PKCP3000BU
- Barrel Trimming: #PKTRIM38 or 3/8” sleeve from #PKTRIMSET with squaring jig on disc sander Live Tailstock or Mandrel Saver 2 part Epoxy or Thick CA (Cyanoacrylate) Glue
- Pen Blank Minimum Size: 5/8” x 5/8” x 2-58”L
Preparing the Blank
- Prior to cutting and gluing, always verify tube length is correct (see parts diagram on back page)
- Cut blank to the length of the tube, adding 1/16” for squaring off.
- Drill hole lengthwise through the blank.
- Spread glue over tube, insert the tube into the blank while twisting to spread the glue evenly inside.
- Center the tube lengthwise inside the blank.
- When the glue is dry, square the ends of the blanks, making sure the trimmed ends are 90º to the tube. Use a 3/8”
Barrel Trimmer or 3/8” barrel trimming sleeve with a pen blank squaring jig on a disc sander. Take the excess material down flush to the ends of the tubes. Do not trim past the end of the tube since this may interfere with assembly and the operation of the mechanism. Use a barrel trimmer to clean the inside of the tube
DIAGRAM B / TURNING THE BLANK
Turning the Blank
- Mount the bushings and blanks according to diagram B.
- When using Mandrel Saver, there is no need for extra spacer bushings or the knurled nut. Slide and lock tailstock directly against bushings and tighten quill until blank and bushings are secure.
- To use Knurled Nut Setup (right), add spacer bushings until past the threads on the end of the Mandrel Shaft.
- Thread on the Knurled Nut and hand tighten to hold all components in place.
- Slide the Tailstock up snugly against the Mandrel shaft, inserting the live center point into the Mandrel dimple.
- Lock Tailstock and hand tighten the quill adjustment with wheel to steady the mandrel. Do not over-tighten, it could damage mandrel shaft.
- Using sharp tools, turn the blank down close to the bushing diameter. Turn the barrel straight or to a profile of your choice.
- Sand the blank down to be flush with the bushings, gradually increasing sandpaper grits.
- Finish the barrel using your choice of polish. Allow sufficient time for the polish to cure—refer to polish manufacturer’s instructions.
Knurled Nut Setup
Diagram C / Bushing #PKCP3000BU
Diagram D / Parts Layout
Assembly
- Press Mechanism Assembly into either end of Barrel.
- Press Tip Coupler into remaining, open end of Barrel.
- Place Spring on Refill, tapered side first – spring should hold onto Refill shaft.
- Slide Refill back end first, into the Tip Coupler.
- Thread Tip over the Refill and Spring.
- To extend and retract the refill, simply rotate the larger mechanism wheel back and forth using the Lever.
- To change Refill, unthread Tip. Remember to switch Spring to new Refill.
© 2023 PSI Woodworking Philadelphia PA 19115 – v01/23
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