Pillow Base Desk Pen
Fountain pen in hard maple and black acrylic
with 3-footed pillow base.
This pillow base desk pen was made from hard maple and black acrylic. The prominent features of this set is the pillow-top triangle shaped base, and the embellishment on the pen top.
The base was turned from a 5″ x 5″ x 1.25″ thick solid block of hard maple. Several coats of a wipe-on polyurethane were applied to the maple for protection and to enhance the wood grain.
The pen is a combination of maple and black acrylic. The maple on the pen was finished with HUT heat-set Crystal Coat for long lasting protection. I thought the combination of the light maple wood with the black acrylic accents created a unique desk pen.
As with all my custom pens, a similar desk pen can be ordered on request. It can be ordered with the same materials or I can help you create your own unique piece using a combination of other materials.
Creating the base:
The base begins as a square block about 5″ x 5″ x 2″ thick. Then I cut the square block into a 3-sided triangle. I shape the top first. So next I mark and drill a shallow hole in the very center of what will be the bottom. This hole is used for mounting the block on the lathe with a screw chuck.
Top first:
Because it’s a triangle I have to be careful of the three spinning points! So I wrap the the points with red tap so they stands out. Then I’ll shape the outside by working from the outside toward the center. The outside edges will get weaker the thinner it gets. So I have to remove as much material as possible from the outside edges as I move inward. Once the outside profile is completed, I sand with progressive grits of sandpaper before I flip it.
Bottom next:
Once the base is flip and remounted with the bottom facing out, I’ll drill a small diameter depth hole through the center to a specific depth. The hole acts as a depth guide so I know how deep to go. Once the hole disappears I’ve gone as deep as I want to go. Just as I did when I turned the outside, I want to work from the outside edge toward the center.
I want to have three small flat feet on the outside, so I’ll begin shaping about 1/2″ from the outside edge. Now that all the outside waste is removed, the part will being to flex as it gets thinner on the outside edge. So I want to reduce as much as possible from the outside edge as I go.
After the inside is shaped, I’ll clean it up as best as possible. Again taking care of the three points sticking out. Once satisfied with the inside I’ll apply a finish to the bottom while it’s on the lathe.
Dimensions:
| Pen Specifications: | Base Specifications: |
| Material: Maple and Black acrylic. | Material: Maple with clear polyurethane finish. |
| Length: 7.75″. | Size (overall): approx 5″ x 5″ x 1.75″ high. |
| Diameter (max): .53″. | Thickness: approx 3/8″. |
| Nib: 2-tone steel #6 Jowo. | Funnel: Black acrylic with 24k gold swivel. |
| Fill type: C/C (cartridge/converter). |
Fountain Desk Pen in Hard Maple & Black Acrylic with Tri-Pillow Base (pic-3)
Miscellaneous items:
I also offer a variety of hand-made pen-related items. Pen Props, pen cap Buttons, Pen and Ink Trays, Cufflinks, and Button Covers. Use a Pen Props to display a pen or temporarily raise the nib. Order in a pen-matching material or a wooden style in a variety of finishes. Cap Buttons are small pieces of cap jewelry you can add to a clipless pen to keep it from rolling. Use a Pen & Ink Trays to display your favorite pen and ink. Trays are available in several styles and in your choice of natural wood. Cufflinks and Button Covers are timeless favorites that dress up a shirt. Order them in pen-matching material.
To custom order any of the pens you see on my website for yourself or as a gift, please contact me at jeb<@>jebspens.com.
If you need fountain pen maintenance help (cleaning, refilling, or general issues), please visit my “Fountain Pen Help Line” page. If you’re having a problem and can’t find a solution, use the contact form or send an email.
For pricing, shipping, and warranty information, click the CONTACT link in the footer menu.