At 215 Ink, we take pride in crafting high-quality fountain pens, and working with wood presents unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. At times, the wood we select has intricate grain that would be best used as a continuous flow from cap to body. One of the biggest hurdles we face when designing a wooden fountain pen with aligning grain is ensuring that the grain pattern on the cap and body aligns seamlessly when closed. While this may seem like a minor detail, it makes a significant difference in the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the final product.
The Problem: Misaligned Wood Grain
Wood is a natural material, and each blank used for a pen has a unique grain pattern. When we turn a pen on the lathe, we shape the cap and body from a single piece of wood to maintain continuity. However, once we introduce threading into the design, things become complicated. Most fountain pens use triple-start threads, which allow the cap to engage with the body at multiple starting points, making capping and uncapping faster and smoother. The downside? The grain will rarely align perfectly because the cap can screw on in three different positions.
The Solution: Single-Start Threads
To overcome this issue, we opted for a single-start thread. Unlike triple-start threads, which engage at three different points, single-start threads only allow the cap to start threading in one specific orientation. This means that every time the cap is screwed onto the body, it stops in the same position, ensuring that the wood grain remains perfectly aligned.
While single-start threads require more rotations to fully cap and uncap the pen, the trade-off is well worth it for those who appreciate the wood grain aligning. It transforms each pen into a visually cohesive piece, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
Balancing Form and Function
Of course, using single-start threads also means we need to balance form with function. We use an antique tap and die set, similar to a machine screw type of thread which is thicker to ensure smooth engagement, preventing cross-threading and excessive resistance. This requires precise machining and careful material selection to ensure durability and ease of use.
At 215 Ink, we believe that craftsmanship is in the details. By making the choice to use single-start threads for select pieces of wood, we enhance the beauty and quality of our wooden fountain pens, ensuring that each piece is not only a pleasure to write with but also a true work of art.
Comments are closed