Making a BOLT ACTION Pen || INHERITANCE MACHINING

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of making a bolt action pen, inspired by the video from Inheritance Machining. This project combines manual machining techniques with creativity, resulting in a unique and functional piece. Whether you're a hobbyist or a seasoned machinist, this guide will help you understand the steps, materials, and tools required to create your own custom pen.

Step 1: Drafting the Design

• Begin by creating proper engineering drawings for your pen.
• Use drafting software or hand-drawn sketches, ensuring to detail the dimensions and components.
• Include the following parts in your drawings:
  • Pen barrel
  • Mechanism for the bolt action
  • Clip design
  • Any screws or fittings needed

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

• Collect the necessary materials:
  • 110 copper for the pen body
  • 410 stainless steel for the clip
  • Ballpoint pen ink cartridge
  • Button head screws
• Gather your tools:
  • Manual lathe
  • Vertical milling machine
  • Rotary table chuck adapter (constructed beforehand)
  • Ball peen hammer for shaping the clip
  • Lubricants for machining

Step 3: Machining the Pen Body

• Start with the manual lathe:
  • Secure the copper piece in the lathe.
  • Turn the copper to the desired diameter and length as per your design.
  • Pay attention to the feed rate and cutting speed to avoid damaging the material.
• Use lubricant to enhance the machining process and extend tool life.

Step 4: Creating the Bolt Action Mechanism

• For the bolt action mechanism:
  • Machine the threaded parts that will allow the bolt to move smoothly.
  • Ensure the threads are cut correctly; if you encounter issues, check the alignment and threading direction.

Step 5: Fabricating the Clip

• Switch to the stainless steel for the clip:
  • Use the milling machine to cut and shape the clip according to your design.
  • After cutting, use the ball peen hammer to work harden the steel. This increases durability and allows for better shaping.
• Form the clip into its final shape, ensuring a snug fit on the pen body.

Step 6: Final Assembly

• Once all parts are machined:
  • Assemble the pen components, ensuring that the bolt action mechanism operates smoothly.
  • Insert the ballpoint pen cartridge and secure everything with the button head screws.
• Clean the pen to remove any machining residue, ensuring a polished finish.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully create a bolt action pen that showcases your machining skills and creativity. Remember to take your time during each phase to ensure precision and quality. Once completed, you can use the pen yourself or give it as a personalized gift. Happy machining!